Jack Scruby was one of the pioneers of American wargaming providing a miniatures across a wide range of scales and historical periods. Scruby used RTV molds made of silicon rubber which allowed some level of undercutting on figure sculpts, something not possible using molds made of metal. He offered a well printed catalog and sold figures for a nominal price either by mail or through his store.

Additionally, he wrote a number of rules sets, edited and published several magazines on miniatures gaming, organized a club, as well as one of the first miniatures wargaming conventions ever held.

The figures seem relatively uncommon on E-bay and are probably interesting as much for the collector as the gamer. The figures I have seen are reasonably well proportioned with a toy-like appearance. There is little surface detail and just the simple outlines of face, hands, and equipment. Surface detail is lacking. Nevertheless, figures are reasonably proportioned. There is no sense of gnomishness.

I imagine that at the prices he sold these at, there are a lot out there, likely tucked away in boxes. They are one of the oldest wargaming figure sets made in the US.

• Jack Scruby Union Infantry
• Jack Scruby British Colonial 30mm

One of the older manufacturers, Charles Stadden was a WWII veteran who having left the service, took an interest in the military history of Great Britain and began producing a range of figures and illustrations of the military with an emphasis on Britain’s colonies. Stadden went on to work in a variety of scales for wargaming including 30mm, 25mm, and 20mm. The 20mm figures offer a good match to plastic figures.

Stadden appears to have carved his masters from some suitable material, perhaps plaster or jeweler’s wax. This give the figures a different look with flat areas along the figure surface where a knife was used. One could readily appreciate the patience involved. Even so, the figures look very lifelike with excellent proportions. Stadden’s figures never look lifeless. There is a repetition of poses with new heads and details.

Baccus 6mm

Baccus specializes in 6mm figures.  They offer an extensive range that covers some periods that are under represented while some ranges offer limited forces.  The man running the show at Baccus appears to be Peter Berry, an outspoken proponent of the smaller scale.  He has written rules sets to match.  The charming website offers a wealth of photos, how-to instruction, and painting guides in addition to the usual catalog.

Like so many miniatures companies, this one is based in England and seldom seems to travel beyond its borders.  However, Scale Creep does carry their figures in the US though it appears they may be discontinuing sales of Baccus as they have few in stock all at sale prices.

The figures come based several per block and can be purchased in bags devoted to a troop type or in army sets containing multiple bags.  The figures offer reasonable detail for such a small scale and will likely bring out the painter in anyone whose eyesight is still reasonably good.  As is the case all 6mm, the figures do best in large masses, something difficult to near impossible to achieve with larger scales.

• War of the Spanish Succession French army