Pirates of the Caribbean Zizzlingers

One of the lesser-known 54mm figure lines is that produced by the now-defunct company Zizzle.  Known as Zizzlingers, these figures were sold in packs of 2 or 3, coated with a water-soluble goo.  This was to be dissolved in water and presto! the figures would be revealed.  These figures were also sold in 2-packs as "Miniature Collectible Figures".  Unfortunately, Zizzle stopped operations and dissolved in 2009, leaving these figures difficult to find.

The particular set of Zizzlingers which are highlighted today are those released to tie in with the 2006 movie Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest.  24 separate figures were released, of which I have 19.  The picture is missing Jack Sparrow in a coat, Will Turner in a coat, Barbossa holding an apple, Cotton with his parrot, and Norrington in a pirate coat.

The sculpting quality varies quite a bit.   Some are well-sculpted, like Tia Dalma (pictured), Pintel, and most of Davy Jones' crew. Unfortunately, others are lacking in sculpted detail like Will Turner (also pictured) and Elizabeth Swann.  Each figure varies in this regard. All come with adequate factory paint jobs.

Scale is fairly comparable to other 54mm figures.  The picture shows (from left to right) pirates from Mars, Safari, Zizzlinger, Replicants, Ideal, and Zizzlinger.

Poses are fairly static but useful.  These figures do not provide swashbuckling action.  However, they are extremely useful to fill out a town or other civilian area, or to bulk out a crew of scurvy dogs.  Personally, I find these flat poses a nice change from some extreme action-oriented poses.

These figures are difficult to find, though not too expensive when compared with many recent 54mm figures.  They are well worth the effort if your interest is in pirates, the 18th Century, or aquatic fantasy.

Hawkins the swordsman (Ideal)

This swashbuckling sword-wielding pirate is based on an illustration in a 2004 Pirates of the Caribbean comic story titled "The Duel".  In it, the flamboyant Hawkins, a former member of Captain Jack Sparrow's crew, learns that there is more to being a pirate than just fancy fencing moves. "A good pirate has to be resourceful, and yes, even sneaky!" (Does Jack Sparrow come out on top? Read the entire comic at https://66sean99.livejournal.com/25894.html)

The pose that pirate Hawkins demonstrates on the first page is a near-perfect match for one of Ideal's pirate figures. However, some of the outfit needed to be changed to make the character perfect.  It began with a head swap for one of Ideal's other pirate figures who wears a mustache and eyepatch.

Sculpting a shirt with rolled-up sleeves and a short waistcoat completed the rest of the outfit.  Hawkins wears blue breeches and a coordinating hat, along with flamboyant gold earrings.  Since the figure was dramatically re-posed with one foot in the air, a pile of boards was added to give him a firm stance for duelling.

Figure by Ideal.

Gatinois Grenadiers

Grenadiers were the elite troops of any 18th Century army.  Originally trained in the use of grenades, by the American Revolution, they were elite troops.  Sometimes, grenadiers were even brigaded into separate units to increase their impact on the battlefield.

The distinguishing feature of 18th Century grenadiers was the tall cap.  Both British and French units wore caps made of bearskin.  Grenadiers also carried swords after line companies officially abandoned theirs.

It is uncertain whether the Gatinois Regiment's grenadiers continued to wear the bearskin grenadier cap.  It was a popular style for French grenadiers in the late 1750s and beyond, but was outlawed in the 1779 Regulations, which required grenadiers to wear the same cocked hat as the line companies.  Case closed?

Despite the ban, some French units (like Regiment Bourbonnais) smuggled caps across the Atlantic.  Rene Chartrand suggests (in his book Ticonderoga 1758) that, because of the availability of bearskin, these caps may have been more popular in North America.  It is also well known that units sent on campaign felt freer to modify their uniforms.  Lastly, and most importantly, bearskin caps look impressive, imposing, fearsome--all qualities that a good grenadier wishes to accentuate!  Thus Gatinois' grenadiers will continue to sport this distinctive headgear.  The Colonel (me) encourages it!

Figures from BMC.  Despite being cast in red plastic as British grenadiers, these figures are a better fit for French grenadiers.  Unfortunately they lack swords, but that is not difficult to remedy with Milliput.  A few other slight modifications were made to the original figures, including adding a plume to the grenadier cap and some work on the musket.

Figures by BMC, painted with acrylic paints.

Violet Vendor (Lemax)

This figure was originally inspired by the work of "White Knight" at http://swashbucklingsessions.blogspot.com/2017/07/the-three-musketeers-flowergirl.html.  She began as a background Christmas-village type figurine by Lemax.  Aside from removing some mold lines and a very chunky base, little conversion was required on her.  However, even with her base removed, she is still a tall 54mm figure (see picture below for comparison to a Marx figure).

The paint scheme is inspired by an extra from the independent movie Beyond the Mask.  This particular woman was paired with my sister (see http://redcoatsandruffles.blogspot.com/2016/04/female-civilian.html) to walk up and down the streets of Philadelphia.

Figure by Lemax, painted with acrylic paints.

Arabella Smith (Mars)

Avast me hearties!  Another Mars pirate is joining Redcoats & Ruffles...but there are two major differences.  First, she is a female pirate, and secondly she is a female pirate.

Meet Arabella Smith!  In a quest for interesting color schemes for characters, this female pirate stood out.  Sporting a bright yellow jacket, green sash, and purple breeches, she is a colorful character.  Un-historical? Yes.  Fun? Definitely!

The original figure was wielding a pistol in either hand.  But another (forthcoming) figure carried two pistols.  Since Arabella appears to run a restaurant, it was a natural progression to convert her right hand to hold a tankard.  

Eagle-eyed readers of this blog (if there are any!) may notice that her tankard has changed from the 2021 showcase (see original at http://redcoatsandruffles.blogspot.com/2022/01/2021-painting-report.html).  Originally it was a piece of plastic sprue that was glued to her hand.  This would have made a good mug, but it was too small and the bottom was ragged, not flat.  After it broke off, she requested a new tankard, one that was larger and more correctly shaped.  Her patience was rewarded and now she carries a large tankard filled with a suitably piratical beverage.

Village of Vigilantes (Legends of the High Seas AAR)

As darkness descends, a local Loyalist leader prepares to make his way home.  He has had a productive meeting with other Loyalists.  Now his concern is avoiding the small garrison in town, for "Richard Harrison, gentleman" has been proscribed by the Continental Congress.  Heading south through forested area is the best option for avoiding detection, though two pistols provide additional deterrent.

At the same time, though unknown to Mr. Harrison, Will Reynolds has finished his work for the day as a printer's apprentice.  None of his fellow workmen know that this is only a cover for his true passion in life: hunting servants of George III.  He has received an anonymous tip that a weapons cache for equipping Loyalists is located to the north.  Arming himself with his sword and a pistol, Reynolds is looking for trouble.

As both men prepare for action, five soldiers wander through the village where they have been billeted.  Their ammunition has been expended in hunting or having fun and no additional supplies have reached them.  The local civilians have become used to the soldiers in the area. In fact, this is the only effect that the war has had on them--so far.

Using the tree cover, Mr. Harrison moved halfway to his goal without any issues.  Meanwhile Reynolds had to dodge some curious sentries, which slowed his progress.  Finally, one sentry got close enough to Mr. Reynolds to discern that he carried weapons and was a person worthy of questioning.  The race was on, as the sentries decided that Mr. Harrison would be worthy of interrogation as well.

But Mr. Harrison was well on his way to disappearing from sight.  Doggedly, the sentries followed him.  One even pushed close enough to fight him.  This sentry was both courageous and lucky, as he struck Mr. Harrison and pushed him back.  Meanwhile, a cloud of curious spectators followed Mr. Harrison, somewhat impeding his movements.

The weapons cache could wait, as Mr. Reynolds joined the chase against Mr. Harrison.  Clever maneuvering brought Reynolds' pistol within range, and a shot nearly killed Mr. Harrison.  Apparently it was not Mr. Harrison's destiny to fall--yet.

With the safety of the forest looming, Mr. Harrison decided to focus on running and refrain from shooting his pursuers.  It was a mistake that would cost him dearly.  Will Reynolds cocked his pistol and shot.  When the smoke cleared, Mr. Harrison was down--so close and yet so far from his goal.  Before the sentries could properly investigate Mr. Reynolds, he had again disappeared into the shadows.

(Rules set used was Legends of the High Seas.  Scenario was "Sneak in or Out of Town", with civilian rules from "Kidnap the Governor's Daughter". Unusually, this was not a solo effort, as we pulled off a three-way game.  Sentries were controlled via sentry rules. We had tried a similar scenario with Muskets and Tomahawks and it was a disaster.  All players agreed that this was a satisfactory rule set and enjoyed using Might and Fate points.)

2021 Painting Report

 In 2021, 25 new figures were recruited into the world of Redcoats and Ruffles.

They came in a variety of costumes and allegiances.

The biggest gainer in recruiting was the Royal Navy, acquiring six new recruits!  Figures by Mars and Safari.  Two of the sailors have already been individually featured on this blog at:

http://redcoatsandruffles.blogspot.com/2021/11/sailor-with-cutlass-mars.html

http://redcoatsandruffles.blogspot.com/2021/02/sailor-with-blunderbuss-mars.html

The Hessian Regiment von Bose managed to get two privates and a commissioned officer in 2021.

Figures by HAT Enterprises.

The Queen's Rangers added two recruits.  One was previously featured on Redcoats and Ruffles at: 

http://redcoatsandruffles.blogspot.com/2021/03/queens-ranger-charging-bayonet-bmc.html

Figures by BMC.

The 80th Regiment received one private and the 43rd, one ensign.

Figures by Accurate and ATS.

All in all, the British had an excellent year, accounting for 13 of the 25 figures painted.

In contrast to the British, the Americans could muster 5 men in 2021.  Four of these are privates.  The ensign carrying the flag has already been featured at http://redcoatsandruffles.blogspot.com/2021/07/7th-pennsylvania-ensign-with-flag.html

Figures by A Call to Arms, Safari, LOD Enterprises, and ATS.

The French have been recruiting, too.  This fierce grenadier from the Gatinois Regiment is only the first of (hopefully) many more to come!

Figure by BMC.

Rounding out the year are six civilian figures.  Three of them have already been featured here:

http://redcoatsandruffles.blogspot.com/2021/07/moses-libertys-kids.html

http://redcoatsandruffles.blogspot.com/2021/05/colonial-enforcer-marxglencoe.html

http://redcoatsandruffles.blogspot.com/2021/03/elizabeth-swann-zizzlezizzlingerdisney.html

The other three are eager to be introduced to you, which will be coming shortly!