Perry AWI Ensigns??
I can't stand it any more. What is with the Perry AWI ensigns? One carries the flag to the right and one to the left. When put together it looks like V for victory. Is there a reason for this? It looks so odd on what are otherwise fantastic models. What am I missing? Thanks Mike B

It does seem to be a quirk of their figure ranges (not just AWI), and the similarity of the poses suggests that they use the same masters for all their horse-and-musket ensigns. I have suggested to them that having the left hand uppermost is (a) more natural and (b) would - especially for AWI troops - allow standard bearers to be given fusils in their right hands (leaving the raised left hand to indicate a gesture) and thereby allow wargamers to convert spare/redundant ensigns into more useful junior officers/sergeants. On a separate, but related point: during the later Napoleonic period, it was the custom for British colours (which were both extremely large and usually carried by the youngest officers) to be taken into battle "half furled" - ie unfurled to the point where the central regimental number/badge was just visible next to the staff. I have no specific evidence that this was done during the AWI, but clearly the custom evolved from somewhere and the absence of colour belts prior to 1800 would have emphasised the benefits of this method of display (eg being able to control the flag with one hand, and carry a sword in the other).

Thanks RTL. I wonder if it is marketing? You know, you have to buy two command packs to get two ensigns standing the same way! :wink: Mike B

perry ensigns a new use
Just had a thought you put a white rag in the upraised hand and use them to mark capture units

I vowed never to buy anything else from Foundry after they did that - as cynical a marketing move as you could ever make in this industry.