Hello everyone,
I create this topic because i have a possible sale but, i have a doubt about the figurines.
They seem to me too clean and less detailed than others that I have seen. Looks like a recast to me.
What do you think ?
Thanks in advance !
Hm, all samples I own from that era are a lot darker due to oxidation I assume, not that clean (I only have a few though, so don’t take this as a definite proof or anything). Photographing metal is very hard, so I cannot comment on the casting quality. However, I own the second guy in the last row and find the sharpness of details quite impressive for its age. Two easy checks: Are there two mold lines? Are they feeling noticeable heavier than later miniatures or about the same (the 80s CDs had a considerable percentage of lead)?
However, what speaks against recasting is simple economics: 80s miniatures are nowhere as expensive as fourth edition big hats.
I think these are recast. They are, as you said, very clean and bright.
Absolutely these are recasts. It’s got all the red flags. The sheen of the metal on each is uniform and identical. They won’t look the same after a few decades, even if they’re from the same casting run. The resolution of the details are low, as stated, and the mold lines are off. I know Citadel did recast some of their old models (as in they made molds from models that weren’t the original masters). If the photo was poorer quality it might be hard to ID some of the issues, but look at our boy Kirgund Widowmaker (4th from the bottom in the left column), he’s got a very unprofessional mold line running diagonally along the sword blade. Citadel did have diagonal mold lines across scabbards and weapons from time to time, but these ones are pretty suspect as there’s no reason the casting would require the mold lines be like this from the casting perspective or the models themselves.
Mad Marik Trollbiter (3rd model down from the top in the 3rd column, the one with the smaller spiked mace), he’s got another diagonal one on the sheath for his dagger.
From Mad Marik, if you look right to the larger mace on the right (Barin Spikehead) it even looks like the mold lines don’t evenly split the ball and spikes of the mace, but trace out a wedge shape. This is a little unusual too.
Also from Mad Marik, if you look to the model above (Spikes Harvey Wotan) just look at how janky the flash is around the slotta stub and back foot. Yikes.
One last comment on ‘resolution’ - each time a model is cast some of the 3D resolution is lost. This is worse if there is a thick layer of primer/paint/protective spray. Some of my originals from this era have also lost some resolution, but not due to casting. Some of my models that I purchased in the past seem like they were just kept jumbled up in a box or a bag with other metal models and were just rattling around for years. The metal-on-metal contact over lots of time with transportation and what have you will also slowly knock-down sharp details, kind of like how rock polishers work. This is even worse for older models that were made of softer metals. I have two copies of Badbreath Blackbeard (who also has a spiked mace, you can see him in the current photo 2nd last in the bottom row) - one of mine was carefully stored and has very nice detail on the spikes. The other was kept in a box with other metal models and those spikes (and other details) are worn right down to small rounded nubs! So, sometimes loss of resolution is due to other factors, but on these models there is loss of resolution everywhere, even in recessed or less prominent areas.
TLDR: I agree, they’re recasts. Caveat emptor.
~N
Thank you to all three for your feedback, it actually confirms my opinion. So I won’t buy this. The recast is a real problem…
Even though cdo does not approve or condone recasts… if these came at a fair, low, price they are a great army starter…
That said, im going to lock the topic if that is alright with you @Skull-062
They are sold for $3.50, which is actually quite cheap. I’ll think about it, thanks for your advice.
Yes the topic can be closed thank you👍🏻
