Dear Friends!

If you read this catalogue, you are most likely an admirer of historical military tin miniatures, and we will try do not disappoint you. On these pages, you will find unique figures, which, according to many experts, are the best in the world works of art in this field.

Let to tell some words about our company.

"Russian Vityaz is a collective of talented painters and sculptors from St. Petersburg, the former capital of the Russian Empire. The talent of our masters manifests itself in the suppleness of the figures, movements, and the dynamism of the Images of people and animals. The inimitable style of the painting especially characterizes the "Russian School". Our masters have devised their own methods to achieve an increased imitation of the textures using a whole array of materials: leather, suede, and carpets, silk, wood, steel and engraved metal.

The precise detail work of the ornaments, designs, and patterns allows showing the dress in the richest way possible, which gives the figure a particularly exquisite look.

This is fine and painstaking work. The painter should not only successfully imitate the texture of the material, but in so doing, he needs to use shading in the right way to accentuate the smallest pleats and details.

All painting from start to finish is done by hand. The designs and ornaments are applied with the tiniest of  lines. Some lines are only visible with a magnifying glass. The thickness of lines can be as little as 0.06—0.08 mm (» 0.002—0.003 inches).

No two figures have the same painting. Every miniature is unique and has signature marks, which appear on the bottom of each piece and include the personal signature of both the painter and the sculptor who created it.

The material used to create the figures is a tin alloy. All weapons — broadsword and sabre blades, spears, and halberds are made of carbonic steel and are as sharp as the real ones.

Constantly evolving casting technology gives our craftsmen the opportunity to create figures that are not only more durable, but also to find new compositional solutions. For example, a unique method of steel reinforcement of horses' legs allows any of them to be the point of rest in any pose.

The subject matter of the figures is varied. Here you will find the warriors of all times and peoples from Pharaoh of Ancient Egypt and to the soldiers of modern armies.

All figures are historically accurate. The historical consultants follow it at all stages of work.

In the 11 years of its existence, "Russian Vityaz" has released over 500 models of figures. The rights to 250 of these belong to dealers and individual clients.

The miniatures made by the Arsenyev Studio have received close to 100 medals, 70 of which are gold, and four "Best of Show" awards at prestigious international competitions in the U.S.A., England, France and Spain.

The miniatures presented on this catalogue are the newest creations from "Russian Vityaz". You may order any model, including made to order, according to your or our specifications.

The scale usually used by our masters to create the figures is 1:30 (54 mm) and some miniatures measure 90 and 120 mm.

Experience the mystique of historical military miniatures. Feel their wondrous enchantment as you are immersed in the realm of the military history of early civilization.

Andrey Arsenyev