Polish-Lithuanian Levy Cavalry with Muskets

In the 16th Century the introduction of gunpowder and firearms rendered medieval armoured cavalry obsolete. The standing army of the Polish–Lithuanian Commonwealth gradually transitioned to other, more modern forms of cavalry. Under eastern influence, cavalrymen's armament was made lighter and their speed and mobility increased. This contributed to the successes of Polish cavalry in numerous wars against Tsarist Russia, the Ottomans and the Tatars. The 16th century saw the emergence of lighter cavalry known as Kozacy (singular Kozak, hence “towarzysz kozacki”). Their offensive armament in the 16th century included a shorter “half-lance” (dzida) or rohatyna, bow and arrow, a battle-axe and a sabre, and in the 17th century one or two pistols and a carbine. These miniatures can also be used as Cossacks, as this was a generic term used for light cavalry troops even if the soldiers were Poles and not ethnic Cossacks. This is somewhat confusing as the term “Cossack” was used in various contexts, including for troops who rebelled and fought against the Poles.

Contains:

3 Polish-Lithuanian Levy Cavalrymen in metal with muskets.
Miniature sculpted by Wojtek Flis. Miniatures painted by Jamie Getliffe.