Top 10 16th–18th Century Figure Kits for Historical Modellers
The 16th to 18th centuries offer some of the richest subjects in historical figure modelling. This was an era of naval expansion, colonial conflict, samurai warfare, European dynastic armies, religious wars, musketeers, artillery crews and visually distinctive uniforms.
For modellers, that means variety. These subjects are not limited to one battlefield or one nation. They can be used for dioramas, wargaming, display bases, naval scenes, skirmish settings, historical collections or narrative miniature projects.
This selection focuses on figure kits available through Modellbau-Universe, with an emphasis on visual character, historical atmosphere and modelling potential.
Quick Comparison
| Kit | Manufacturer | Scale | Main Appeal |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pirates of the Caribbean | Mars Figures | 1:72 | Strong narrative and adventure theme |
| Samurai Warriors Cavalry, XVI–XVII AD | Zvezda | 1:72 | Dynamic mounted figures |
| English Sailor, 16th–17th Century | Red Box | 1:72 | Excellent for naval scenes |
| British Infantry 1745, Jacobite Rebellion | Red Box | 1:72 | Strong 18th-century campaign subject |
| Conquistadors | Mars Figures | 1:72 | Distinctive early modern subject |
| Prussian Infantry – Seven Years’ War | HäT Industrie | 1:72 | Classic European military formation |
| Musketeers of the King of France | Red Box | 1:72 | Elegant and cinematic subject matter |
| Spanish Sailors, 16–17th Centuries | Red Box | 1:72 | Useful for maritime dioramas |
| Russian Artillery, Peter the Great | Zvezda | 1:72 | Strong artillery and army-building theme |
| Japanese Warrior Monks | Red Box | 1:72 | Distinctive non-European historical subject |
1. Pirates of the Caribbean – Mars Figures
Pirates of the Caribbean (affiliate link)
This Mars Figures set is one of the most immediately attractive options in the category because it carries a strong visual identity. Pirates are ideal subjects for modellers who enjoy storytelling, movement and atmosphere rather than rigid parade formations.
The theme works especially well for coastal bases, dockside scenes, shipboard displays or small skirmish dioramas. The appeal is clear: pirates bring character. They allow the modeller to create scenes full of movement, tension and personality.
This is a strong choice for anyone who wants a 16th–18th century subject that feels cinematic without losing its historical flavour.
2. Samurai Warriors Cavalry, XVI–XVII AD – Zvezda
Samurai Warriors Cavalry, XVI–XVII AD (affiliate link)
Zvezda’s Samurai Warriors Cavalry set stands out because mounted figures naturally add drama to a display. Cavalry brings height, rhythm and movement, especially when arranged in charging, escort or battlefield formations.
The XVI–XVII century samurai period is visually rich, with armour, banners, weapons and layered clothing giving the modeller many opportunities for colour and detail. It is also a useful subject for anyone who wants to move beyond European armies and explore a different military tradition within the same broad historical period.
For painters, this period is one of the more visually rewarding choices in the list.
3. English Sailor, 16th–17th Century – Red Box
English Sailor, 16–17th Century (affiliate link)
Red Box’s English Sailor set is particularly useful because sailors are more flexible than many battlefield infantry sets. They can be used in naval scenes, harbour settings, boarding actions, artillery positions, exploration dioramas or pirate-era displays.
The 16th and 17th centuries were an important period for maritime expansion, privateering, naval conflict and overseas exploration. That makes this set a good support piece for larger projects, especially when combined with pirates, Spanish sailors or artillery figures.
For diorama builders, this is a very practical kit.
4. British Infantry 1745, Jacobite Rebellion – Red Box
British Infantry 1745, Jacobite Rebellion (affiliate link)
The Jacobite Rebellion is an excellent subject for historical figure modelling, as it combines a recognisable 18th-century military structure with a strong campaign identity. British infantry from 1745 can be used in battlefield scenes, marching columns, defensive positions or compact display groups.
This kit is especially useful for modellers interested in the transition between early modern warfare and the more formalised armies of the 18th century. It also pairs naturally with Highland or Jacobite-themed figures if the modeller wants to build a broader campaign scene.
It is a strong choice for anyone who prefers disciplined formations and historically grounded military subjects.
5. Conquistadors – Mars Figures
Conquistadors (affiliate link)
The Conquistadors set offers a very different modelling flavour. Armour, helmets, swords, firearms and expeditionary clothing make this an appealing subject for early modern historical scenes.
This type of figure kit is useful for modellers who want something visually distinctive. Conquistadors can be placed in exploration scenes, colonial conflict settings, march formations or small narrative displays. The subject carries a strong sense of tension and historical drama.
It is also a good choice for painters who enjoy metalwork, cloth contrast and varied poses.
6. Prussian Infantry – Seven Years’ War – HäT Industrie
Prussian Infantry – Seven Years’ War (affiliate link)
For classic 18th-century military modelling, Prussian infantry from the Seven Years’ War is a very strong subject. The appeal here is structure: regular infantry, disciplined formations and a clear battlefield identity.
HäT Industrie kits are often useful for army-building, wargaming and larger formations, making this set a practical option for modellers who want more than a single display vignette. The Seven Years’ War also provides a broad historical context, with multiple European armies and campaign settings to explore.
This is one of the most traditional choices in the list, and that is precisely its strength.
7. Musketeers of the King of France – Red Box
Musketeers of the King of France (affiliate link)
The Musketeers of the King of France set has strong display appeal because the subject is instantly recognisable and visually elegant. It fits perfectly into the world of royal guards, courtly military culture, duels, escort scenes and French early modern history.
The set is not just a battlefield subject. It also has character. The figures can be used in small dramatic scenes rather than large formations, making it suitable for modellers who enjoy narrative miniature work.
For anyone looking for a more refined and stylish 17th-century subject, this is one of the most attractive options.
8. Spanish Sailors, 16–17th Century – Red Box
Spanish Sailors, 16–17th Century (affiliate link)
Spanish sailors from the 16th and 17th centuries are a natural companion to English sailors, pirates and maritime artillery sets. They open the door to naval, colonial and dockside scenes from an era shaped by ocean routes, imperial rivalry and sea power.
This kit is particularly valuable because sailors are rarely as restricted as standard infantry. They can appear in shipboard action, port scenes, expeditions, loading areas or coastal defence settings.
For diorama builders, this kit is a useful and flexible supporting set.
9. Russian Artillery, Peter the Great – Zvezda
Russian Artillery, Peter the Great (affiliate link)
Artillery sets are always useful because they create a clear focal point. Zvezda’s Russian Artillery, Peter the Great set, is interesting because it connects to the military reforms and expansion of Russia during a major period of transformation.
For modelling purposes, artillery adds structure to the scene. Guns, crews, equipment and battlefield positioning give the display a stronger sense of purpose. This set can work as a standalone vignette or as part of a larger army scene.
It is a suitable option for modellers who want something more technical than standard infantry.
10. Japanese Warrior Monks – Red Box
Japanese Warrior Monks (affiliate link)
Japanese Warrior Monks, often associated with the Sohei tradition, offer a striking alternative to conventional army subjects. The visual identity is different, the poses can feel more individual, and the theme brings a strong sense of atmosphere.
This kit works well for skirmish scenes, temple defence settings, samurai-era displays or small narrative bases. It also pairs well with other Japanese historical figure sets, especially if the modeller wants to build a broader collection around the period.
For painters and collectors who want something distinctive, this set is a very appealing choice.
Final Verdict
For pure narrative appeal, Pirates of the Caribbean and Musketeers of the King of France are especially strong. For larger military formations, Prussian Infantry – Seven Years’ War and British Infantry 1745 are more practical choices. For visual variety, Samurai Warriors Cavalry, Japanese Warrior Monks and Conquistadors offer some of the most distinctive subjects.
The best approach is not necessarily to buy only one set. This category works especially well when kits are combined by theme: naval subjects with pirates and sailors, European campaign armies with infantry and artillery, or Japanese historical subjects with samurai and warrior monks.
For historical modellers, the 16th–18th century range is one of the most flexible areas in figure modelling, as it offers both a disciplined military structure and strong storytelling potential.
View 16th–18th Century Figure Kits at Modellbau-Universe (affiliate link)
Affiliate Disclaimer: This article may contain affiliate links. Purchases may earn a commission at no extra cost to the buyer.
Image Credits: Modellbau-Universe / Mars Figures / Zvezda / Red Box / HäT Industrie
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