French militia did not crown themselves glory during the Hundred Years War. Let’s understand, these guys were basically feudal levies called out by their lords for limited service in limited geographical areas, with limited training and limited enthusiasm. Yes, that’s right, the operative word to describe them is limited. However, you, like me, are drawn to this amazing conflict, you are not required to paint French pavisiers, feudal levy, crossbow types as complete and utter crap. They may perform like complete and utter crap, but they don’t have to look crappy.
What turned the corner for me are two great illustrations on the Perry miniatures website that depict their excellent pavisier figures with city heraldic devices emblazoned on their really big shields (pavises.) I actually pilfered some pavises from my Old Glory Pavisiers to give to some of my Old Glory crossbowmen, but that left me with enough to put together a four-stand sixteen figure unit of city militia pavisiers. I’ve already decided to paint half from Paris and half from Orleans.
City of orleans coat of arms
City of Paris coat of arms. A bit simpler than the Perry example
