DEL PRADO BRITISH CAVALRYMAN BATTLE OF BLENHEIM 1704
Overview
Introduction
History Section: Battle of Blenheim context and significance
Collector Notes: Identification, variants, market value
This review examines the Del Prado “Marlborough Cavalryman at Blenheim, 1704” (CBH005), part of the Cavalry Through the Ages series. Manufactured by Del Prado in 2007 and cast in tin alloy, it’s a 1:30‑scale, factory‑painted miniature that faithfully recreates a British cavalry trooper from the War of the Spanish Succession. Packaged in a blister with an Osprey booklet insert, the figure offers collectors both historical charm and consistent production quality.
Historical Background
The Battle of Blenheim unfolded on 13 August 1704 near the village of Blindheim (Blenheim) on the Danube in Bavaria, marking a seminal Allied victory during the War of the Spanish Succession. Allied forces under the Duke of Marlborough (John Churchill) and Prince Eugene of Savoy defeated a Franco‑Bavarian army led by Marshal Tallard and Elector Max Emmanuel. British cavalry—such as the trooper depicted in this miniature—played a crucial role in executing decisive charges against French and Bavarian positions, disrupting enemy formations and aiding the infantry’s advance (en.wikipedia.org). British cavalry at Blenheim would have been equipped with cuirasses or buff coats, helmets or tricorne hats, swords, and carbines, and ridden horses of varied tack.
The British horsemen’s aggressive flanking assaults and support of the center broke Imperial lines and contributed directly to the collapse of the Franco‑Bavarian defense. The outcome ensured that the Grand Alliance secured the strategic Danube corridor and enhanced its bargaining power in the war’s broader diplomatic context. Blenheim thus stands as a turning point, preventing French hegemony in Europe and elevating Marlborough’s reputation across the continent.
Collector Notes
Identification tips: The Del Prado British Cavalryman at Blenheim carries manufacturer code CBH005 and originates from the 2007 “Cavalry Through the Ages” line (lastdodo.com). It is rendered in tin alloy, factory‑painted, and sealed in a blister pack together with an Osprey‑style booklet (lastdodo.com). The scale is approximately 1:30 (some listings note 1:32) (lastdodo.com). Variants are rare; the figure was issued only in the single blister CBH005 and does not have known alternate paint runs. Collector condition notes: ensure blister seals are intact—damage or yellowing of the card can reduce value. The figure itself sometimes shows minor paint wear on edges, especially on horse tack.
Secondary‑market pricing typically ranges from £10 to £14 in the UK, as evidenced by eBay listings at £9.99–£13.99 (ebay.co.uk). US listings show broader variability, from about $20 up to $44 depending on listing specifics and shipping (ebay.com). Overall, well‑preserved blisters with clean booklets fetch the higher end of the price bracket.
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Del Prado British Cavalryman – Battle of Blenheim Review
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