Mystery miniature

[Hobgoblin]

A few months back, I was perusing the Realms of Chaos blog when I noticed an unusual miniature - a little like an old Citadel ogre, with (I presume) a John Blanche paintjob. At first I assumed it was a conversion - like the wolf-headed armoured orc next to it. But then I spotted an identical figure for sale on eBay in a job lot. I bid for it, but didn't get it. It's fourth from the left in the bottom row here, with an ornate shield and red gladiator sandals:



It looks like it could be an unreleased champion for the first set of Golgfag's mercenary ogres, but I've never seen any reference to such a miniature. I also wondered if it might be some little-known early chaos warrior.

Does anyone recognise it?

[otherworld]

It looks like Grogus, the mail-order Ogre.  I think it was sent out as a freebie with an order, in the early to mid 80s, by Citadel.  I think the were given to regular customers, or to big spenders, or sometimes to compensate for a delayed order or some other cock-up with a delivery.

http://www.solegends.com/citle1980/storemo/mogrogus/index.htm

[Hobgoblin]

Aha - yes, indeed! Many thanks - a psychic itch scratched! That explains its similarities to the first version of Golgfag's ogres.

[otherworld]

I might have a spare, if you're interested, and have some interesting old stuff to swap! 

[Hobgoblin]

I certainly would! But I'm not sure if I have anything sufficiently interesting. I'll send you a PM.

[Diablo Jon]

Ha free with any order over £10 those were the days  . I'm not sure what I could actually but from GW these days for 10 quid.

[Hobgoblin]

Yes, it makes me nostalgic not only for the prices (40p for a goblin, etc.), but also for the opportunity to browse and buy individual miniatures from a huge wall of blisters.

If memory serves, when I was nine or so, there were at least eight shops in Edinburgh selling Citadel miniatures - and quite possibly more. The first ones I bought came from that august department store Jenners - of all places!

[Diablo Jon]

Yeah Southampton in the 80s I had Pastimes a general hobby shop that had a revolving rack of blisters from Citadel, cast your own from Prince August and Mini-figs (naturally being Southampton) and a whole load of early RPGs along side puzzles and sewing kits. I could spend hours in there going through all the blisters and early box sets (who didn't love a regiment of renown?) first citadel miniature I ever bought was a hobgoblin in a blue blister.