SPECIAL THANKS. I would like to thank Paul Watson for his sponsorship of several lead figure collections on this blog. Having decided to clear his spare/surplus figures, he generously forwarded them on with no other requirement than they deserved to be restored. I would also like to mention George S. Mills, who kindly furnished a quantity of plastic figures which allowed me to complete another five or six military units, serving in several collections.

Monday 11 January 2021

RURITANIAN and ZENDA NEWS

Recently repaired some old, lead dismounted horseguards. Had to construct a head using a home-service helmet and miliput. One of the figures appeared to be slightly different so appointed this figure to be their officer. They are now painted up as Ruritanian White Guards, a lance armed cavalry unit loyal to Crown Prince Rudolph,

While taking a country walk, Prince Michael came across members of his own Zenda Regiment. They have just acquired something very new to play with, but its a bit of a secret.

(Footnote, all uniforms and flags are based on the 1952 film Prisoner of Zenda, starring those great British character actors Stewart Granger, James Mason, Robert Douglas, Deborah Kerr)

MGB







6 comments:

  1. The White Guards look fantastic Michael, as does the car - what make is it?
    W Britains' Farmer has proved to be of royal stock!

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    1. Hi MJT, have purchased a few for the collection, they can be a bit dear. Made in China, for the National Motor Museum, they do look good, a mixture of die cast and plastic.
      Michael

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  2. Do like the motor and the Guards have turned out well .

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    1. Hi Tony, I'm looking at making some figures to sit inside, perhaps some staff officers for Ruritania, and also the United States.
      Michael

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  3. These look great. Zenda is such a rich vein of costume as seen in the various film versions including this 20s silent one. https://manoftinblog.wordpress.com/2020/05/21/the-prisoner-of-zenda-1922-silent-film-imaginations/

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    1. Hi Mark, I always loved the 1952 version because its in colour, which helps with determining the correct uniforms. I know some have suggested it deviates a great deal from the book, but thats because it attempts to consolidate in one film both books on Ruritania by Hope. Thats why James Mason (Count Rupert) is so prominent. The earlier film is more popular but contributes nothing in uniforms except the Black Guard, and I am thinking of having some in my own collection.
      Michael

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