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.

Wednesday 12 January 2022

French Zouaves (metal 54mm)

Among the metal soldiers recently sent by Paul Watson were four zouaves in turbans. Further research shows they aren't American civil war figures but actual French colonial troops, wearing the uniform of the 1870s. I think they are rather nice castings, and would welcome any information on who actually manufactured them.

MGB


Before paint stripping and priming.




8 comments:

  1. I don't recognize the maker of your Zouaves Michael, but your restoration has really brought them to life! They look beautiful! They'll be a great addition to your French forces!

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    1. Thanks Brad, they are nice castings and deserved some time and effort. I'm attaching them to six W. Britains French Algerian Tiralleurs, but would like to slightly increase their number.
      Michael

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  2. Great looking Zouaves MGB - is that a Britain's farm cart?

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    1. Hi MJT, when Paul cleared some figures a while ago he included a French-made cart by Simon & Rivolet. I must confess, I think they made the best carts of any toy company, and a large range too.
      Michael

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  3. They have turned out very nicely indeed, excellent work.

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    1. Thanks Alan, a bit time consuming to paint but they are a nice addition to any French late 19th century army.
      Michael
      ps. Hope you are successfully fighting off the health issue!

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  4. Replies
    1. Same here Tony, although my first troops to wear something similar were a batch of British West Indies infantry Paul has furnished.
      Michael

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