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 greatly enhanced several collections.

Sunday, 24 July 2022

NAVAL NEWS ( and Another Ebay Purchase)

Hardly cheap, it totalled £19.90 to obtain these figures. I suspected they would be costly, the two naval officers are sought-after additions. I was determined to get them as eight figures will provide crews for my two United States gunboats, the other two castings will join my Royal Navy flotilla.

Spoke to Paul Watson, as I wanted to find out more about the figures. Paul confirmed the officers are Johillco, two ratings are Taylor & Barrett, the remainder are Britains, set 1530. 

It would have been nice to have obtained American naval figures, in their iconic 'Dixie' hats. But further research showed that these made an appearance in 1886, but only become fully established by 1900. The old uniform print and cards confirm a more typical uniform. So the new figures will do fine.

Have uploaded a photo of the fleet, now they have acquired naval ensigns. One of the US gunboats flies the distinctive Revenue Service flag.

UPDATE With generic blue uniforms, these figures are completed, and now manning the two American gunboats. 



REVENUE and EARLY COASTGUARD FLAG
DIXIE NAVAL HAT
MGB

4 comments:

  1. Great pic of the regatta MGB (I think that's the right word for lots of ships?).

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    1. Cheers MJT. The naval contingents have certainly developed, and have been a fun side-project. Not much more needed now to complete them. Paul mentioned, he may have several more naval figures. My plan is to furnish four figures per gunboat, permanently attached. And some marines can top up the official crew.
      Michael

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  2. The picture of your "fleet" is an awesome sight indeed Michael! They all look wonderful and the sailors are just right! I look forward to seeing them all in action!

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    1. Cheers Brad, yes, its not enough to just have them, I want them to participate in a wargame!
      Michael

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