Today I completed a classic lead figure, produced by W.Britains. Its their iconic representation of an officer in the 5th Royal Irish Lancers. Once more, this figure was kindly furnished by Paul Watson. It required some restoration work, one of the horses legs was weak, and the sword's blade was missing. It will now serve as my senior cavalry commander.
MGB
Footnote. In 1916, during WW1, Britain passed a conscription law, requiring all British males to make themselves available for service in the armed forces. In 1918, legislation was approved for Ireland, but it was never implemented by the government, as many in Ireland favoured home rule and rejected the authority of the British state to conscript in their country. Nevertheless, it is estimated, 140,000 Irishmen volunteered to serve in British and Irish regiments, joining the original 80,000 Irish professionals, already serving in the British Army, including several with the rank of general. Of this total number, 35,000 died in action during WW1. (These figures do not include those Irish that had made a new life for themselves in the Dominions of Canada, Australia, South Africa, and New Zealand, and had enlisted in their local regiments, to defend the Empire.)
I've always thought of that figure as being one of the most elegant that Britains ever did! You have certainly justified my thoughts Michael with your beautiful paint and restoration job! Your reference pictures are wonderful as well!
ReplyDeleteMost kind, Brad. I wanted the print represented in the miniature collection, and a powerful figure to command the cavalry brigade.
DeleteMichael
It is a really nice pose and restoration.
ReplyDeleteThank you Q. The collection needed a cavalry command base.
DeleteMichael
One of the most iconic figures out there !
ReplyDeleteTony, isn't that true. When Paul sent it on, it was one of those projects that warranted time on its own, to complete.
DeleteMichael
Bravo - I'd have dropped a naval or slouch hat on it - nice to see one left intact and restored to it's deserved glory - thanks Michael :)
ReplyDeletePaul, its restored thanks to your generosity, thats the truth!
DeleteMichael
Beautiful job. This figure lends itself to so may variations. My own is of the Lincolnshire Yeomanry, but the paint job is nowhere near as good as yours.
ReplyDeleteJoppy, thats most kind. For my part, I'm often horrified when I view my photos, it shows up all my errors my eyesight failed to spot.
DeleteMichael
Great looking figure MGB and the prints are very nice too
ReplyDeleteMJT, as mentioned to others, it had to be represented in the British collection!
DeleteMichael
Very well done! The sabre is a nice addition!
ReplyDeleteThank you Ross, wasn't sure if the originals came with a sabre blade. But, the hand has a pommel, the scabbard carries no sign of a sabre guard/grip, and the print shows the officer with a sabre. It just made sense to drill and fix a blade. I suspect the blade disappeared when it came to mass producing the figure, compared to the original design?
DeleteMichael
Charming figure, well restored.
ReplyDeleteMark, its a classic, and I needed such a figure to command the British cavalry!
DeleteMichael