Worked on some figures today, adding rifles , painting and gloss varnishing. They represent Albion armed villagers ( including Lady Lacey-Cotta, markswoman , from the Big house) from different backgrounds who are prepared to defend their village against all invaders.
Here is a link to an interesting report on the Archaeology of a Rifle Volunteer range-
http://www.bromyarddowns.co.uk/media/1654/rifle-range-report.pdf
I have been trying to find out about these figures in the photos below to no avail, can you help?
Britain's Paris Office Spanish Dragoons - even down to the seated figures - will send picture by DM from James Opie Britain's toy soldiers 1893-1932
ReplyDeleteI have emailed you pics and description of Spanish Dragoons from James Opie - these may be rarer Paris Office (1905-23) figures. When the Paris Office closed the moulds returned to Britain. The traces may be the connection to their Waggon. Worth asking James Opie more about these? I also have a new Britains book arriving this week which may say more.
DeleteThe horse legs look different though from the picture I sent you. Did any other manufacturer make Spanish Dragoons? Are they repaints of other figures?
DeleteThis appear to be the arms and the paint style of the Paris Office figures
https://oldtoysoldierauctions.com/images/investment_rarities/70_1.jpg
Emails, haven’t arrived Mark. I haven’t found any pics on line of seated or limber type figures so I very much look forward to seeing those you send. My horses are hollow with an opening underneath rather than solid.
DeleteEmais arrived and pictures seen, most interesting.
DeleteObviously yours are bashed up and unboxed in terms of condition but might be worth researching them more before you repaint?
ReplyDeleteA few sale room pics
https://www.invaluable.com/auction-lot/britains-paris-office-spanish-dragoons-5696-c-8d64b38aca
Rare prancing Officer with throat plume
https://www.vectis.co.uk/lot/britains-paris-office-spanish-dragoons_708230
And
https://oldtoysoldierauctions.com/AuctionDetails.aspx?auctionid=30
https://oldtoysoldierauctions.com/images/investment_rarities/70_1.jpg
I have not seen a Waggon pictured but there are French Waggon and artillery pieces to compare
https://oldtoysoldierauctions.com/images/investment_rarities/78_1.jpg
I will take your advice, lay them aside and wait. If they are of greater worth than I imagined then I will let Douglas know and be in touch with him.
DeleteHollow horses - doesn't sound very Britain's. They look aquite chunky and solid. Will resend pics
DeleteThere are other metal figure manufacturers (quick scan through Norman Joplin didn't suggest any Spanish Dragoons) in Britain and elsewhere.
There are new modern metal figures since the 1980s. There are recast companies. There are conversions recast possibilities
There are foreign manufacturers - have you checked Alymer in Spain?
Alymer is a thought. They are a mystery and I am charmed by them.
DeleteThe most important thing is to keep them intact and not hack their heads off etc. At least you can see the sort of arms they had and a possible colour scheme but pressed into Tradgardland service . I'm sure you could track down scrtachbuild a suitable supply Waggon or limber and gun carriage if needed.
DeleteAs someone mentioned they look almost Napoleonic as well as late 19th century
Good and fast work on the shooting club.
ReplyDelete.Regardless of value,keep and enjoy
Most kind sir.
DeleteI have set up a wee shooting club game for tomorrow. The Mounties are moving along very well too.
Those look very intriguing figures , not seen them before .
ReplyDeleteSame here.
DeleteFascinating..... the helmet style was popular with the British in the 1830s, the Spanish were using such in the 1840s..... wonder if its Indian or colonial artillery? Alternatively, they could be Napoleonic, that headless would pass for Russian or several German-speaking states, but with a braided front?
ReplyDeleteMichael
A mystery as yet...
ReplyDeleteInteresting figures - the best kind.
ReplyDeleteEspecially in times like these...
Delete