China Marines in Miniature

[Dirk]

A number of years ago at a show I came across a retired Marine who was casting and painting 54mm model figures of Marines throughout history. What caught my eye, was he had several different sets depicting the Mounted Detachment Marines of the Peking Legation with fur hat, campgain hat, and steel helmets. After I few years he left the circuit, and I heard he had passed away and the figures seem to abruptly disappear. But recently his leftover stock has been coming on the market. So yesterday at the MFCA show I found two dealers who had some of his sets. Each type of set have inaccuracies in uniform, horse tack etc. but the fact that no one else was reallying making them was worth getting a set...in this case the Detachment c. 1919 with steel helmets. i probably will add another set over time, most likely wearing their winter fur caps with Detachment diamond. I also saw sets that included mounted Marines from second Nicguaria, Marines modeled after the scene in the movie The Wind and the Lion," and the Boxer Rebellion. All and all I like the style of modeling this Marine used which is similar to the William Britains style of figure.

[ArtyScout]

Nice that you were able to find this set. I hope you find all the other sets you are looking for. They look very nice. I've always admired the bond that military men in the cavalry have with their horses. That is why I enjoyed the HBO movie "In Pursuit of Honor" with Don Johnson. I have not seen "War Horse" yet, but I will soon.

 

Semper Fi.

 

Manny

[Dirk]

Thanks Manny!

[teufelhunde.ret]

What a wonderful addition to your themed collections!

[Old Marine]

Dirk, those are nice figures that you acquired. I hope you don't mind me posting a Horse Marine figure that I found at the show. I saw your figures and some of the others that you mentioned at the show. I did notice quite a few older and newer Marine Band and marching figures, but they were not China Marine specific figures.

 

I was rooting through the discount box in the back of the room and I found this guy. This is an older, 1970 - 80s Squadron/Rubin metal figure and it's not up to the standard of modern figures, but I liked him because of the subject.

 

Once I get some paint on him he should look a lot better.

 

Anyway, that was a nice show and you picked up some nice figures.

 

Dennis

[Dirk]

Dennis no problem! Wish I had known another forum member was there, would have enjoyed meeting u. Normally I buy the antique figures but they were not selling this year in any great amount so I went with these.

[Old Marine]

I notice that too, not a lot of old figures. Lots of new stuff and the Marx plastic stuff from the 60s. Maybe we'll meet up next year.

[Proud Kraut]

I don't know why, but I love the (unrealistic) glossy paint of these metal figures. Great set of figures, thanks for sharing!

[Dirk]

I agree, I also like the glossy finish to these, as well as the duller finish found on Britain's Ltd's pre-WWI hollowcast ancients. BTW most of the antique figure guys that sold at this show are thinking of pulling out next year as they find it is more of a modelers show then in the past, which I guess is really returning to it roots, pre the 1970's when antique lead took off

[bobgee]

Dirk & Dennis - Great finds! I'll look forward to seeing that 1935 piece when he's painted up, Dennis! Semper Fi, Boys!