ChuckyD Posted June 12, 2013 Share #1 Posted June 12, 2013 I recently acquired some WW2 uniforms from another forum member and got a GREAT deal. But, I am having problems finding a mannequin (or several) in the DC area. Does anyone have any other suggestions other than ebay? Ebay wants about $100 each. Any advice would be great. ThanksSFChuck Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SergeantMajorGray Posted June 12, 2013 Share #2 Posted June 12, 2013 I can't find mannequins either try looking for clothing places that are closing down usually they sell them or another company buys and re sells them. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
History Man Posted June 12, 2013 Share #3 Posted June 12, 2013 I have had great luck at flea markets, it may take longer but you can find some good examples for good prices. I haven't paid more than $20 for each of mine. Philip Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ScottG Posted June 12, 2013 Share #4 Posted June 12, 2013 You can get brand new torso's from Websters Displays in Battle Creek Mi for less than that,, but I think $100.00 for a full mannequin is quite reasonable. Scott. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mvmhm Posted June 12, 2013 Share #5 Posted June 12, 2013 You can get plastic bust forms for $9 at Flower Factory stores...add some one or two inch pvc pipe for legs, and you're done...and they're strong enough to some belts, equipment etc....you can use empty plastic soda bottles (20 oz) with the top opening cut open large enough to take the pvc pipe, and they're about the right width to fill out a boot so it can be laced up...you can also modify styrofoam heads and tape them to the torso..the "surgery" is easily hidden with the correct shirt or even a t-shirt...the first one you make will be a little more expensive if you're buying the PVC new, but after that, it's about $15 to make one, and once you figure out how to put it together, takes about 10 minutes for each one after that....so, cheap and fast. (you know if I can do it, it can't be that hard!) Mark sends Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ajbUSWM Posted June 12, 2013 Share #6 Posted June 12, 2013 The Webster Displays site is: http://www.websterdisplays.com/Default.aspx Many on this forum has bought from Dave in the past. He is knowledgeable and pleasant to deal with. Many museums use Dave as well. A while back someone suggested those cheap plastic half PVC mannequins and I can tell you they are a complete waste of time and money. What junk. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bugme Posted June 12, 2013 Share #7 Posted June 12, 2013 I've done this and gotten some good prices but, BEWARE, you want to get male teenager mannequins, not adult men. Most WWII soldiers weighed less than 120 lbs. Adult male mannequins appear to be sized toward 140 to 150 lbs. I have experienced this and have only had one uniform that fit the adult male mannequin. I can't find mannequins either try looking for clothing places that are closing down usually they sell them or another company buys and re sells them. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
USdog Posted June 13, 2013 Share #8 Posted June 13, 2013 How about this! It's cheap and light weight! Are you looking for a full sized one or like the one below? http://pages.ebay.com/link/?nav=item.view&id=330848756772&globalID=EBAY-US Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Indexred Posted June 13, 2013 Share #9 Posted June 13, 2013 A few others sources ... http://www.davessurplus.com/ http://www.storesupply.com/c-459-clothing-forms.aspx Some great, high-end stuff ... http://www.museumfigures.com/ http://museummannequins.com/ I saw the latter company's wares at the SOS a couple years ago. Their items are amazing, so real it's a almost creepy. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
klinsmann Posted June 15, 2013 Share #10 Posted June 15, 2013 http://www.themarshalsbaton.com/Framepage.htm On the left side press the: Militaria for sale - Original vintage WWII militaria - Scroll down and click the link, Mannequin torsos Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BigDogMilitaria Posted June 15, 2013 Share #11 Posted June 15, 2013 I've been using these, they work great. Shipping goes down dramatically when you buy a few at a time. I bought a couple yards of black cloth from Joann Fabric to place over the top so that the white plastic doesnt show. http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0040YW726/ref=ox_sc_act_title_1?ie=UTF8&psc=1&smid=A1X9XJGJN1DON9 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
stucky151 Posted June 23, 2013 Share #12 Posted June 23, 2013 Ive been using old Suit valets, Ive found a few at goodwill for about $10.00. They display great. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
stucky151 Posted June 23, 2013 Share #13 Posted June 23, 2013 heres a few examples Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
stucky151 Posted June 23, 2013 Share #14 Posted June 23, 2013 one more Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mitter2k1 Posted June 23, 2013 Share #15 Posted June 23, 2013 Ive been using old Suit valets, Ive found a few at goodwill for about $10.00. They display great.I'm going to have to start keeping an eye out for those. That displays very nicely. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
stucky151 Posted June 24, 2013 Share #16 Posted June 24, 2013 Heres a close up picture of them. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mitter2k1 Posted June 29, 2013 Share #17 Posted June 29, 2013 Heres a close up picture of them.I'm glad you posted this, I just saw one the other day and didn't pay it any mind. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
WWII_GI Posted June 29, 2013 Share #18 Posted June 29, 2013 Does anyone know a good source for a half mannequin with a tall pole that can display full WWII web gear and helmet? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
25a1eeda Posted July 4, 2013 Share #19 Posted July 4, 2013 Found several in a store front in a mall after it closed, contacted mall management, and was given permission to take them all. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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