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.

 

Thanks
SF
Chuck

 

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.

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

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.

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

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.

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.

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

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.

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

 

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

Ive been using old Suit valets, Ive found a few at goodwill for about $10.00. They display great.

heres a few examples

one more

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.

Heres a close up picture of them.

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.

Does anyone know a good source for a half mannequin with a tall pole that can display full WWII web gear and helmet?

Found several in a store front in a mall after it closed, contacted mall management, and was given permission to take them all.