“Who will take the King’s Shilling?” (2 Viewers)

[WBritain]

During the Napoleonic wars regular army recruiting parties were had pressed to find new recruits. Every persuasive tactic was used, including enough toasts to the King or the Regiment that some young men, with clouded judgment, may have signed on. At the height of the conflict, handsome bounties were offered to members of militia organizations to become regulars too. It must have had some success, as I remember reading an account of a regular Highland unit marching during the Waterloo Campaign that had some of the men still carrying their yellow painted militia knapsacks.
So, perhaps with a few more drinks this young man will wear the red coat…but what might his wife think now that they have a new baby?

 

[BHogan]

Terrific sets. The recruiting party reminded me of the motley recruiting crew in Sharpe's Regiment.

Brendan

 

[Obee]

Yes, nice setup, I have one set of figures for the same scenario, this time in castings I painted but by Phoenix.



John

 

[29 Let's Go]

Yes, nice setup, I have one set of figures for the same scenario, this time in castings I painted but by Phoenix.

View attachment 344053

John

I can become a general?

 

[Horus]

Oh course he can Steve, they bought their commissions back then !

 

[WBritain]

These 19th century watercolors were a source of inspiration when I was sculpting this set years ago. The first one predates our set by a couple of years (1800-1811) and the second one is post Napoleonic Wars by the uniform details (1816-1822), but they are both typical of what you might see around a public house when a recruiting party was present. Note the multi-colored ribbons decorating the shakos…

 

[BHogan]

Great watercolours Ken! The likeness is certainly captured in the set you did.

Brendan

 

[Napoleon1er]

An all "volunteer" army!

 

[WBritain]

Here are two more interesting paintings of Public Houses, or taverns, with recruiting parties during the 19th century. Both of these are paintings currently on display at the National Army Museum, Chelsea UK.