Continental Marine (1 Viewer)

[PolarBear]

The US Continental Marines were established in Philadelphia on November 10, 1775. They saw their first action in March 1776 when under Captain Samuel Nicolas they landed on New Providence in the Bahamas. It is believed that they came ashore under the banner of the Grand Union Flag (shown in the background). Their first uniforms were green with white facings. By 1779 the white facings had been replaced with red as illustrated by the W. Britain figure in this photograph. I selected this figure as appropriate to July’s celebration of Independence Day and the signing of the Declaration of Independence in Philadelphia. Significantly, the first Marine recruiting station (Tun Tavern) was in Philadelphia as was their first barracks.

 

[theBaron]

Semper fi!

 

[Mister Dave]

Very nice, Randy. Can you tell us more about the incident in the Bahamas?

MD

 

[PolarBear]

From the wikipedia article on New Providence



In February 1776, Esek Hopkins led a squadron of over 7 ships in an effort to raid the British-held island in order to secure supplies and munitions. On March 3, Hopkins landed the first-ever amphibious assault by American military forces consisting of 250 marines and sailors. Under the covering fire of Providence and Hornet, the attackers overwhelmed Fort Montagne. The British retreated to Fort Nassau, but then surrendered to Continental forces. The Americans managed to secure 88 cannon and 15 mortars, but most of the badly desired gunpowder was evacuated before capture. Hopkins spent two weeks loading his ships with the booty before finally returning home

 

[PolarBear]

Reconstruction of Tun Tavern & Continental Marine Recruitment during the AWI.

 

[PolarBear]

Here is King & Country's figure of Capt. Samuel Nicolas who led the marine assault at New Providence. [note white facings]

 

[theBaron]

Great subject!

Frontline also included a dio set in their Colonial Classics line, depicting the Marines recruiting at Tun Tavern.

Prost!
Bradley

 

[REVWARBUFF]

Very nice, Randy. Thanks for the info and the pictures. Quite appropriate for the July 4th holiday.

 

[PolarBear]

Brad

Thanks for the Frontline info. It is a pity that this series is hard to find since they are very interesting subjects:

Tun Tavern Recruitment by Frontline

 

[theBaron]

Yes, I like them, too, that's one of the time periods I collect.

They're sort of derived from/inspired by the Georgian line from Phoenix (all due respect meant, and not to imply anything!), the diorama pieces and figures from that line can be mixed easily with the Frontline sets.

You're right, it's a shame that they don't surface too often in the secondary market, though, I think Frontline still makes them. Green's Collectibles carries the series, he visits the shows and does mail older, too.

Prost!
Bradley

 

[Mister Dave]

Bradley, do you have any of these Frontline Colonial Classics sets? They look really nice. I have considered some of the Redcoat tavern sets in the past. Unfortunately, as you have already suggested, Frontline can be very difficult to find once they are out of production, and the company is nearly impossible to get info. from.....many inquiries have gone ignored over the years.

MD

 

[theBaron]

Hi, Dave,

I have just some individual civilian pieces from the Colonial Classics, the fiddler and the woodwind player, a gentleman bowing to a seated lady, and the gentleman hunter with his servant. I think I also have a Continental officer walking with his lady around here someplace.

I haven't had the luck to run across the tavern sets yet, but I'd like to put together a tavern scene. There is also a "King's Arms" tavern scene, with the Brits recruiting Loyalists. Basically, the set is the same as the Marine set, with the same tavern keeper and civilians, but with a British officer, and I think a grenadier.

They also included a pair each for the Redcoats and Continentals of a soldier carousing with a woman, which is very reminiscent of a Phoenix set. I have seen those on eBay recently.

The facade pieces are very nicely done, too. There are several brick buildings, and I think a meetinghouse/church.

That's all right up my alley. I like 18th century subjects, military and civilian.

Prost!
Bradley

 

[kogu]

Hi Randy, Dave and Brad,
if any of you is looking for a "Colonial Classics" set, check out the Canadian Toy Soldier Shop "Tin Soldier Collection", www.tinsoldiercollection.com
Pretty much the complete line is listed and as of an e-mail exchange (about 4 month ago) with Serge, the owner, they are actually in stock.
Happy Collecting!
Konrad

 

[Mister Dave]

Hi Randy, Dave and Brad,
if any of you is looking for a "Colonial Classics" set, check out the Canadian Toy Soldier Shop "Tin Soldier Collection", www.tinsoldiercollection.com
Pretty much the complete line is listed and as of an e-mail exchange (about 4 month ago) with Serge, the owner, they are actually in stock.
Happy Collecting!
Konrad

Cool, thanks for the tip, K.

MD

 

[theBaron]

Thanks for the tip, Konrad!

Here's another dealer who carries Frontline's Colonial Classics, Green's Collectibles. You folks may know him from some of the toy soldier shows. He now has a website:

http://www.greenscollectables.com/

He carries a selection of the individual figures, and can order anything still in stock.

He also carries Pickelhaube Miniatures, and usually has a selection available at the shows.

Prost!
Bradley