Couple more Home Cast I need help to ID one is US Navy? other ? (1 Viewer)

[captainsimos]

The first ones I am pretty sure are US Navy, but not sure on the date, early 1900's, and in a hot area.
The second group, not sure maybe Prussian, has an eagle on the helmet
Thank you again for all the help and wishing everyone Happy Holidays and Stay Safe and Well,
Simos

 

[theBaron]

Hi, Simos!

I believe you are correct about the naval figures, and I am certain you are correct about the Prussians. Those look like Bill Imrie's Prussian infantry, from his Helenic brand. That was his brand, named for his wife, before he teamed up with Clyde Risley to found Imrie/Risley Miniatures.

The Prussian series had several figures, marching or parading, with a selection of different heads. There were 2 versions of the Pickelhaube with the parade plume, like yours, or with the plain spike. He also produced heads with the grenadier caps of the 1st Foot Guards. Heads, arms, and field packs were all cast separately. Standing, the officers and men were at present arms, and there were also side drummers, a drum major, and an ensign. Parading were the poses you have, plus side drummers.

There was also a dismounted dragoon, standing with the lance that they carried, and a mounted trooper of the Mounted Rifle detachments. Those two were still available in the I/R catalog, up to last year. Last year, the Imrie family stopping taking orders, as they look for someone to buy the business.

Whoever finished these Prussians attached them to the rectangular bases. Straight from the mold, they had the oval bases cast integrally with the figures, that we see in the picture.

The bent rifles suggest that these figures are homecast copies of the commercial figures, though. The casting alloy used was more rigid and not prone to bending like that. That doesn't detract from the attractiveness of the set, it's just a detail that I noted.

Hope that helps, prost!
Brad

 

[theBaron]

Here's a random pic of an unpainted Helenic Prussian, marching, so you can see what they looked like:

https://www.picclickimg.com/d/l400/...ley-Helenic-Ww1-Imperial-German-Grenadier.jpg

Prost!
Brad

 

[captainsimos]

Hi, Simos!

I believe you are correct about the naval figures, and I am certain you are correct about the Prussians. Those look like Bill Imrie's Prussian infantry, from his Helenic brand. That was his brand, named for his wife, before he teamed up with Clyde Risley to found Imrie/Risley Miniatures.

The Prussian series had several figures, marching or parading, with a selection of different heads. There were 2 versions of the Pickelhaube with the parade plume, like yours, or with the plain spike. He also produced heads with the grenadier caps of the 1st Foot Guards. Heads, arms, and field packs were all cast separately. Standing, the officers and men were at present arms, and there were also side drummers, a drum major, and an ensign. Parading were the poses you have, plus side drummers.

There was also a dismounted dragoon, standing with the lance that they carried, and a mounted trooper of the Mounted Rifle detachments. Those two were still available in the I/R catalog, up to last year. Last year, the Imrie family stopping taking orders, as they look for someone to buy the business.

Whoever finished these Prussians attached them to the rectangular bases. Straight from the mold, they had the oval bases cast integrally with the figures, that we see in the picture.

The bent rifles suggest that these figures are homecast copies of the commercial figures, though. The casting alloy used was more rigid and not prone to bending like that. That doesn't detract from the attractiveness of the set, it's just a detail that I noted.

Hope that helps, prost!
Brad

The rifles are very fragile and the bayonets on the ends have come off on several of the figures. I tried to only show the figures that were more or less undamaged. I wish I can find this type of naval uniform, just for my own satisfaction. The US Navy has a web site with all the uniforms from 1790's to present, but they weren't shown in any time frame. I don have another book that mentions straw hats and white uniforms for the hot climates. I think Britains bluejacket set was used for his mold.
Thanks for all the help Brad and hope you and yours have a Happy Holiday.
Simos

 

[captainsimos]

I found this in Military Uniforms of the World and it looks like a close match to the Prussian/German figures. Any Comments

 

[DMNamiot]

Looks like a spot on match to me. I always differ to Brad when it comes to the old German or Prussian sets he is truly the expert there.

Dave

 

[theBaron]

I found this in Military Uniforms of the World and it looks like a close match to the Prussian/German figures. Any Comments

View attachment 270046
View attachment 270047

Yes and no.

That was one of the regiments in the Mecklenburg contingent of the Prussian army, and the basic uniform was the same for all of them, differing only in details unique to the state or province, and the regiment. The dark blue (Prussian blue) tunic, with dark blue-black trousers in winter and white linen in summer, was adopted by all but the Bavarians. They maintained their own establishment within the imperial army, though they did adopt the Pickelhaube in place of their older, traditional crested helmet. Their infantry wore a lighter blue, a shade between light blue and cornflower blue.

The Mecklenburg regiments had their own helmet plate, which you can see in the illustration. It consisted of the arms of Mecklenburg on a sunburst backing. The Prussian regiments used variations of the eagle plate. Bill Imrie definitely sculpted these to be Prussian guard infantry, with the helmet plate of an eagle with outstretched wings, and the Guard star imposed over it.

The Mecklenburg musketier in the photo shows other details that were used to differentiate one regiment from another, and were influenced very heavily by a regiment's history and traditions. The lace on his collar, for example, identifies the regiment as a guard regiment, but the guard of the Duke of Mecklenburg. The cuff lace is also a detail that was often awarded to the more elite regiments.

The lanyard he wears on his right shoulder is a marksmanship award. It originated in the Prussian army, and with the unification, it was adopted by the other states' contingents. It survives almost unchanged today in the contemporary German army.

Prost!
Brad

 

[captainsimos]

You can see to a novice trying to ID these uniforms it is not an easy task. I was so hoping that I was able to finally ID one on my own, only to have my bubble burst (lol). That is what is so great about this forum. Everyone is so willing to help and educate those of us trying to put names to figures.
As I go through more boxes of figures, I find more sets that I need to ID. In a way this has been a blessing to keep me busy during these difficult times.
Happy Holidays to everyone and again thanks to everyone for their patience and help.


Simos

 

[theBaron]

It can be a lot of fun; learning these details is one of the things I enjoy about collecting toy soldiers.

As far as the Kaiser's army goes, there are references, including some recent books published by Schiffer, with new photos of existing materials, as well as collections of period photos. But the best references, in my opinion, are the old contemporary pieces, like the various collections of prints or plates that were published up to the First World War. You can find color illustrations, but also schematics in table or chart form-the Germans loved that format-that showed the details for each regiment. That format is really useful for quick reference.

Many of us do wind up with a collection of books, prints, etc, related to our favorite areas. Look up Louis Badolato's threads about his collection, for example-he has a great collection of figures, but also a great collection of "ephemera" in the time periods he likes.

Keep 'em coming, Simos!

Prost!
Brad