Royal Marines Infantry Question (1 Viewer)

[Whistlinghen]

Hi all, new to this forum. I collect mostly hollowcast '50's Britains, and not being of the class that can afford to bid at Christie's, I buy a lot of battered items on Ebay and repair and repaint them. I recently got a very nice batch of Royal Marines already stripped, for a veritable song (rifles and helmets intact!). As I've already got a nice formation on the shelf (repaired and repainted in original style) I was thinking of painting these with the red coats (no cross belts of course) the infantry of the Marines wore before the 1930's when they adopted the blue of the Royal Marine Artillery (or so I've read). Did Britains ever produce the Royal Marines in red? Would this be a sacriledge? Any thoughts and guidance appreciated.

 

[thebritfarmer]

Welcome to the forum

I am not sure if they made one in the hollow cast range. I know a few years ago the made RMLI band. I say go for it.
Looking forward to seeing some of your collection. The Britains collectors are a bit thin on the ground, so it is always good to have a new member.



Scott

 

[4th Hussar]

Welcome to the forum. Good to have more glossy guys and Northwesterners I don't believe i ever saw a Britains Royal Marine Infantry in red.

 

[theBaron]

Welcome to the forum, Whistlinghen!

I don't know off the top of my head, but I've got James Opie's big book at home, and I can check tonight. Before then, some of our experts on classic Britains may check in, too. Maybe Norman Joplin, if he's checking the forum today?

Prosit!
Brad

 

[thebritfarmer]

Looks like they made a band

so I would assume single figures also.

Here a couple of pictures old and new

 

[Cardigan600]

Hi all, new to this forum. I collect mostly hollowcast '50's Britains, and not being of the class that can afford to bid at Christie's, I buy a lot of battered items on Ebay and repair and repaint them. I recently got a very nice batch of Royal Marines already stripped, for a veritable song (rifles and helmets intact!). As I've already got a nice formation on the shelf (repaired and repainted in original style) I was thinking of painting these with the red coats (no cross belts of course) the infantry of the Marines wore before the 1930's when they adopted the blue of the Royal Marine Artillery (or so I've read). Did Britains ever produce the Royal Marines in red? Would this be a sacriledge? Any thoughts and guidance appreciated.

Yo Trooper welcome, not many of us Old Britains collectors on this site.
The Photo's of bands put up by Scot are The Royal Marines Light Infantry, not the Royal Marines. This is not my area I am a Cavalry man. Send a Private message to (trooper) he is the man to ask, he's a bit mustard on Regiments and Uniforms.
Bernard.

 

[4th Hussar]

Hi all, new to this forum. I collect mostly hollowcast '50's Britains, and not being of the class that can afford to bid at Christie's, I buy a lot of battered items on Ebay and repair and repaint them. I recently got a very nice batch of Royal Marines already stripped, for a veritable song (rifles and helmets intact!). As I've already got a nice formation on the shelf (repaired and repainted in original style) I was thinking of painting these with the red coats (no cross belts of course) the infantry of the Marines wore before the 1930's when they adopted the blue of the Royal Marine Artillery (or so I've read). Did Britains ever produce the Royal Marines in red? Would this be a sacriledge? Any thoughts and guidance appreciated.

I checked my Joe Wallis reference book. Seems that until 1929 they did make a Royal Marine Light Infantry running at the trail set with red tunics. Red tunics with dark blue facings; dark blue trousers with red stripes and a dark blue spiked infantry helmet. Wallis goes on to point out that the helmet sometimes had a ball instead of a spike. Hope this helps

 

[trooper]

Royal Marine Artillery was formed in1804, aka "Blue Marines", seperate from the Royal Marines. Royal Marines were re-designated as Royal Marine Light Infantry in 1855 and both units were amalgamated in 1923 to form the present day Royal Marines.

 

[Whistlinghen]

Thanks lads! I shall now proceed at my customary glacial pace. - Emily

"We Woosters are courageous, but we don't take chances."
- P.G. Wodehouse

 

[aujj65]

Emily, welcome to the forum!

There is a painting section on the forum if you ever feel inclined to share a photo with like minded collectors who paint their own. I expect the Britains collectors would be interested as well.

Jeff