The 'character-driven' toy soldier! What is your favorite unusual figure? (1 Viewer)

[Squiggle]

Hi all,
While I enjoy lines of figures in 'standard' poses (kneeling firing, marching, etc.), and figures in the ferocity of battle, I also
love toy soldiers that have unique gestures or poses that suggest individual character.
Here are three soldiers I recently acquired that exhibit this quality. All three are by Fusilier/Tommy Atkins (their Hussar line).

*On the left we have a medieval figure with arms folded looking pensive - perhaps he is thinking about the violence in his line of work? Or maybe his armor is just itchy!
*The fellow in the middle is a German Uhlan officer. No inward contemplation in his stance. I think he just got off the parade ground, he has a healthy ego, and he is now ready for beer, wine, and I strongly suspect his evening will involve a lady.
*The figure to the right is a German Dragoons officer. He is aloof, even haughty, and withdrawn - but this may be simply shyness. I like the way his cape is flapping in the wind, too.

What's your favorite figure in a unique pose?
-Squiggle

 

[jazzeum]

Mine is similar to yours. It was made by Beating Retreat for my Imperial German Army Collection. It’s quite unique, as is yours.



Here’s a link to my collection, in case you’re interested.

https://forum.treefrogtreasures.com/showthread.php?51516-The-Imperial-German-Army-by-Beating-Retreat

 

[zblang]

Ooooh! Great thread! So many to choose from. I’ll post some of my favorites in a bit.

 

[Squiggle]

Same figure, very different paint job!
Thanks for posting.
I did take a look at the link you provided; nice collection of German imperial troops!

Mine is similar to yours. It was made by Beating Retreat for my Imperial German Army Collection. It’s quite unique, as is yours.


Here’s a link to my collection, in case you’re interested.

https://forum.treefrogtreasures.com/showthread.php?51516-The-Imperial-German-Army-by-Beating-Retreat

 

[Squiggle]

When you get a chance I'd like you see your favorites.

Ooooh! Great thread! So many to choose from. I’ll post some of my favorites in a bit.

 

[zblang]

I just realized that this thread is under the heading of glossy figures. Don't know it you wanted it limited to that, but here are some of my favorites:

 

[zblang]

Speaking of "Unusual"!!!! hahah

 

[zblang]

 

[Louis Badolato]

Speaking of "Unusual"!!!! hahah

Zach,

I have not one, but two Heco Tinplate Models outhouses (one of which has "The Ritz" painted on its door). I also have a healthy few of John Firth's magnificent "connoisseur glossy" figures, which are among the best pieces I have ever seen in the hobby. Here are some of my favorites, including the Ritz, a figure John did of my Uncle Joe (who died in a B17), from family photos, and a Snetterton Heath Airfield diorama(the airfield my Uncle Joe flew from) he did for me:

 

[zblang]

Very cool!

 

[DMNamiot]

Most of my favorites are the glossy Christmas figures. Especially the ones done by the WB collectors club. But I also love my glossy set of Photographers from the Beau Geste Durbar line. It adds a nice touch to the overall display. Will post photos later since they are on the computer not my phone.

Dave

 

[johnnybach]

Well, I know he's an oldie, after being conceived well over 100 years ago - but Britains' Lancer Officer turned in the saddle - with tin-strip sword remains both my own personal favourite "Character" figure ( as with many other collectors too).

I liked him so much ( and not being an e-bay addict back then), that I first bought a casting - and repainted him ( first left ). But then, as lady luck came my way, I found a couple of others in varied states of requiring a bit of TLC - so I repaired and repainted them too - in some of the other Regimental uniforms of British Lancer Regiments of the time. I realise that I have probably been a bit flamboyuant with the colours of the respective Officer's mounts - but I maintain that some of the senior Officers of Cavalry Regiments, were quite wealthy guys - and could afford a string of mounts to perform different duties.

Besides which - if you can't take a few liberties with a favourite Glossy Toy Soldier (NOT Military Miniatures mark you), that you have brought back from the abyss - then when can you?

I love these figures to bits - as I did when recommencing collecting again - about 25 years ago.

Now Dave - I wait to be smitten by some of your collected pics - :salute:: jb

 

[Squiggle]

These are three beautiful figures! I really like what you've done with the horses; and I agree, with toy soldiers it is appropriate to indulge in some whimsy! Thanks for posting.

View attachment 247561

Well, I know he's an oldie, after being conceived well over 100 years ago - but Britains' Lancer Officer turned in the saddle - with tin-strip sword remains both my own personal favourite "Character" figure ( as with many other collectors too).

I liked him so much ( and not being an e-bay addict back then), that I first bought a casting - and repainted him ( first left ). But then, as lady luck came my way, I found a couple of others in varied states of requiring a bit of TLC - so I repaired and repainted them too - in some of the other Regimental uniforms of British Lancer Regiments of the time. I realise that I have probably been a bit flamboyuant with the colours of the respective Officer's mounts - but I maintain that some of the senior Officers of Cavalry Regiments, were quite wealthy guys - and could afford a string of mounts to perform different duties.

Besides which - if you can't take a few liberties with a favourite Glossy Toy Soldier (NOT Military Miniatures mark you), that you have brought back from the abyss - then when can you?

I love these figures to bits - as I did when recommencing collecting again - about 25 years ago.

Now Dave - I wait to be smitten by some of your collected pics - :salute:: jb

 

[Squiggle]

Wonderful figures here! I've never seen outhouse sets.
The airfield is a great diorama; what a good way to remember your uncle!
-Squiggle

Zach,

I have not one, but two Heco Tinplate Models outhouses (one of which has "The Ritz" painted on its door). I also have a healthy few of John Firth's magnificent "connoisseur glossy" figures, which are among the best pieces I have ever seen in the hobby. Here are some of my favorites, including the Ritz, a figure John did of my Uncle Joe (who died in a B17), from family photos, and a Snetterton Heath Airfield diorama(the airfield my Uncle Joe flew from) he did for me:

 

[The Colonel]

I don't know yet how to take pictures and upload them to this site, which is why I haven't posted pics of my own tin soldiers here yet. But my favourite tin soldier in my collection is one standing up with a map in both hands. I have him by my King and Queen when I have my tin soldiers lined up for inspection, telling them which unit is which, and when I find out how to upload pics here I will upload a pic of him.

 

[Squiggle]

I don't know yet how to take pictures and upload them to this site, which is why I haven't posted pics of my own tin soldiers here yet. But my favourite tin soldier in my collection is one standing up with a map in both hands. I have him by my King and Queen when I have my tin soldiers lined up for inspection, telling them which unit is which, and when I find out how to upload pics here I will upload a pic of him.

Please upload when you can!

 

[DMNamiot]

Hi Johnny

Here are a few photos of some of the figures I really enjoy! Just the tip of the berg to be sure! Enjoy

Dave

 

[Squiggle]

Some lovely sets here!:smile2:

 

[The Colonel]

I don't know how to do pics yet but I have a soldier holding a map in my collection that I love. He can either be showing the other officers battle strategy, have a map off the soldiers on parade, or have an artillery map depending on where I place him. I normally use him as a staff officer.

 

[DMNamiot]

I love the little vignettes that some makers have come up with. I have some great Christmas setsfrom Britains and one from Errol John that is a really great set called Christmas in the Khyber. I will post a photo of it.

Dave