I want to acknowledge my friend Ulrich Biroth for sending me the photo that started this vignette. He really has been the font of some amazing German Great War photos! Thanks again, Ulrich!

This is a Landwehr in the light grey M1900 Litewka tunic, trousers and feldmutze. I think it is the M1900 only because I cannot see the long cuffs which would have indicated an M1915 tunic. Wouldn't be too unusual for him to wear an outmoded service coat, but can't be 100% sure. He is carrying a metal pail of food on rations detail. The dog is a German short-haired pointer, the "company dog", also doing his bit.

I dotted the ground work with just a few of the autumn leaves I'm making. There will be lots more on the final version. I used an autumnal backdrop which I think helped the photos a bit.

The figures are MS except for bits of MS and kneadatite. The boots and head come from a casting of one of my figures, but both were re-worked to fit the scene.

Pretty simple piece. Hope you like it!

As I mentioned on the FFL post, either Vic Wong or Charles Duckworth will be painting this vignette.

All the best,
Dan

Dan, I love the concept, but if I may (and I'm no sculptor), I think the hands look a bit large and the body could use a bit more weight front to back; just my two cents. Will this be one of you commercial pieces?

Matthew - Looking at the hands I agree and I've already started sanding them back to reduce their size. I tend to make hands too big for some reason. The body - don't know if you can tell from the photos but he's leaning forward a bit and maybe the angle makes the chest (Is that what you mean?) look thin. ?? I have the figure in front of me now and the chest is normal shape and size. I also compared it to the anatomical chart I use and it's OK. "More weight front to back" - Not entirely sure what you mean. Do you mean the figure is leaning forward too much?

Hadn't considered making it a commercial piece, but if there is sufficient interest...it would be an easy conversion and fairly easy casting. Don't know what I'd do about the leaves...

All the best,
Dan

Nice work Dan, love the "Kompagniehund".

Dan
It's a very interesting and unique idea! I love it!

There are 2 things that catch my eyes:
The pose - as you can see in the b&w pic, when
a person is walking, the arms and the legs move
opposite direction. The right arm swings forward
while the left foot steps forward, etc.

And for the volume of the upper torso. It needs some
more putty in the front upper torso. And while you have
putty out, work the wrinkles and folds. Also, it would be
nice if you start to carve and shave away putty once dried
rock solid. It adds that sharpness to the details.

Just my 2 cents!

Woof!

Hi Dan
Agree with Taesung, the clothes have to show some pull of gravity. I think that you have captured the photo, and I can imagine that this peice will look fantastic once you iron out all of the creases that all will point out!
A great concept, and I like it.
WW1 is a very neglected era in all scales, 'Bravo' ole chap!!!!

"There are 2 things that catch my eyes:
The pose - as you can see in the b&w pic, when
a person is walking, the arms and the legs move
opposite direction. The right arm swings forward
while the left foot steps forward, etc."

Now that - I didn't notice until you pointed it out! Nutz. I will fix that and since two of you say the upper chest should be filled in - you got it!

All the best,
Dan

Taesung and Pete explained what I meant about putting some more weight on the figure; damn public school system . Regarding the leaves, there are plenty of AM leaves out there.

NICE JOB, Dan !

Hi Dan !
When I saw the "heads-up" images in my e-mail. I just had to see the source photo . GREAT JOB, my friend !!!!!! I just LOVE the peaceful nature of the entire scene. Will you be making the hound a little "furrier" ? Yes, I'm sure the response to a commercialization of the entire scene will be good. Looking forward to the final product, Dan. Cheers !
Kenneth.

P.S. I may just do a 54mm version of this scene myself, we'll see.

Hi Dan,

Mate I'm always pleased to see your latest creation, and this one is no exception. What is it with you and dogs??

I know its already been mentioned, but your German is "square gaiting". Not uncommon among dogs, but rarely seen among Germans.

Just two small things I've noticed; the dog's spine seems to curve upwards in the middle rather than lie flat and then rise up towards the rear hips. I also think gravity would make the bucket in the dog's mouth hang level with the ground, rather than on an angle.

These are very minor points Dan and don't detract from the overall effect of the piece, which is very impressive.

Hi Dan,
Looking at the b&w pic again, here's a few things that you might
want to keep in mind when fixing the arms. Because of the weight
of the bucket, his left arm should just fall straight down. And watch
the right shoulder moves backward as the right arm swings back.

I think that the lower body came out quite naturally, though!
Good luck!

great subject !

Taesung, Pete, Mathew, Kenneth, Tony and Vergilius - Many, many thanks for your helpful comments. I've corrected the slight hump in the dog's back, sanded, cut in new hair, etc. I noticed that in the photos also for the first time. The swinging bucket problem will have to be corrected by the painter by gluing it in place and holding it until it sets. I can't do that because I want the painter to be able to remove the bucket.

Taesung and Pete - I've corrected the body mechanics issues and thanks for pointing them out. Taesung - I agree that the arm holding the bucket must hang more or less straight down and now it will. I start my Christmas holidays and vacation tomorrow and will make these corrections and re-post.

HAPPY HOLIDAYS TO YOU AND YOURS!

Dan

......... and cut some more leaves out!!

And you still haven't shown up to help, either...I'm a little disappointed in you, bro. I mean I did offer a cold beer in lieu of payment for your labor and I'm even willing to furnish the X-acto knife to allow you to help cut them out. I could probably even furnish some corn chips with the beer. They might be a little stale.

What the heck more do you want anyway?

HAPPY HOLIDAYS EVERYBODY!

From our family to yours.....
Dan and Pam Morton

Corn chips and beer!!! I'm on my way!!

Oh.... wife says I have to stay here.... sorry.

Season greetings to you and your family,
Roger

LOLOLOL. Tell Jane I forgive her, but only because it's Christmas.

Dan

Tony - You asked for more hair, but the dog is a short-haired pointer. I kept the hair short on purpose. Kinda like these...

I've corrected the humpback tendency as well as reduced the jowls a bit.

All the best,
Dan