Don’t know much about the origins of this bust but I believed I scrounged it of Nap a couple of years ago or so.


Originally I assume he had binoculars because there were a couple of straps hanging down. I don’t have the binoculars so I carved off the straps.

All I have done so far is hollowed out the thick (at the back) casting pug underneath the torso and given it a quick spray of grey primer. As I no longer have my huge collection of paint sets, one of which was a WWI British Uniform set, I need to work out how to mix the uniform colour.

The hat, head and torso are separate so I have checked the fit which, after cleaning up, is excellent. There are a few tiny pinholes on the surface but they are tiny and I am confident (!) they will fill with paint. If not I will sort them out with a bit of filler.

It is not too small scale wise, slightly less than 1/10 but much bigger than 1/12. Looks small because of the short torso but a nice one to do I think. I have the ‘Benedictine Cumberbach’ ‘War Horse’ bust to do soon so need to work out the colours. Don’t know if to play safe and get a pre mix acrylic.

Cap badge is South Staffs Regiment. The early issue ones were bi metal and the crown and knot were in white metal. later ones were all brass. Not seen this one before, but looks like its in need of a little refinement, IMO

I did think it was South Staffs, I think the other badge as the Prince of wales feathers. It does need a bit of sharpening up but there is a limit to my skill set

Thanks for that Nap

Had a bit of a play with some thin sanding sticks and a bit of putty and I think I have hit all the pinholes. Also found a section of piping over his right shoulder blade was missing so I repaired that with putty. Mixed up some thin artists acrylic and roughly brushed it over in the approximate colours and I think it looks tidier now. The paint will be washed off tomorrow and a proper primer applied.

Looking good, but the cap needs to be lower on the head.

Mike

Kev, if he's early 1WW, the rank badges will be on his sleeves.....

Yes, the hat is not fixed, just a bit of blue tak holding it in place that is why it is sitting high

The colour I used to test the cleanup is a rough mix of artist acrylic but the more I look at the figure, the more I like it. Just have to try and mix some more if I remember how I did it lol. ME! Making crowns and medals! Good grief man

I believe I have seen a picture with the arm badges, will have to try and find it

Pictures I have found show sergeant stripes on upper arm but officers had piping above the cuff so not relevant to this bust. The lapel badges would be a good feature though......... They are on the bust, not very detailed though mmmmmmm, what are you doing to me Nap

This figure is from ZONA 72 out of Spain. I believe it was identified as "English officer WW 1". I have acquired several busts from them in the past. At 7 Euros each a great value. This particular bust was always out of stock so I never did obtain it.
Unfortunately their website appears to no longer up.

Regards
Kirk

Thanks Kirk, that is the one with the elusive binoculars that I don’t have.