Conversion Moz + Reid + Gordon Mitchell + Mike...

[Funky50]

Hello Inaki ...I think that before the Guards left for the Crimea on the orders of Queen Victoria their bearskins were actually reduced in height by eight inches so as to make them more practicable to wear on campaign it was a long time ago that I read this and forget where but I think the original sculpt is probably more accurate than you think .....I don't want to be accused of rivet counting as I hate all that and I like what you have done with your version but I think It probably proves the point of how the full size bearskin would have been a hinderance in the field......by the way always loved this figure by the late Pete Morton.......Kevin

 

[Funky50]

The other question about the pack I believe that with the pack provided with the kit was the one carried at Scutari and as such could be depicted wearing the white trousers or summer issue but you would then need to remove the stripe down the side of the legs or you could fashion a blanket roll and go with the Blue Trousers....Kevin

 

[Ron Tamburrini]

Well that and being silly.. Oh and rivet counting....... allegedly
While not knowing anything about the subject or period, think it looks well, odd how it's all gone together like that nice one
Steve

Off course you know nothing about it . It ain't got a beret on

 

[martin tabony]

I don't believe the dimensions of the bearskin have changed since the Crimea, but the "grooming" has. A modern "skin" is groomed in such a way as to produce the ideal "apple in front and a pear behind". Although in very recent years over grooming has been discouraged in order to save wear (and money!) Period photos show that they were often parted at the front for better visibility. I believe officer's bearskins have always been taller.
A couple of "Grumblies" 1856.
I've got an old Military Illustrated that has some good colour references for you. If you can wait a week I'll dig it out, unless someone else finds theirs first

Martin

 

[Helm]

Guardsmen and grooming I dunno seems iffy to me

 

[Inaki]

Thank you so much for your help, Martin, Kevin, Mike, Paul...

1. Bearskin size:
I have also read that the dimension of "campaign" bearskins was reduced for practical reasons. So, I do also believe my proposal is too large and somewhat unreal. Having said that - size matters - I still feel certain contradiction. Please, look at the picture attached: it's the Scutary field. We can clearly see two Grenadiers - in white trousers - and I think they are soldiers or privates, because of their white eapulettes. Their bearskins look really tall.
However, what I really wanted to state in this post is that the bearskin Mike made is really showing an appearance of "straight" fur, inflated (?) - sorry guys, I don't have the correct adjective due to my limited English. If we look at most of the figures, the bearskins can be well built, but normally the fur is laying down with fur locks grouped. I am afraid my explanation is rubbish - sorry guys.

2. Pack at Scutari:
Not sure about what to do. The summer clothing conversion is appealing, as the white colours are always nice to work with.
However, I don't know if it makes sense representing a soldier at the barracks, with the bayonet fixed and picking up a bullet from the pocket.
Any information about Scutari Vs Alma equipment will be much appreciated. Not urgent, Martin - a baby recently born makes impossible quick advances

Pete Morton... he made beautiful figures and I regret he is not with us anymore. He sculpted this charming figure, so I can only say "very well done and today enjoying a lot thanks to you".

Thank you, All.

Iñaki

 

[martin tabony]

Inaki, as far as I am aware the only reduction in the hight of the bearskin was made during the 1830s. Although I believe you are right in your sudjestion that the "gooming" (that word again!) of the hair makes a difference to the height. Obviously some skins have longer hairs than others and the liner is adjustable so that the headdress can rid higher or lower.

Martin

 

[martin tabony]

Found it! Although the magazine is long out of print (Jan 1991) In case of any copywrite issues, I thought I'd be ok with this one illustration. I will happily scan in the whole article for you (or any one else) is you pm me you email.
Martin

 

[Inaki]

Great!!
Thank you, Martin.
I'll send you a pm.

Iñaki

 

[martin tabony]

You may find this film of bearskins being made interesting. If you scroll down to the word "stills" you can save the pictures.
Martin
http://www.britishpathe.com/video/adams-high-hat-aka-adams-high-hats/query/bearskins