Completed "Defence of Hougoumont"

[Cambronne]

Up next on my table, another trio, this time Coldstream Guards. 75mm "Defence of Hougoumont" from Troop54. Nicely sculpted figures, no bad mould lines. My only reservation is they were cast with chinstraps on their Shakos, I can't find anything to back this up, so I took the descision to remove them, which wasn't too difficult. Now they're undercoated and blocked ready to start on their faces.
Stuart

 

[Briggsy]

Lovely set of figures, will be an interesting thread to follow.

Cheers Simon

 

[Martin64]

The chinstraps... not often seen but here they are
Cheers, Martin

 

[Steve Ski]

I agree, this is a nice set, Ruck On!

 

[Cambronne]

The chinstraps... not often seen but here they are
Cheers, Martin

Thanks Martin.
This is my problem. Your images are from "Closing the gates at Hougoumont", painted by Robert Gibb in 1903. It is the only image I can find that shows chinstraps!
I can't find any other evidence for them. No other painting, figure, or re-enactment I've seen has them.
I've seen original 1812 pattern regimental caps in the guards museum and they don't look like they have straps.
I'm tempted to think that Gibb, painting in 1903 after the Coldstreamers had bearskins with the famous chinstraps, just made an assumption and got it wrong in this painting.
Stuart

 

[Warren SMITH]

Nice figure set, looking forward to seeing how you present them..

 

[Waterlooman]

This is going to be good - count me in.

W.

 

[Waterlooman]

I went through all my reenactment videos I can not see a single Shako with a chin strap attached, so I dont think they where worn.

W.

 

[malc]

I went through all my reenactment videos I can not see a single Shako with a chin strap attached, so I dont think they where worn.

W.

With or without I think you should go with your gut on this, unless you have a time machine.

 

[Waterlooman]

Found this - might help (possibly) check out the price that Genuine Waterloo Shakos are fetching WOW. https://www.warhats.com/waterloo-1815-belgic-1812-pattern-shako-enlisted-man.html#/

W.

 

[malc]

Found this - might help (possibly) check out the price that Genuine Waterloo Shakos are fetching WOW. https://www.warhats.com/waterloo-1815-belgic-1812-pattern-shako-enlisted-man.html#/

W.

Going on that piece.... without.

 

[NigelR]

This is a wonderful set of figures and I look forward to seeing this one done.

I think you are spot on in your reasoning btw.

 

[MalcC]

This is going to be good - count me in.

W.

Me too.

Malc

 

[Pilgrim53]

Interesting debate; I have this set so of particular interest. Wellington's Foot Guards, Osprey Title, does show chinstraps. Have a Almark publication "Coldstream Guards' which does not. The other detail I am wrestling with is the Sgt Rank Insignia only on one arm. The Almark publication does show a Sgt with stripes on both arms.

 

[Briggsy]

I'll just agree with the consensus of opinion re the chin strap, even if it changes! Such a minor detail really in what is the start of what promises to be a very interesting thread.

Cheers Simon

 

[clubcat]

The other detail I am wrestling with is the Sgt Rank Insignia only on one arm. The Almark publication does show a Sgt with stripes on both arms.

Flank companies had chevrons on both arms (grenadier or light Co's), centre companies only on right arm.

All the best
Melanie

 

[Pilgrim53]

Thank you Melanie. That being the case then this Sgt should have both arms decorated as it was the Light Co. in the main that garrisoned Hougoumont!

 

[Cambronne]

Leaving aside the issue of chinstraps, (If I change my mind I can always add some on later) I've got some basic faces done. I'll revisit these again once the main figures is painted to generally “tweak” them and possibly tone down the "5'0clock shadow" on one.
I'm pleased the three figures are sculpted as a Guardsman, NCO Sergeant and officer, so I can do each variant of uniform. My main reference is “British Napoleonic Uniforms” by C. E. Franklin however I’m going to be in London later this week so may pop along to the Guards Museum to see what the real thing looks like.
I often photo faces and detail to check how I’m doing, they can be enlarged to see all my mistakes, but this is the first time sharing them with you.

Stuart

 

[Briggsy]

Good start, like you I find photos help as often one can't see the issue in scale. The 5 O'clock shadow is OK but give the chap black hair as auburn wouldn't be so dark. Looking forward to your progress.

Cheers Simon

 

[Viking Bob]

I think you will find the answer to the question of chin straps in that book. He says no.