Garde Mobile, 1870: My Latest Figure

[Billhoran]

Attached are photos of my latest figure (also based on an contemporary painting) of a Garde Mobile during the winter of 1870-71. The Mobiles were basically National Guard units, mostly of lesser fighting abilities. Once most of the French Army was captured during the initial stages of the Franco-Prussian War, the Gardes, together with Zouaves, Marines and other oversees units that arrived late, bore the brunt of fighting in the latter part of the war.

Bill

 

[Billhoran]

Photo 2 of 3 ...

 

[Billhoran]

Photo 3 of 3.

 

[Ernest]

I can't say a word..........

................

 

[Johan]

... Great !

I see you have also noticed how the black colour in reality must have worn off quickly from the tops of the leather gaiters, with the brown leather colour shining through - this is a detail that you see quite often in contemporary paintings by De Neuville etc.

Another great figure !! Congratulations, Bill !

 

[JCOX]

WOW!

-jim cox

 

[Brad S]

Bill

You are a true inspiration!!!

 

[Guy]

Beautiful work Bill......thanks for sharing with us.

 

[jjgurk]

In a word....superb.

John

 

[bert]

Bill, just one word I can say, Fantastic !! As usual.

I would ask you one question : where does your interest for the Franco-Prussian war come from ?
In fact, this period of French history is not really a subject of interest for many of my compatriots.!! Certainly I guess because of the feelings due to the defeat...

Thanks a lot anyway for sharing your figure with us.

Best regards.

Bertrand

 

[Billhoran]

My interest really comes to a great extent from the very inspiring paintings of DeNeuville and Detaille. But really, I am interested in the war for the same reason all of us are interested in military history generally. The strange combination of courage endurance, heroism and comaradery, mixed with (usually in equal measure), cowardice, incompetence, fear and tragedy. In short war seems to capture in microcosm all the best - and worst of the human race. The Franco Prussian War, which was a comparatively brief campaign, seems to encapsulate all this in a very concentrated manner...plus I like the uniforms.

Bill

 

[captnenglish]

Can't wait to see it in person next month.

 

[Guayo]

Hi Bill, as you say, this war was the beginning of the end of the romatic era, the big impact of the fall of the Second Empire to the french society would last almost to the middle of the XX century.

Is just Amazing to see the hope of the French people in the National Guard, but sadly it proved a hopeless task , after the fall of Sedan and some bloody confrontation with the more discipline German Army, the new army lost 70,000 men through desertion, virtually the equivalent of the entire German force facing them.

I like the face of the figure, he must be mad with the novice NCO giving orders without sense. Another problem at the end of the war, the lack of officer and NCOs in the National Guard.

I send you a postcard that my Grandfather left me, it was from his private collection. they are Tirailleurs Sènègalais, may me it would help you in a future project.


Thanks,
Eduardo

PS: I been looking for this book, but can not find it , I friend toll me that is the best resource for uniforms of the French Army of Africa. May be you are more lucky.
http://www.brocase.com/brocase/armee_afrique_1830_1962.html

 

[yeo_64]

Bill !!! Thanks for sharing it with us. Cheers.
Kenneth.

 

[lbfactory]

Hi bill
amazing figure you have post here
thanks for us, french to do such great figures about our History
laurent

 

[RobH]

Thought you'd been quiet!

excellent character, and as usual so much in a static figure.



thanks for sharing

 

[Figure Mad]

Bill

Beautifully done, as per usual

Dave

 

[rafaelega]

Awesome work.

Rafa

 

[Dan Morton]

Excuse me while I pick my jaw off the floor.

Un- be- lieve- a- ble!

All the best,
Dan

 

[Von Bock]

Bill,
Well as I sat and stared at your figure in total amazement, I thought to myself why do I do figures again? Then my wife walks up and looks over my shoulder and says "WOW it's a wonder you still do figures after seeing work like that". Needless to say the thought of a large sale came to mind. Wonderful work I'm glad to be a member here and really glad you are willing to share such work. Regards Brock