Help identifying an elusive Scotsman.

[Rob]

Anybody know what figure this is and who manufactured him?

Small 54mm (about 53mm high) was paintstripped by previous owner but had traces of blue on the cap, cream/possibly yellow on the tunic and brown on the breeches and puttees.
Whatever was in his missing hand is unknown as I don't have that bit. There is also a hole in the top centre of his cap for something to be fitted, a plume or hackle possibly?

I get as far as saying Scottish, mounted unit, trooper, post 1900 but why a bandolier on an undress or stable jacket? Any help appreciated.

 

[valiant]

Rob, "Vintage photograph of Highland company of Mounted Infantry in Matabeleland, Victorian British army, 1890s"

 

[Rob]

Highland company of Mounted Infantry in Matabeleland, Victorian British army, 1890s"

Nailed it, thanks.
Very interesting uniform, certainly unique enough to warrant reworking the figure.
I am assuming his missing hand probably held a rifle or carbine. I will need to hunt out some spare 1/32nd hands.

 

[NRG]

…..and the hole in the top of the glen garry is to fit the tourie (or bobble). Easily added.

 

[Rob]

…..and the hole in the top of the glen garry is to fit the tourie (or bobble). Easily added.

Thanks for that, he is not the greatest sculpt/casting but a very interesting uniform code.

 

[Oda]

Extremely interesting subject but the figure is in such a sorry state that I do not know if it is worthy salvaging and reworking.It would be easier scratchbuilding it I think but I will definitely follow you on this one.

Oda.

 

[Nap]

Looking at the picture you can see the drummer with his badge and cuff and seam lacing

Fairly sure this is the figure

TRADITION OF LONDON
SQN54 039 PRIVATE HIGHLAND MOUNTED INFANTRY COMPANY KIT

Have fun with this

Nap

 

[Rob]

Fairly sure this is the figure

TRADITION OF LONDON
SQN54 039 PRIVATE HIGHLAND MOUNTED INFANTRY COMPANY KIT

I would say you are right, that is the wee fella. Seems like Tradition still sell this range, painted and unpainted.

 

[Briggsy]

The figure is originally from the Sovereign range sculpted by the now deceased Alan Caton. He made these back in the 80's and sculpted in metal with files and soldering iron. He would churn about 5 a week out, the range was quite extensive, he also wrote some good articles for the BMSS, I still have his series on the Indian State Forces.

A very knowledgeable chap and as nice a bloke as you could wish to meet. The figures by todays standards are rough and probably lend themselves more to toy soldiers than serious painterly done figures. They were reasonable for their time and are now a part of the hobbies history, I haven't seen any of these for many many years.

I believe Sarum Soldiers also took on a load from this range, I seem to recall them being an off-shoot of Tradition though my recall is far less than perfect.

Cheers Simon