Napoleonic How To ..

[moore]

I am starting a new figure.. UEM, Private Lancers of Berg.
I want to make that wire thing.. I think its called the flounder..
on his Chapska, hat.
I have tried all kinds of wire.. but they are really stiff and hard
to coil.. then I have to kind of un-coil it and stretch it out.
What kind of wire could I use ?
I have tried floral wire... Orivis fly wire...safety wire...brass...
Can't seem to get anything to really work.

Any ideas would be appreciated.

Thanks
Dee

 

[John Long]

I'd recommend very small solder, or lead wire from a tie flying shop.

 

[moore]

Hi John,
Solder.. never thought of that.. the Orvis fly wire.. is what I tried..
is there a difference between lead and non lead ? I have the non
lead fly wire. Maybe thats why its too soft ?

Thank you for your help

Dee

 

[marcellin de marbot]

Hello Dee Moore,
You did not say (or I did not understand) what scale you are working.
Anyway, I think the wires suggested by John may be good. Yes, a lead wire is easy to put around the shapska. here I send a pic of a real shakpska of red lancers, so you can see how it was. You must consider that they were of wool
Best regards
Marcello

 

[moore]

Hi Marcello
The scale is 120 mm
Thank you for the picture.
I will try the solder and try lead fly fishing wire, John mentioned.
I could not see how the wire hooked and your picture is very clear.

Thank you as always for your help.

Dee