Saturday, 11 April 2020

Dorset Greys, who are they?

With all the Collectors Shows cancelled I was feeling very much in need of a Toy Soldier fix, so trawling through everybodies favourite internet auction site I came across these:


Nobody seemed interested in them but they are toy soldiers and they were fairly priced, so they fill two of my buying criteria (well, all of my buying criteria really), but the question is What are they?

They were listed as Dorset - Crimean War period - Infantry grey uniforms.  I could see from the sculpting and painting style they were made by Dorset Model Soldiers (they're also marked GB under the base - Giles Brown, the founder of Dorset) but Crimean War?  I'm less comfortable with that, they look something more like U.S. infantry of 1812/20 to me, what do you think?

I may have to do a bit of basing to make them more table stable.  I have no qualms about mixing plastic with metal figures in my collection but have tended to avoid the later because of the weight when transporting them.   Anyway it's nice to be able to add a complete new unit where someone else has done all the work.  I plan to use them as the nucleus for a Napoleonic Swedish army, another project which has been on the back burner for a very long time!

12 comments:

  1. Interesting find and an "essential purchase" under lockdown. At least now Dorset Soldiers are back in production you can add to the ranks.

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    1. They're a good sized unit, but you're right about adding to them, they definitely need a bugler and a standard bearer.

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    1. Well it's something different and a unit I'd never have made myself.

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  3. I don't know anything about the "Dorset Greys" but they look very smart - great purchase

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    1. The "Dorset Greys" sounds like a good name for a Militia Regiment, I think I'll stick with it!

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  4. I agree that the all grey with Round Hat says "1812 US state militia" but looking at the actual castings beneath the paint, with long tails, mid 19thC British style epaulettes and equipment I would say Crimean British bodies with new heads from the French Rev/Napoleonic era.

    Both round hats and grey jackets were seen in many settings so a useful as well as an attractive addition. with many uses I'm sure.

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    1. Thanks for this, I like the idea of State Militia, they'll definitely see some action against those pesky redskins!

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  5. Great find Brian! They do look like 1812 American militia, but they could work in many other scenarios as well. I'm sure that you will find many uses for them! Enjoy!

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    1. I see there is a Dorset in Vermont USA and their Militia, the "Green Mountain Boys" mustered for the French Indian Wars and the War of 1812 so lots of potential there.

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  6. Might they be 19th century British Milita?

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    1. That's a thought, perhaps they might be, or even C18th?

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