That was the Year that Was

January the 2nd 2018 was the worst start one can imagine. But since then the light has shone more brightly and life has been good.

 

I have had a wonderful hobby year since April. Lots of additions to the painted collection. Managed to have a mould made and many new castings added to the lead mountain.

 

Made a number of the key characters in the SYW,

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Met up with old friends on a new forum which is fully focused on the period 1700-1783.

 

For 2019, the new hobby year starts with the arrival of the painted Austrian horse grenadiers, which will be a showcase regiment and probably the first genuine figures made and cast to represent these elite cavalry. These will be quickly followed by more painted Austrian/Saxon/Prussian cavalry and more Prussian infantry, FreiKorps Mayr and Garrison regiments. Somewhere in-between will be further Empire additions. The hand painted flags and pennants for the Polish Winged Hussars have also been ordered. So lots to look forward to seeing.

 

I have already made some figures for a new mould but still have a few more spaces to fill which will include further Russian cavalry and Ottomans.

 

My approach to my hobby remains more Hollywood/theatrical than Historical. I like big flags, big units, vignettes with movement and NCO's that are working the lines............Very Peter Gilder.

I love marching figures and cavalry with shouldered sabre but I do like the vignette pieces to have some character and to be eye-catching. I am aware this is not to all tastes but I have little time for the purist view. This is model soldiers, and that is all they are.

 

Thank you to All that have visited the Blog, and have a Wonderful Christmas to all readers.

John

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Welcome to the Military Gentleman's Webpage

Some years ago, following a series of articles shown on the internet of a campaign that I had completed, an American lady called Marcia contacted me regarding her ancestor who had been mentioned in a number of the engagements. This led to many conversations, emails and paperwork crossing the ‘big pond’.

It soon became apparent that, as a result of our correspondence, we had the material and the background to this character to turn his story into a publication. And so, with Marcia’s blessing, ‘The Travels and Adventures of an Officer of the 18th Century’ was born. The work, which is written as an adventure story, covers the earlier part of his military life.

The second part of the book is an extensive gallery of over 100 pages, including a number of double-page landscapes, allowing many of the models in the collection to be shown separately, along with photographs of other miniatures that are not included within the main story. 

The project has taken about seven years, from concept to publication.  Figures had to be made and painted, and models constructed to create the period backdrops in keeping with this amazing story. With the help of many friends, I have now completed the book, and it is now available.

click on photo to enlarge

The book has 300 pages, and this first limited edition (of 500 numbered copies) will be produced in large format (305mm by 230mm), on high quality 170gsm silk paper, cased in wibalin over 3mm boards, for a high-value production.

The binding is sewn litho to ensure stylish reproduction and because there are a number of double-page spread photographs. The unique inclusion of two ribbons will allow you the reader to keep an eye on the gallery section whilst at the same time enjoying the main story!

About the Photos

The pictures shown within the text of this webpage are merely "snaps" and do not appear in the book itself. (For an example of the professional photographs within the book, see the picture of the flags at the foot of this page).

Most pages of the book are illustrated with original pen and ink drawings, specially commissioned military artwork, and professional photographs of model soldiers. In total there are more than 500 images throughout the book, covering:

• the Russian /Ottoman Wars,
• Wars in Western Europe,
• the Bavarian Succession,
• and the conflict in America, culminating in the Wars with France and Spain. 

click on photo to enlarge

Within the book, there are:

• full-scale, pitched battles
• skirmishes
• duels
• naval engagements 
• and sieges

involving regular troops from the main protagonists of the 18th century world; and irregular troops, from Ottomans to North American Indians.

Please note:
This book is not for those who want a set of games rules, or a series of "how to" articles; but it is for those collectors who appreciate the fine art of beautiful model soldiers and armies in wonderful settings, including extensively detailed model towns and cities.

How do I acquire the book?

Go to the Book Order tab/button on the navigation bar above, and follow the process on that page, and you will receive the book within just a few days.



click on photo to enlarge



click on photo to enlarge

Thank you for your interest.

Best wishes

John