This is a figure somehow different than the ones I use to post even if belongs to the same nation and in some extent might be interpreted as during WWII as well..... :-D
At the end of the topic there will be a brief review of the figure and I hope you all will like the images and the text.
Cristian Florescu
“1/72 Lederhosen Figure”
Brief Review:
For sure Braille Scale figures dressed in Lederhosen represent a rarity and a welcome approach especially due to the fact that such a mini might cover a large period, at least starting from the XVIII century to nowadays. Specially created for Benno’s Figures Forum members, the present figure has been issued only in 100 copies and is not available for sale. Started as a joke, the character being inspired by a photo of a member dressed in Lederhosen, the mini was impressively sculptured by another member of the same forum whose works, mainly focused on Middle Eve are rightfully acknowledged as true masterpieces of Braille Scale.
In a joyful attitude, the figure perfectly transmits not only the friendship atmosphere encountered on the above mentioned forum which started to become one of the most important in the field of figures, but also a salute and an invitation addressed to all Braille Scale figure collectors and modellers for visiting the place.
Dressed in the famous Lederhosen, shirt, and long socks, shoeing boots and wearing a hat on the head, the figure reassembles a traditional outfit so often met on various celebrations. Made of leather and initially used at working activities, Lederhosen are kind of traditional folk costume in the Germanic Alps and surrounding regions. Although their popularity started to decrease two centuries ago, Lederhosen are still a common presence in Bavaria and Tyrol. However, nowadays folk festivals and beer parties such as the famous Oktoberfest in Munich are the most recommended places for encountering people still wearing these traditional trousers, either as a symbol of strength and virility or just for fun.
Not only his attire, but also his attitude and gestures, with a mug of beer lifted up in the right hand and the mouth large open provide proper indications related to the place where he can. Either wanting to give cheers with a friend or just waving the mug in the air while a band plays a folk song, he certainly feels extremely good. Still, taking profit by the way he is dressed, the figure in Lederhosen might represent even a German soldier during WWI or WWII, in a moment of quiet on the front line while celebrating something. Such approach won’t look odd while various references portray German soldiers, especially during WWII, dressing civil or even more bizarre cloths than these traditional trousers.
From the very beginning the figure impresses through the large number of high quality small details available on the clothes, shoes and hat. Clearly distinguished strings of trousers and boots, feathers of the hat and natural creases are just few of the niceties prepared by the sculptor to delight the painters and viewers.
As regards anatomy, this is really outstanding, paying attention to normal proportions and with awesome facial details enhanced by the opened mouth where we can see also some teeth, easily noticed eyes, eye-brows, nose and ears. Nicely shaped fingers and hair bring their contribution in restating the efforts and skills put in. Due to the size, the figure can be enrolled in the tall part of 1/72, being perfectly compatible with a large number of minis. For giving just few references, Revell’s “German Navy”, Pegasus Hobbies’ “Waffen SS Set 1” or “Germans in Berlin” are very similar from the size point of view.
Delivered on a slot, the figure is casted in a high quality resin, featuring no bubbles or excess of material while flash is maintained at a low level. After removing from its slot the figure benefits by a great balance, so no need for a base. Moreover, resin offers an ideal location for enamel, acrylics, artistic oils, and pigments, retaining the painting work even at heavy handling.
For sure the figure brings with it the smell of beer, sausages and sauerkraut as well as the fantastic atmosphere of a Bavarian beer party. Its top-notch details impose the figure in Lederhosen as an excellent realisation and a real pleasure to paint or watch in spite of the scale while the long historical period covered and the small number of copies turn him into a valuable piece admired and desired by many collectors or modellers.
Historical Accuracy 10
Anatomy 10
Poses Quality 10
Details Quality 10
Mould Quality 10
Sculpture 10
Recommendation/Utility 10
Reviewer’s opinion 10