Well not exactly, what we have here is a rarity in the figure production. Instead of just copying the Marx Union figures as is usually done, the maker changed the figures.
The maker did two changes to the figures. The first change is to change the kepi to havelocked kepi. The second change that was to convert the rifle into a carbine rifle. The maker who is from Mexico did these changes to make the figures look like the French troops from the French invasion of Mexico of 1861 to 1867.
The figures have been pantagraphed down to 54mm, which means they will go well with the Marx Centennial and other 54mm figures. At the moment I know of only four poses that they did.
Thanks for the post Paul, you never know what will turn up that’s part of the fun of our Hobby,when you think you seen pretty much everything something new pops up !
Hi Paul,
Those figures look sort of rough and grainy, so possibly they may have made the changes to an original Marx figure by adding wax, then making a plaster mold and then having a brass, bronze, or even a lead mold cast.*
It would’ve been easier and cheaper that way, plus the step-down from 60mm to 54mm is pretty small. A pantograph might not be able to have done it. Pantographs usually work in larger ratios, like 3:1 or 2:1 but the shrinkage of a brass mold would account for the shrinkage down from the original 60mm.
Regards,
Steve
* Yes, you can inject plastic into lead molds. That over-molded skeleton I sent you pictures of, I sandcasted all the molds for that in a lead alloy. If you still have the skeleton picture go ahead and post it.
I have been looking into casting zinc molds. I haven’t tried it yet so don’t know if it will work. This is for use in a small plastic injector.
Steve,Sounds like you know and have some experience with molding and casting thanks for the input ,mind giving a little opinion on 3d printing,I’m working in sculpy and auto body spot putty and when finished ( if I ever finish ) I would like to have someone make 2 Masters for me one in 6 inch and one 57and a half mm ( bridge the 60mm and 54mm gap ) with a 3d printer then have silicone rubber molds made so I can cast in resin but I do not know much about 3d printers and the capabilities especially when it seems the technology is evolving fast ,any input from you will be appreciated !
Mark
Very interesting figures never done by Marx ,I should say good idea and great ad on to the civil war poses, good match in scale as very close to many like accurate, a call to arms,marx ,among other. No much detail, so what!; the hing fat, bmc civil war figures are not that detail and very body distorted and still many buy then. If ad some paint, detail will increase. Also the poses cloned were well choosing .And the same type hat was also used by other armies in Europe and South America around that period too.
Last if not too picky on uniform detail because the short type rifle that resemble a (Enfield Pattern 1853 rifle-musket )they could be used as British troops at the Indian mutiny 1857 still with a bit difference on hat some troops used same neck cover and short coats/ shirts with single bottom lines as these figures