Toy Soldier Collector Magazine

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Beau Geste WWI Sets

Review taken from 'New Releases Part 2'

When one thinks of Beau Geste the pomp and ceremony, not forgetting the colour, of the spectacular that was the Delhi Durbar automatically springs to mind. However, although this company from Argentina aims to produce all the ceremonial elephants from the Durbar Grand Parade over time, there is a lot more to the company’s catalogue than just India at the height of the British Empire.

The company has built up an extensive catalogue since its arrival on the scene in the mid 1980s, which not only covers the Delhi Durbar, but also includes such campaigns and theatres of war as World War I, the Boxer Rebellion and the Napoleonic Colonial period amongst others.

The latest new sets due for release feature the 4th battalion, 160th Brigade, 54th Division of the Royal Sussex Regiment in Sinai c. 1916-17 wearing tropical dress (set 273). This set of seven figures includes an Officer and Medical Orderly together with five Privates at the march. The lengths that Beau Geste go to when researching figures prior to release are once again to the fore here. Really authentic attention to detail can be seen in the umbrella that the officer is carrying as he encourages his charges to pace out their step. Typical of the British abroad the officer is ready for any eventuality including the weather! He could of course being planning to use his brolly to shield himself from the searing heat of the mid day sun. The figures are finished in a traditional gloss paint finish in the vibrant colours that one has now come to expect from figures from this company.

The second new set in the WWI series features two mounted French Chasseurs circa 1914 (set 276) and are again finished in the instantly recognisable vibrant gloss finish which one now associates with Beau Geste, The troopers are depicted in their campaign uniforms of blue jackets and red trousers with kepi style caps, reminiscent of those worn by the French Foreign Legion, on walking horses with lances in the upright position. Both troopers are also further equipped with rifles which are slung over their shoulders.

Both sets are priced at $141 plus shipping and should be available by the time you read this review. Unfortunately there are as yet no UK stockists for Beau Geste, but these sets can be ordered through Tree Frog Treasures in the USA (Treefrog offer free shipping on all international orders of $250 or more). Alternatively you can order direct from Beau Geste if you prefer.

Date Published Sun, 01/31/2010 - 09:25
Author: Martin Ainscough

Contact
Beau Geste Toy soldiers
Pico 2021 - (1429)
Buenos Aires
Argentina

Tel: (5411) 4702 9394
www.beau-geste.com

Worldwide mail order:
Treefrog Treasures
248 Sandstone Dr. NW
Eyota
MN 55934
USA

Tel: +1 866 394 2418
www.treefrogtreasures.com

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