LWFM HISTORIC FIGURES

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Here are some originals and customs of famous, not so famous and otherwise infamous characters of HISTORY...Real or Contrived.....
 

- NAPOLEON -
B O N A P A R T E
 
Original Custom Figure
 
After a long period of trying to get this one right, I have finally made what is for me, one of my Holy Grails of 1/6 figures, NAPOLEON!
As portrayed by actor Albert Dieudonne, his epic performance in the 1927 ABEL GANCE classic Silent film left me stirred and thunderstruck.
 
This amazing silent classic is one of a kind.
 
That it was essentially destroyed by the late 1920's editors for the release in the American market, which left the fledgling, Life of Napoleon, five film project, of which this was only the first, in shambles, never to be continued by director Gance, (to our major loss!)
 
But, after years of gathering, and research, Kevin Brownlow and others, recontructed the film back to a more presentable form in the 1980's, and I saw the film while in college, studying Video.
Again, I was amazed.
 
So, it is with great honor that I dedicate this figure to not only Actor Albert Dieudonne, who it is meant to directly resemble, but also to his family and legacy, that he might be remembered.
Also, I of course have to dedicate it with equal respect to visionary Director Abel Gance, and the amazing vision he shared with all of us.
And of course, to that fellow to which it all portrays,
the man bound to be Emperor...
 
NAPOLEON BONAPARTE!
 
 
Special thanks to Vikki Godwin, of The Fabric of Space and Time website, for her contributions to Napoleon's accessories, his lined hat and plain hat ribbon, cloak and the 1/6 scale French Flag were all sewn by this wonderful lady, who helped me to realize this figure.
Thanks Vikki!
 
This special one of a kind figure is a permanent part of my collection and is not for sale.
 
Click on pictures for larger views
 
 

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An American release poster, circa 1927 or later...
 
Here is Dieudonne, in the role...

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And now, my figure...
 

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To produce the figure, I used a Dragon body, a generic Dragon "Adam" head, which structually resembled Dieudonne somewhat, and so I repainted that for an accurate likeness,
then used the body from a Dragon French soldier, Jean, and reworked elements of the uniform to be more accurate to the segment of the film where Napoleon was a young Lieutenant.
 
I added the hair by hand and made the black, unrimmed hat from felt. and used real leather boots, a sword I found that resembled the longer sword used in the film, and added the large white Dragon Carnot Gloves, which adds a lot. Also a reworked German Gorget, or neck armor, which is the only one I could find to come close to a French one with eagles.
 
I also hand repainted the shoulder epaulets from the original red, to gold. This way, it would be more accurate, as I learned that enlisted men had red and officers wore gold.
 

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Click on pic for larger view

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So endeth the tribute!
Hope you enjoyed it.
 
I also hope you can find and see the great film that inspired me.
 
 

Vikki's Website

More HISTORY yet to come!
 
 

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