[JPS]

Hello Gents,

I finally got around to photographing my Australian 3rd Pioneer display with the slouch hat and mixed P-08 and P-15 equipment. I also shot a series featuring a separate set of P-08 equipment along with an Australian M1905 Other Ranks Service Cap for a different look. Both appear in the stickied display thread above, with the slouch hat display appearing on the first page of posts and the alternate display is the newest addition on page 2 of the thread.

Sewn on the right side of the puggaree on the slouch hat is the unit badge of the 3rd Pioneer Battalion. The tunic featured in the display was originally issued to a member of this unit. The tunic was accompanied by a small framed box display that includes the ID disc of the soldier, a photo of the soldier on a pin-backed button that was most likely produced for a post WWI reunion. The display is rounded out with an ANZAC brass button and a piece of shrapnel. This has been one of my favorite displays for years and I'm pleased to have finally taken a proper set of photos of this display.

This display has always been one of my favorites and it's nice to finally have a series of proper photos.

I hope you enjoy the displays!

Warmest regards,

JPS

 

[Bayonetcollector]

Great, John, absolutely impressive as always.

 

[Joe Sweeney]

Very nice as usual.

So exactly how many mannequin displays do you have up at one time????

Take care,
Joe Sweeney

 

[Gustaf B]

Very nice as usual.

So exactly how many mannequin displays do you have up at one time????

Take care,
Joe Sweeney

Hey Joe, I would wager about 40, I have 18 in my collections room right now, and in spite of the fact that John does not have a Portuguese or a Belgian, his action figures make my collection look like a beginner's.
Best
Gus
PS we realty hate John

 

[TP]

John, you've done it again.

 

[JPS]

Hello Gents,

Thank you for taking the time to comment on these two new sets of photos. I had never gotten around to shooting a full set of photos of the Australian "Digger" display, however I needed a "BEF" stand in series of photos for a pending article, which led to the switch from slouch hat and mixed kit with the P-15 leather items to the M1905 Other Ranks Service Cap and the straight P-08 web kit. When these full size display photos appear in print they are small enough that the cap, collar and shoulder titles are very small. ..... ;>) .....At any rate, it's a nice set of photos to include in the Collection sticky.

In response to your question Joe, the total number of individual displays currently stands at 30 versus the larger collection of photo sets, some of which have been shot on a mix and match basis that were only put together to be photographed. As usual Gsu is exaggerating the number from 30 to 40 in order to deflect the hate directed at him for his latest acquisitions from the SOS! In partial defense of Gsu, if I had the additional space for 10 more mannequins, I might be able to squeeze in 10 more displays?

If you look at uniform items, i.e. tunics, greatcoats, etc. that are displayed on the walls combined with the caps, helmets and equipment displayed on the floor, you can see the possibilities. Most of the tunics and greatcoats have been incorporated in one or more of the photo presentations in the "stickied" thread. I also have some uniform items in storage in garment boxes.

Here are a few fairly recent photos of the Collection.

The rifles are arranged in sections by country behind the mannequin displays. The photo of the Zuoave display is old enough that the start of the Austro-Hungarian rifle section can clearly be seen in the row of Werndl's giving way to the M86, M86-90, M88 and M90 Mannlicher's to the right.

Thank you one and all for taking the time to comment and for your ongoing participation here on Gunboards. What a wonderful collection of Gentlemen along with Gsu who are regulars here! What a wonderful venue for sharing knowledge.

Warmest regards,

John

 

[Joe Sweeney]

WOW--What a "Moth's Wet Dream"

I see you have at least one display that is not in your stickee on mannequins.

Is that a French Chasseur wearing an M2 mask?????

Joe

 

[JPS]

Hi Joe,

Yes, there is indeed a bounty on moths anywhere within 50 miles of the Collection. But moths aside, one of my favorite aspects of having everything in one place is that amazing smell that welcomes you when you open the door. To most folks it's a musty old "Grandparent" odor, however I don't have to explain to the folks here on the Forum how wonderful that smell is!

And yes, that is indeed a French Chasseur behind the M2 mask. That's another display that hasn't been photographed in detail. Perhaps I'll try and get to that one next?

Always a pleasure Joe.

Warmest regards,

John

 

[Bayonetcollector]

however I don't have to explain to the folks here on the Forum how wonderful that smell is!

Indeed! Mmmmmm!