Zanzibari Regulars - Officers Finished 12/10/2011

[Dr Mathias]

Normally I don't show WIP (rather, I don't think to take a pic until its too late) but I wanted to show the officers I am working on for my Copplestone Zanzibari Regular army. I scored some of the rare OOP marching poses off eBay (almost certainly recasts unfortunately) and happened to find a Foundry Darkest Africa Stanley at the recruits convention a couple weeks ago. I've had him in mind for a conversion for quite a while- the British Zanzibar officer, wearing what has to be one of the most ostentatious uniforms to appear on a European in a colonial backwater. There's a good image of his uniform in the Foundry "Armies of East Africa' book. My only regret is that my version is more 'healthy and fit' than the slightly tubby officer in the image below.  



After the head swap from a Copplestone Naval officer, I decided to make an African arab officer, color bearer, and bugler while I was at it. It was my first attempt at doing hussar style lacing and I have to say I have nothing but respect for mini sculptors.

[Mycenius]

Very Nice.

[Justin Buck]

Those look awesome! I wish I could manipulate green stuff that well.  Mine always looks like son 2yo threw some playdough on my figures 

Justin

[Dr. Kevin Moon III esq.]

Looking super!

[Arthur]

Can't wait to see them painted.

[Dr Mathias]

After laboring on my Space Hulk layout and miniatures for so long, I'd forgotten how quick and easy (relatively speaking) it is to paint up Copplestone figures. I've managed to get the officers, attendants, and marching poses painted up to match the Zanzibar regular force I painted about eight years ago 



I didn't have a clear concept of what the African officer's uniform would look like as I've never seen a color photo- I could only go off descriptions in the Foundry Africa books. My goodness is it garish.

I gave the fez a yellow stripe, which was my interpretation of "red and yellow" fezzes described by one period account. It also helps to differentiate them from my British and Egyptian askaris. That also meant I had to go back and paint a yellow band on all the older figures...



A Zanzibari patrol evicts the inhabitants of a tembe allegedly harboring slavers...

[inkydave]

Its been worth the wait
Nice PJs on all those whites, plus the fezzes look particularly good.

[Svennn]

More than a little bit nice  They are simply superb

[Traveler Man]

Excellent! 

[answer_is_42]

More than a little bit nice  They are simply superb

What he said.

Must admit I know nothing of the regular forces of Zanzibar in the colonial era. What were they like?

[Marine0846]

Fine looking troops.
Have to ask,"Will they fight?"

[Dr Mathias]

Must admit I know nothing of the regular forces of Zanzibar in the colonial era. What were they like?

According to the sources that bother to mention them (Colonial Armies in Africa by Abbott and East Africa by Chris Peers) the Zanzibari regular forces looked great on parade- supposedly good enough to put some European regiments to shame- but were not particularly good in the field. At its largest the army had around 1200 men if I recall. I must admit that I haven't read any accounts of minor actions they took part in... I'm not even sure why I have them, other than I enjoy the word 'Zanzibar' and pretty much collect everything Darkest Africa. I haven't read all of Zanzibar in Contemporary Times but it does mention some Whitworth cannon, so I acquired one for my little company along with a Nordenfeldt and some terrible, terrible Old Glory crew.

I do know the regular army supported the British during the Anglo-Zanzibar War (which lasted less than an hour!!!) and came under fire but didn't suffer any casualties. Copplestone used to have some information on his website when he had them for sale, but that was many years ago.

Fine looking troops.
Have to ask,"Will they fight?"

The troops under my command fight- just not very well and under poor leadership

[Ray Rivers]

 

Nicely done!  They look fantastic!

[Dr. Kevin Moon III esq.]

Fantastic looking force. The white is really well done.

[Captain Blood]

Superb Matt. They look absolutely dandy