Geppetto Productions

1/6th Grenadiers of the Guard

Review By Robert Hamper

I didn’t get a chance to see the latest Courier review material until I returned home from sea. Luckily, for my long-suffering spouse, Christmas had just passed, for when I opened the envelope, I found inside information on some of the most stunning Napoleonic collectibles available.

The items in question are a series of 1/6th scale super-lifelike recreations of Napoleonic personalities. My data sheets show pictures of Imperial Guard Grenadiers and Napoleon on his horse Marengo (only the Grenadiers are currently a product line). These are not toy soldiers, these are not action figures, but are meant solely as display pieces. Each figure is hand crafted by artisans in small lots as opposed to factory manufacturer. The artist, Greg Mowry, personally sculpted the head for the veteran unit. [Note: the first edition is fabricated as described but, from info on the site, the second edition will likely be made in China to help reduce costs]

The cloth is of “imported English superfine doeskin wool” and is specifically tailored to give the historical fit and finish of the uniform. Indeed, the breeches are tight and the waistcoat and habite longue are trim and sharp. It’s all there; gaiters with brass buttons over black boots, the long coat tails with turnbacks and exploding grenades, the black cartridge box with proper brass appointments. It’s a veritable uniform study in itself.

The whole is capped off (pardon the pun) by the bearskin headgear. Cords, flounders, plumes, cockade, copper plate and the bearskin itself is of synthetic fibre are all lovingly and convincingly recreated.

The accompanying equipment is no less remarkable. The Charleville musket is faithfully fabricated - the bayonet is even slotted and can be removed and placed in its scabbard! I’m not sure if the same can be said for the sword. The great coat is rolled on top of a calfskin pack which is rough and discoloured like raw leather. The arms are obviously movable as the site shows the soldiers in different poses. The hands are modeled in a ‘monkey’ grip so as to enable the holding of the musket in different stances. Those who are truly keen may even be able to fashion a flagpole and eagle standard for the troops to protect!

I’m sure that the wargaming ‘grognards’ will have some minor quibbles as to detail, but overall the figures are breathtaking. My only grumble is that all the faces look the same so that if I did purchase more than one (!) then the figures would be virtually identical. However at $150US each, that’s probably not going to happen! So, that’s a very minor point.

Greg Mowry and Geppetto Productions (www.geppettoproductions.com) have done a remarkable job. Do yourself a favour, check out the website and have a peek. Also, see what other goodies are there including some awesome uniform displays. Ok, enough writing, I have some work to do: “Dear Santa, I have been a good wargamer all year…”Geppetto Productions, 208 North Catalina St., Burbank, CA. 91505 Ph: 818 842 3364

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