The manufacturers of Diplomacy have allowed Elvaston Collections of 10 Elvaston Place, London S.W.7., to produce a version of their internationally successful game. It is strictly limited to one edition and so this set will be completely unique and a future collector's item. The set itself consists of a collection of 42 hand painted lead soldiers depicting the various kings, dignatories, officers and infantry of the seven nations involved in the First World War. The British Army, for example, consists of King George V in full dress, Lord Kitchener, General Earl Haig and three infantry soldiers of the Irish Guards. The soldiers, from Tradition in Piccadilly, are 22" high and are worth today approximately £7.50p each. The Navy of each country consists of six lead battleships, 24" long hand painted in the appropriate colours. The board itself is a hand drawn War Map of Europe in 1914 printed on white paper and measures 4' x 4'6". Each country contains the necessary towns and supply depots to play Diplomacy and the borders have been inked in by hand in the colours of each nation. It is contained in a dark red velvet map case. Each player is also provided with a leather bound note book, with the name of the country he is playing written in gold leaf on the front, to write the orders for the Spring and Summer offensives. Her Majesty's Government have also given their permission for the firm to manufacture a red leather Royal Despatch Case as used by the Queen and Ministers of the Crown. The box is being specially made by the makers of the originals and will have King George V's insignia printed in gold on the top. The inside of the case will contain red leather note books and the collection of 42 battleships and the soldiers, which will be held in place by specially constructed trays covered in dark red velvet for the kings and officers, and dark green for the soldiers. The box itself will also be lined with dark red velvet. As has already been stated this game will be a unique version and any deposits received after the first one will be returned. A photograph of the set will be sent to the client when it is complete and the set will be sent, or delivered if possible, on receipt of the remainder of the money. The game itself was designed by Old Etonian Anthony Scott who studied designing with David Hicks and he also painted the collection of soldiers and ships. He is at present involved in designing and reproducing various high quality games, including a Backgammon set based on the design of the Duke of Wellington's Duelling Pistol Case. The game is still in the process of being made and will be complete by the end of May. It is being sold for £ 650 and a deposit of £ 300 will secure an order. Any enquiries will be gratefully received at the above address. Back to Table of Contents -- Wargamer's Newsletter # 162 To Wargamer's Newsletter List of Issues To MagWeb Master Magazine List © Copyright 1975 by Donald Featherstone. This article appears in MagWeb (Magazine Web) on the Internet World Wide Web. Other military history articles and gaming articles are available at http://www.magweb.com