EV Howell Hand Painted Miniature Wooden Soldier The Argyle & Sutherland Highlanders VINTAGE

EV Howell Hand Painted Miniature Wooden Soldier The Argyle & Sutherland Highlanders VINTAGE

A hand painted figurine painted by Lieutenant Ernest Vernon Howell (born 1891) around the 1930's. Part of a series of wooden soldiers to show off the sartorial history of the regiment of The Argyle & Sutherland Highlanders.

Lieutenant Howell took up his hobby of painting again after having to leave the army due to disability in 1920. To support his family he turned to the making and hand painting of wooden cut-out  soldiers. Made in various sizes, he supplied the various regiments and museums as well as private customers. His knowledge of the military helped him to paint detailed representations of the various types of dress and uniforms over the centuries.

This miniature was made to illustrate one of the uniforms of The Argyle and Sutherland Highlanders. Constructed from 4mm thick plywood this double-sided figurine is painted by hand. Usually made with a small tab that slots into a black wooden display base that measures approximately 10.5 x 4.5 x 1cm. Unfortunately at some point during its long life the soldier lost his feet, tab and display stand. A second break, a little further up the leg, has received an honest repair. A replacement stand was commissioned by us.

The model shows its age; at least 90 years old now. Hence the soldier shows signs of discolouration and rubbed off or faded paint.  However this look and conditio is the reason why so many of us are drawn to items like this. The wonderful slightly faded appearance simply cannot be duplicated.

The model has been kept in its same original condition as received by us. The small display stands have a thin layer of wax applied.

It is not known how many miniature soldiers and uniform versions EV Howell produced. Only on a rare occasion versions of his figurines are made available. Hence it is unlikely that many were ever designed or have indeed survived. It is well possible that only one version of this figurine was ever made. This is the only double-sided version that we have come across, making it more than likely, pretty unique.

 Product summary

• Argyle & Sutherland Highlander (Side View) 1890 to 1930 Height 29cm - Painted double-sided - Newly commissioned wooden stand 
•  Made & Painted by: EV Howell
• Place of origin: United Kingdom
• Material: Wood & Paint
• Style: Fretwork
• Period: 20th Century (Circa 1925 and later)
• Size: Height Average 30cm (12 inches)

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