EV Howell Hand Painted Miniature Wooden Soldiers 20th Regiment Lancashire Fusiliers VINTAGE

EV Howell Hand Painted Miniature Wooden Soldiers 20th Regiment Lancashire Fusiliers VINTAGE

A wonderful set of hand painted figurines painted by Lieutenant Ernest Vernon Howell (born 1891) around the 1930's. This collection of ten wooden soldiers shows part of the sartorial history of the 20th Regiment The Lancashire Fusiliers (1688-1968). 

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 group of miniatures illustrates a selection of uniforms worn by the 20th Regiment of Foot Soldiers (also known as the XX Foot) & The Lancashire Fusiliers from 1688 to the early 1900's. The models are made out of 4mm thick plywood and were painted by hand. Each soldier cut-out is made with a small tab that slots into a black wooden display base that measures approximately 10.5 x 4.5 x 1cm. The blocks are all marked with the soldier's rank and/or the Company's name with hand painted lettering in gold.

The models show their age; at least 90 years old now. Hence the soldiers show signs of discolouration and rubbed off or faded paint. One or two are a little warped and one of the Grenadiers has only half a sword. At some point a previous owner decided to pin the soldiers on the wall. The holes and the remains of a few drawing pins are still visible.But the look and condition is the reason why so many of us are drawn to items like this. The wonderful appearance simply cannot be duplicated.

The models have been kept in the 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 to obtain. Hence it is unlikely that many were ever made or have indeed survived. We are only aware of one other copy of a set of two figures (Sir Peyton & Grenadier Officer With Bearskin, also available from us). 

Product summary

• Sir Robert Peyton’s Regiment 1688 - Height 26cm 
• Foot Ensign 1688 - Height 42.5cm - Signed By The Artist
• Foot Grenadier 1759 - Height 29cm - Signed By The Artist
• Foot Private Minden 1759 - Height 30cm 
• Foot Grenadier 1768 - Height 31cm -  Signed By The Artist
• Foot Officer 1811 - Height 29cm - Stand With Artist’s Name & Address Label
• Foot Soldier 1854 - Height 29cm 
• Foot Officer 1800's - Height 29cm
• Grenadier Officer Bearskin Late 1800's/Early 1900's - Height 28cm
  
• Grenadier Officer Bearskin Late (Side View) 1800/Early 1900 - Height 29cm
• Made & Painted by: EV Howell
• Place of origin: United Kingdom
• Material: Wood & Paint
• Style: Fretwork
• Period: 20th Century (Circa 1930)
• Size: Height Average 30cm (12 inches)

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