Mannequins

[norwest]

One thing I've noticed is that many of our European brethren have very nice, life-like mannequins that really look superb as military displays. Here in the U.S., the only ones I see for sale are dorky or pansy mannequins that are so stylized or cheap-looking that I'd be embarrased to put a uniform on them. What's up with that?

Regards,
Kevin

[CWP]

Sometimes I think everything is better in Europe.

[John Huff]

Some of our European and (especially) New Zealand fellow collectors have become quite skilled in reworking (bondo and paint) mannequin faces for a better look. See this thread:

http://dev.wehrmacht-awards.com/foru...equin+painting

Mannequins were originally made to sell clothes -- not scare little children!

[Glenn Barbaritz]

Sometimes I think everything is better in Europe.

I hear that Chris. I work with some Europeans and I always ask them why are you over here... America, the land of the Almighty dollar and thats it. if you aint got it...

[Mat Holloway]

Its not that exciting over here in the uk, any place is what you make of it (with a few exceptions of course )

[norwest]

Sometimes I think everything is better in Europe.

I hear that Chris. I work with some Europeans and I always ask them why are you over here... America, the land of the Almighty dollar and thats it. if you aint got it...

Easy there, fellas. This wasn't meant to be an indictment of the good ol' US of A. I'm just talking about the quality of mannequins. Kind of like cheese and sports cars. Nothing I'd renounce my citizenship over.

--Kevin

[CWP]

I hear what you are saying. But I wonder if so many European products are better because they have a better work force. I think that it is evident to any American uniform collector that the Europeans have better mannequins, I am jealous. I think all our mannequins are made in China.

[norwest]

I think that the problem with mannequins, in particular, is that most of the consumers are retail stores that are forced to compete on razor-thin margins. Older store mannequins were actually quite life-like and substantial. Now, like you say, Chris, most are made in China with low-cost in mind. And once an industry goes to China, it forces the high-quality (cost), domestic producers out because with our open economy, everybody has free and easy access to the cheapest goods. So, like other items (toys, furniture, tools, dog food!, etc.), our mannequins are the victime of the "Wal-mart effect."

--Kevin

[bnz. 42]

I have been searching for a nice, medium/small-size mannequin (yes, at least just one!) in the USA forever. There is simply none, unless you want to pay over $1000 for a custom build "meseum mannequin". And no, I don't like Webster mannequins either. I tried to look for wax and silicone figures on eBay but they go for a few Grand there. It is "Mission impossible" to find a nice mannequin here. I ended up with buying "Jersey Covered Forms" (torsos) because I just cannot put beautiful uniforms on those ugly and oversized mannequins.

[boyouLaGleize.]

Nice display,with good light.

[Paul McKee]

Nothing wrong with using torso mannequins. As bnz.42 shows us, they can be done quite tastefully. Sometimes I feel that a realistic face distracts from the real topic of the display: the uniform and headgear.

The nice dramatic lighting helps too, by the way!

Paul

[Military Trader]

Nothing wrong with using torso mannequins. As bnz.42 shows us, they can be done quite tastefully. Sometimes I feel that a realistic face distracts from the real topic of the display: the uniform and headgear.



Paul

I agree -- To me some of the real life faces distract and take away from the imagination. I actually prefer the skin tone styrofoam faces (that you see everywhere) with just a shawdow of realism. The policeman in the previous post (bnx,42) is a nice one and kind of cool but some of those European ones I've seen on the forum are downright creepy.

[C.O.Sargent]

You might want to try amazon.com.

[NZMark]

It's all a matter of how you like to see your collection - as a display of items as fielded by the particular nation you favour in collecting, or representing said collection in a realistic setting/manner.
Obviously I favour the later view. To me, seeing a figure that is as accurate in costume as well as figure is key to a good display. If the mannequin looks non-proportionate, or unrealistic, then that spoils the effect trying to be achieved in the first instance - the replication of how the soldier appeared in reality.
I also store tunics on half mannequins as well - these are stylish and space savers, keeping the tunics in a natural shape and form for preservations sake.
The mannequins I favour are actually 1970's models, made here in NZ. Well made, great detail. Hard to find now as they were 'up-graded' the older models went to the dump.
I see a few on ebay, and here on the forum for sale that have huge potential, but the shipping cost is the killer.
Thank you for the kind words, and link, Mr Huff.
It's all a matter of personal choice - which produces variety - and that's a good thing.
Regards,
Mark.

[tex]

What about sending the mannequin from europe to america? It will cost a large amount on shipping, but you can choose from a large assortment of mannequins.

I just checked one of the bigger sellers in Holland and they ask
- DPD parcel = 210 euro
- Economy = 120 euro


At the end, you need to remember that a good looking mannequin will cost a lot of money, at least 250 - 300 euro. Then you can get one with moveable arms/legs etc. They are expensive