Command, signals, dispatch riders, military police, tank crews, musicians and other support subjects.
The helmet markings, arm identification and medical bags distinguish this figure from the riflemen around him. Del Prado’s 94th Division subject makes care and casualty handling part of the collection’s account of the final European campaign.
The object held by this Canadian sailor is the key to the figure: a signal lamp. His cold-weather clothing and helmet frame a naval communications subject that is easy to misidentify in a small auction photograph.
The backpack radio changes the meaning of this Marine’s pose. He is not simply another rifleman with extra luggage: the equipment represents a link between a small group on the ground and the wider organisation supporting it.
The feather bonnet, tartan and bagpipes make this one of the most elaborate silhouettes in the Del Prado First World War group. It is a musician’s portrait, with the instrument and clothing carrying a story different from that of a rifleman.
The drawn dagger and carried explosives make this Italian subject different from an ordinary rifleman. Del Prado’s assault engineer brings the practical and dangerous work of approaching obstacles into a North African collection.
The large metal gorget at the chest is the key to this figure. It identifies a military-police subject whose traffic paddle and equipment bring movement control and authority into a display usually dominated by combat poses.
The bright sleeve decoration and raised instrument distinguish NA084 before the viewer notices the pale horse. This is a cavalry figure whose purpose can be explained through sound and recognition rather than a drawn weapon.
The light horse and blue-clad musician make NA043 stand out from the green-coated dragoons. The raised instrument adds an audible role to the group and gives collectors a striking comparison of dress within a single cavalry arm.
The brown apron and broad axe distinguish NA030 from the other 71st figures before the regimental headgear comes into focus. It is a practical subject that expands a collection beyond firing and loading poses.
A long apron and an axe identify NA028 more clearly than his plume. This marching pioneer brings a practical trade into the French infantry group: clearing and opening the way rather than simply carrying another musket.
