Del Prado · First World War · 1916
The steel helmet and heavily equipped khaki figure make this Del Prado sergeant a clear contrast with the smarter early-war officers. The model presents the NCO as a working infantryman carrying the burden of the front.
- Maker
- Del Prado
- Subject
- British Infantry Sergeant 1916
- Historical setting
- First World War · 1916
The helmet places the figure in a changing war
The National Army Museum’s Brodie helmet record notes large-scale issue from spring 1916. That makes the head protection a useful part of the date, rather than a timeless British uniform feature. The figure belongs to an army adapting its equipment after the first campaigns of the war.
A comparison with 1914
The catalog’s early-war British and French officers provide a useful contrast in silhouette and equipment. Displaying the figures with their dates makes the development of wartime appearance visible. Do not infer that every unit changed clothing on the same day, but use the comparison to explain why the First World War should not be represented by one unchanging uniform.
Check the helmet and the long weapon
The brim, muzzle, hands and exposed equipment edges deserve close photographs. A view from behind helps document the load that a frontal image can hide. Keep the base inscription and full 1916 sergeant title with the reference image. A listing described only as a “British Tommy” can refer to many Del Prado subjects from different dates and roles.
Figure reference
Del Prado British Infantry Sergeant 1916 — Planète Légendaire catalog record. The collecting observations above refer to the pictured model; condition varies between individual examples.