Friday, January 2, 2015

Sir Archibald Douglas, Guardian of Scotland

Another one of the  FireForge plastic figures - painted up as Sir Archibald Douglas, Guardian of Scotland. He was the half-brother of Sir James Douglas who carried Robert the Bruce's heart to the Holy Land, whereby the heart was added to all future Douglas' arms - as seen here with Sir Archibald.
These arms are very catchy and seem almost made up except for the actual history.
The FireForge kit comes with ailettes - "little wings" in French - which were popular for a little while in the early 14th C. The Sugarloaf helm is a spare (Mirliton?) metal one as the Mounted MAA kit doesn't come with great helms.
Unfortunately, Sir Archibald is best known for being the commander of Scottish forces defeated by Edward III at Halidon Hill in 1333. Sir Archibald died at the battle, along with five Scottish earls.
This is the first project completed for 2015 - and I see that I forgot to paint the metal parts on the horse furniture - since corrected. Happy New Year!
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32 comments:

  1. JasonJanuary 2, 2015 at 6:16 PM

    It's a pleasure to see your post Dean. So much attention to detail with your brushwork, and my goodness, it is so effective. Very impressive.
    Best wishes for 2015 - Happy New Year!
    Jason

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    1. DeanMJanuary 2, 2015 at 6:48 PM

      Thanks for the visit and nice comments, Jason! I'm honored to have you as the first visitor to the blog for 2015! Happy new year! Dean

      Delete
  2. Paul WJanuary 2, 2015 at 8:54 PM

    Lovely freehand Dean, an excellent figure all round. I love all the history that comes with these medieval pieces.

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  3. Jonathan FreitagJanuary 2, 2015 at 9:43 PM

    That is fascinating history and an almost fantastical heraldry. With red, white, and blue coloring and star motif, Sir Archie reminds me of Evel Knievel of the 14th Century.

    Outstanding brushwork, as always.

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    1. DeanMJanuary 2, 2015 at 9:49 PM

      Thanks, Jonathan! I also got a similar impression by the arms. Happy new year! Dean

      Delete
  4. NateJanuary 2, 2015 at 10:00 PM

    Stunning! Great info on this guy. All the best for 2015.

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    1. DeanMJanuary 2, 2015 at 10:10 PM

      Thanks, Nate! Yes, happy new year to you too! Dean

      Delete
  5. KlingulaJanuary 2, 2015 at 10:06 PM

    Delightful work, Dean! It is even more such figures in New Year 8)

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    1. DeanMJanuary 2, 2015 at 10:15 PM

      Thank you kindly! Happy new year to you too! Dean

      Delete
  6. Black PowderJanuary 2, 2015 at 11:15 PM

    Most impressive work Dean, those bardings newer looked better! I like your work on the horse as well, looks great. Hopefully he'll stay in the saddle a little longer than his historical counterpart.

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    1. DeanMJanuary 3, 2015 at 12:01 AM

      Thanks, Soren. I appreciate your nice comments. Happy 2015! Dean

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  7. PhilJanuary 3, 2015 at 12:06 AM

    Splendid, stars and heart are amazing! Happy New Year!

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  8. roma912January 3, 2015 at 12:42 AM

    Excellent! Great work on the heraldic devices andcthe red, white and blue colour scheme looks superb. All the best for 2015.

    Cheers, Ross

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  9. RogJanuary 3, 2015 at 1:14 AM

    Impressive artwork - the detailing is superb! I just love the heraldry :) Happy 2015!

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  10. Michael AwdryJanuary 3, 2015 at 1:18 AM

    You are really getting to grips with these Dean, everyone is a tiny work of art in its own right.

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  11. maximexJanuary 3, 2015 at 2:07 AM

    The mighty work again.
    Knight's downright seems and influence it's "cordially"

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  12. RodgerJanuary 3, 2015 at 2:57 AM

    Stunning work on Sir Archibald Dean!

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  13. DannocJanuary 3, 2015 at 4:24 AM

    Fantastic paintwork as usual.
    Happy new year

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  14. MontyJanuary 3, 2015 at 7:16 AM

    Dead lovely, Dean! You churn out heraldry like you've been doing this your whole life.

    The blue background and white star made me think of Captain America. Captain Scotland, perhaps? ;-)

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  15. DeanMJanuary 3, 2015 at 8:15 AM

    Thank you all very much for your continued visits in 2015 and posting such nice comments! I pray the best for all of you in the new year! Warmest Regards, Dean

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  16. UnknownJanuary 3, 2015 at 8:51 AM

    I'm sorry to be late, but The Hubbies Aunt passed away late January 1st so I'm behind reading blogs.

    This is another smashing figure. I've never seen heraldry like that before. Gorgeous work!

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    1. DeanMJanuary 3, 2015 at 9:10 AM

      Thank you kindly, Anne. No apologies ever necessary - especially for the loss of family - my condolences. Best to you and yours in 2015! Dean

      Delete
  17. Christopher(aka Axebreaker)January 3, 2015 at 10:14 AM

    I guess Captain America can al least trace some of his ancestry to Scotland.:-)
    Seriously though he looks great Dean and you did another fine exhibition in painting heraldic knights!

    Christopher

    Christopher

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    1. DeanMJanuary 3, 2015 at 11:07 AM

      Thanks, Christopher. It is a very interesting coat of arms - the white stars on the blue field certainly makes one immediately associate it with the US flag and it's related symbolism. Interestingly enough, George Washington's ancestral coat of arms includes stars (on a red field). Happy 2015! Dean

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  18. Willie AndersonJanuary 3, 2015 at 11:30 AM

    Outstanding Dean !

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  19. Evan HughesJanuary 3, 2015 at 2:53 PM

    Simply outstanding work, Dean. I wouldn't have thought it possible, but your technique just gets better and better with each passing year!

    Your latest series of knights in all their splendour is nothing short of amazing. I am truly impressed!

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    1. DeanMJanuary 3, 2015 at 5:45 PM

      Ah, Evan, you're too kind. Warmest regards and Happy 2015! Dean

      Delete
  20. BaconfatJanuary 4, 2015 at 3:23 PM

    What a beautiful mini. He's like a mounted Captain America of Love.

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  21. peterJanuary 5, 2015 at 5:52 AM

    Wonderfull and colourfull painted knight! Looking at the heraldy, you could think it is an early American (just teasing Dean!)

    Greetings
    Peter

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  22. DeanMJanuary 5, 2015 at 6:05 AM

    Thanks, Gents! I always liked these arms ever since seeing them in Turbull book. Best, Dean

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