Last year the opportunity arose for me to buy some of Joe Dever's collection. I had been on the lookout for his figures, having the feeling some of his estate might be sold off after his sad and untimely death in 2016, and sure enough they started to appear on ebay. I contacted the seller and was told Joe's collection was being sold in order to raise funds for his son, so I provided a list of figures I was interested in, among which were my Holy Grail of wargaming units, Baron Galen's cavalry from the Thistlewood scenario in White Dwarf 43, pictures below charging a line of orcs
They are Minifigs Knights of the Silver Rose which featured in several of Joe's demo games such as here (unit centre right)
and here (centre right again)
and here they are in full technicolour residing in my attic
They are beautifully painted, and I have a feeling they may be by a friend of Joe's as his style was quite different. The varnish is starting to yellow which gives them a pleasing ivory look (not visible in these pics).
In the first picture of the post, showing the Thistlewood game, there is a wyvern swooping down in the background...part of Lord Vassago's army....
The beast on the left is the very same figure, accompanied by another from Mr.Dever's collection. They are both Citadel Fiend Factory figures.
Needless to say I am beside myself with glee to have been able to purchase these figures, part of photographs which inspired me and filled me with wonder as a youngster. I have bought a few more items from the collection, and hope to show you them in the future.
It seems very fitting that they should pass into your safe keeping. They look splendid ( l too like a yellow ivory varnish look) and l look forward to seeing your other purchases here.
ReplyDeleteI was rather thrilled to get them, and will post some of the other figures soon.
DeleteI'm glad you managed to get your hands on some of these. I had forgotten polly-filler basing.
ReplyDeleteThanks, I was delighted. I still use wall filler for my bases...very retro.
DeleteWell done! Excellent addition to the collection and a nice piece of gaming history. I picked up a small manticore just to have one part.
ReplyDeleteThanks Dave. I now need to grow back the arm and leg I gave for them.
DeleteGlad they are have gone to a good home ! .
ReplyDeleteThanks Tony.... they will be well loved, and used in games.
DeleteWow! Amazing acquisition! Congratulations on owning these figures.
ReplyDeleteSuch beautiful paintwork too. I'm sure you'll enjoy playing with them.
Thanks MJT. So far they have fared badly in one Warhammer 1st ed battle, being blown off their horses by a spell and then attacked by orcs... such is the luck of a new unit.
DeleteThey are lovely...Congratulations on reclaiming such an important bit of your youth! Must feel wonderful.
ReplyDeleteThanks Mouse... pity I can't reclaim other bits of my youth, but this is a start.
DeleteVery glad you got them. I must admit when I saw the collection for sale my heart sank. Fantastic that these have gone to somebody who appreciates them.
ReplyDeleteThanks Mike. It was a challenge communicating with the seller, I even offered to travel hundreds of miles to view the collection so I could cherry pick but to no avail. It's a shame as I would have happily spent a lot more money than I did which would have gone to help Joe's son.
ReplyDeleteAt least some have found a good home. I had my Lone Wolf figures professionally painted. The plan is to display them in a deep picture frame as a small tribute.
ReplyDeleteI must say I get an awful feeling of melancholy when I see those old pictures.