Summary

Hand made marionette depicting a soldier holding a rifle. It was manufactured and operated in Melbourne by Alex and Murray Smith, who performed as part of Le Forgeron Marionettes from 1930 until 1956.

Physical Description

Marionette depicting a soldier, who is wearing a red jacket with a black vinyl belt. On the jacket there is a large white x across his front and back, from his shoulders to his waist. There are five black and gold buttons down his front. His trousers are white and have become somewhat discoloured and have several small holes. His black shoes have been painted on and his felt soles are still intact. The soldier's hands are large and unpainted. Attached to the soldier's hand and shoulder by string, is a large gun. The gun is wooden and has been painted black. The soldier's face remains largely intact, despite cracking and some chipping. His black hair is painted on, as are his blue eyes. The soldier wears a tall helmet which has been nailed to his head. There is a large white blob on the front of his helmet which is slightly raised- perhaps something had once been attached to it. The helmet has a few chips in its paintwork and has a split in the front. This marionette has a three piece mechanism. There are operating strings attached to numerous parts of him, including his head, limbs and shoulders. The feet have been weighted

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