ACTION MAN

17th/21st Lancers 1972

Period: Flock Head

Dates: 1972-c.73

Cat No: 34136

17th / 21st Lancers Description:

Originally launched in 1970 the 'Famous British Regiments', renamed the next year in the Equipment Manual 'Famous British Uniforms' and colloquially known as the 'The Ceremonial Range' were fantastically detailed. They included the Grenadier Guard and Argyll & Sutherland Highlanders (and the Parachute Regiment [battledress]) to begin with. It later included the Royal Marines [No.3 Dress], Life Guards, Royal Horse Guard (Blues & Royals) and 17th & 21st Lancers. A separate Horse was also available without, or with full dress saddle, and a boxed version with Horse and the Life Guards (but never the Blues & Royals) uniform.

Action Man 17th / 21st Lancers (Ceremonial):

34136

ACTION MAN 17TH / 21ST LANCERS: (Card display tray) Tunic, trousers, jackboots, spurs, waist belt, helmet with plume, gauntlets, two-piece lance, pennant, flag, cartouche box, shoulder belt, information leaflet. Equipment Manual.

34026

ACTION MAN 17TH / 21ST LANCERS: (Figure in display box) Figure, tunic, trousers, jackboots, spurs, waist belt, helmet with plume, gauntlets, two-piece lance, pennant, flag, cartouche box, shoulder belt, information leaflet. Equipment Manual.

34056

ACTION MAN 17TH / 21ST LANCERS: (Figure in closed card box) Figure, tunic, trousers, jackboots, spurs, waist belt, helmet with plume, gauntlets, two-piece lance, pennant, flag, cartouche box, shoulder belt, information leaflet. Equipment Manual.

Notes:

The 17th / 21st Lancers uniform was possibly one of the most detailed of the whole Action Man period. It has many detailed parts that are hard to find in good condition. Most breakable is the two-part lance (many have a retro-fitted metal pin between sections but this is not an original feature). The tiny yellow plastic loop collar that pins the cord lines to the shoulder is nearly always broken when cliping it over the hook. The velour-style white panel is almost impossible to keep clean. The spurs, like all outfits are vulnerable to breakage too and these are unique to this set - having silver straps (instead of gold). The Tschapka helmet should have a bristle ball and plume. The 4 points on the top can often have the corner detail missing. The 17th / 21st Lancer is most appropriately sat atop the separately available Horse, with dress saddle and tack. (40th anniversary Horse shown in pictures). The 'current' Action Man in 1972 had flock hair (introduced in 1970).