This salty sea dog was originally from a Safari Ltd. collection of pirate figures. He is based on a rather famous painting by Howard Pyle.
Originally, his musket was badly bent out of shape. Sometimes a simple dip in boiling water is enough to straighten bent parts (this works especially well on Armies in Plastic figures). However, the musket stubbornly returned to its crooked state. Clearly a more aggressive treatment would be needed. This was accomplished by running a heat gun along the musket until it became soft (but don't let it get too soft). Once softened, the musket was positioned correctly and allowed to cool in the open air. The other element required for a proper musket is the lock, which was sculpted with Milliput. Brass decoration was painted on to the stock, as the character demanded a little more ornament on his gun. Perhaps he borrowed the idea from guns of India?
The sculpt is not an action pose, but I think that he makes an excellent pirate sentry, guard, or even an idler, watching his more swashbuckling companions. The parrot is a colorful and unique companion, though I do wonder what he thinks of supporting part of the musket on his back!
Figure by Safari, painted with acrylic paints.
