Buffalo Soldier Western Figur Cavelary

Box Art Window Panel he Buffalo Soldier is packaged in a fifth-panel window box, meaning that it has a flap that opens in the front so that you can see the figure in its packaging. The inside of the front flap gives the history of the Buffalo Soldiers, from the first African American troops allowed to serve in the Union Army in the Civil War, to the 10th Cavalry's participation in Teddy Roosevelt's charge up San Juan Hill in Cuba with the Rough Riders. (You can also read the history on the Dog Soldiers site.) (Actually, he's a 1st Sergeant, so he should be called "Top," but "Sarge" is more fun to say.) Sarge's head is a softish plastic which is reminiscent of some of the heads on the 9-inch Star Trek figures from Playmates Toys. He is articulated at the neck (twist), shoulders (ball joints), elbows (twists and bends), wrists (twists and flexes), waist (twist), hips (ball joints), knees (twists and bends), and ankles (twists and flexes). Until about 1872, the Army equipped troops on the frontier with surplus gear and clothing from the Civil War. Due to the discrimination of the times, the African American units were the last to be given updated uniforms and gear. As a result, a soldier could theoretically be carrying items spanning two decades. Dog Soldiers has paid attention to this historical detail by equipping the Buffalo Soldier figure with the following gear, listed on the back of the box: 1872 slouch hat 1872 gray shirt 1874 uniform blouse with yellow cavalry trim and first sergeant insignia 1872 carbine sling 1851 sword belt with NCO buckle 1872 pistol ammunition pouch 1872 rifle ammunition pouch 1873 Colt Army revolver and holster 1872 Springfield "trapdoor" carbine 1861 mounted-pattern trousers with canvas reinforcing and yellow NCO stripes 1872 mounted-pattern boots 1872 cavalry spurs In addition to that gear, Sarge also comes with a Bowie knife and sheath which fits onto his belt, and a stand. The stand is a 'crotch rocket' stand, meaning that he balances atop the stand rather than it going around his waist. The height of the stand can be adjusted with a small dial, much like the InToyZ stands, although those hold the figure up by wrapping around a leg. The hammer on the carbine can be pulled back, although the revolver is one solid piece. The pieces on the carbine sling all work to allow Sarge hold the weapon without looking awkward. The carbine can also be unclipped from the sling as needed.