Monday 9 July 2018

Stocks and Pillory.

In their simplest form, a pair of stocks were hinged together at one end and, whilst at other end, a hasp and staple for a padlock was usually found.  The stocks would confine the victim’s ankles, who was then obliged to sit in that position, either on the ground or on a wooden bench.
 A pillory, by comparison, is an elevated set of stocks that would secure the victim’s head and wrists, again holding them in place.  By finding yourself in in either set usually meant that you were doing your bit for village morale by providing some much needed entertainment.  Audience participation was very much encouraged and all manner of produce might be launched at our hapless victims.
To that end, I could resist adding a little base, with a basket of apples and a sack pf potatoes to help get things started for the locals.  My poor unfortunates are from the every dependable ‘Redoubt Enterprises’ and require a little assembly, but nothing too taxing.  As with all 'Redoubt' miniatures, their slightly simpler style means that they a joy to paint.
These two unfortunate chaps are the companion pieces the ‘Redoubt Enterprises’ Stocks and Pillory and are, in fact, included in the same set; a stock collar and one in chains.




46 comments:

  1. Humm. That's where Lesse majesty gets you these days. If you're lucky.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Not sure that they would work as a deterrent today?

      Delete
  2. Fabulous painting Michael, sad to think public humiliation was entertainment in those days !

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you Dave, sadly I think public humiliation is still very much alive, it has just moved to another form.

      Delete
    2. Indeed Michael, especially the faceless keyboard bullies on the internet !

      Delete
  3. These are very nice models, even if they represent the 'not so nice' practices of the time. The simplicity of the miniatures and paintjob adds to their charm in my opinion, not sure why.
    It's perhaps how they show how horrid these practices were without covering anything up or adding frivolities.
    Well found and painted!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you so much and welcome back, you have been missed Sir.

      Delete
    2. Thanks, things were again a bit hectic with my family moving house once more, holidays and other non hobby related stuff.

      Delete
  4. Very inspiring start to your "Crime and Punishment" series Michael, and instantly added to my 'must have' list!
    I can see these posts depleting my hobby funds ;-)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Ah, now sorry about that. :) Hopefully it won't be too costly for you.

      Delete
  5. Not very enviable positions ...but a fantastic and evocative job, we should apply this treatment to the losers in our club!

    ReplyDelete
  6. Lovely work Michael! I had always thought that the stand up version was stocks, thanks for setting me straight on that. One forgets that punishment used to be a participation event.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you Peter, you will have me checking that again now.

      Delete
  7. Great sculpts and effective paintjobs on them.

    ReplyDelete
  8. Replies
    1. Dear Sander, lovely to hear from you and thank you.

      Delete
  9. Interesting choice of subjects to paint.
    Very nicely done!

    ReplyDelete
  10. Well what can I say. The painting is excellent even if the subject is well shall we say not the most delightful.

    The big problem with the pillory is that someone could pull your trousers down. Best leave any detailed comments there as I am sure you can get the idea!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you Clint, but I hadn't even thought of that! Suddenly the rotten fruit doesn't seem so bad.

      Delete
  11. Excellent. I´d love to have These in 1/72nd! Maybe some conversions are in the Pipeline.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you and if anyone could fashion a set of stocks from a coffee stirrer or the like then you can Paul.

      Delete
  12. Nicely done, Michael! A few shrinking violet politicians over here seem afraid of facing public censure in restaurants. They should think themselves lucky they didn't live in those days, when public displeasure took on more active forms.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Well absolutely, I think we have a couple over here that might also be glad too.

      Delete
  13. Wonderful work Micheal and will look great on the table!

    Christopher

    ReplyDelete
  14. "And what was your crime young man?"

    "Whistling on a Tuesday, sir".

    "Lucky they didn't hang you then!"

    Great stuff Michael. Cheers Roger.

    ReplyDelete
  15. AWESOME! what a great looking stuff!

    ReplyDelete
  16. Nice.......I can think of quite a few people who I would like to put in those 🤔

    ReplyDelete
  17. When punishment was punishment. Nice.

    ReplyDelete
  18. I could do with a full size set of these.... The kids are driving me crazy!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. It must be the summer holiday again the. :D

      Delete
  19. More Miniature Oddities that make me smile. Thanks Michael!

    ReplyDelete
  20. Wonderful work as always.

    As entertainment I suppose it beats TV by a mile.

    ReplyDelete
  21. Top notch Michael! Every self respecting villag should have at least a few of those. If you should ever make it to this part of Germany I can only encourage you to pay a visit to the Kriminalmuseum in Rothenburg/ Tauber. Amongst devices like yours here you‘ll find some interesting scold‘s bridles and other stuff there.... an actual iron maiden as well.

    ReplyDelete
  22. Fantastic figures and beautifully painted. Really useful.

    ReplyDelete
  23. Now these are miniature representations that you don't see everyday. Brilliantly brought to life ^_^

    ReplyDelete

Related Posts Plugin for WordPress, Blogger...