Rhodesian Bush War 1970s RLI Fireforce Troopie Soapstone Statue

A NICE RHODESIAN BUSH WAR 1970S, FIREFORCE 'TROOPIE' SOAPSTONE STATUETTE. HANDCARVED FOR MEMORABILIA PURPOSES FROM RHODESIAN SOAPSTONE.  THE STATUETTE MODEL DEPICTS THE STANDARD RHODESIAN LIGHT INFANTRY/ RLI  SOLDIER TOWARD THE LATTER STAGES OF THE RHODESIAN BUSH WAR CONFLICT. NICE ADDITION TO ANY 1970S RHODESIAN BUSH WAR MEMORABILIA COLLECTION.
 
The figure has been rendered in period correct fieldwear and equipment, sitting at ease with an Assault Rifle and pistol in holster to the side. He has the correctly shaped beret issued from 1965 onwards with contours of a regiment beret badge in correct position visible. Classic Ammo Magazine Chest Rig Pouches with shoulder and waist straps. It is designed to carry 20-round magazines for rifles such as the FN FAL, G3, and M14.Sleeping Bag and backpack at the back.
 
The 1st Battalion, Rhodesian Light Infantry (1RLI), commonly The Rhodesian Light Infantry (RLI), was a regiment formed in 1961 at Brady Barracks (Bulawayo, Southern Rhodesia) as a light infantry unit within the army of the Federation of Rhodesia and Nyasaland. AFTER RHODESIAS UNILATERAL DECLARATION OF INDEPENDANCE ON 11 NOVEMBER 1965, THE RLI BECAME ONE OF THE COUNTRY'S MAIN COUNTER-INSURGENCY UNITS DURING THE RHODESIAN BUSH WAR. The RLI was made up wholly of professional soldiers until 1973, when capable conscripted national servicemen were first introduced. Foreign volunteers from across the world, including many veterans of foreign conflicts, also joined and became a key part of the Regiment. THE RLI WAS NICKNAMED "THE SAINTS" OR "THE INCREDIBLES." THE RLI'S CHARACTERISTIC DEPLOYMENT LATER ON WAS THE FIREFORCE RAPID RESPONSE OPERATIONS, first created at Mont Darwin and then tested at Centenary in June 1974.
 
Soapstone is a metamorphic rock that is composed primarily of the mineral talc one of the softest minerals in the world. Soapstone's softness allows it to be easily carved and shaped. Commonly referred to as Rapoko stone in Zimbabwe soapstone has been used since the 1950 by the skillful efforts of talented Shona to create amazing artifacts like this statue.

SIZE: 22CM HIGH 14CM DEEP 11CM WIDE

CONDITION: SOME MINOR SCRAPES TO SOAPSTONE. DAMGE TO TO RIFLE MAGAZINE, GRIP HANDLE AND RIFLE BORE NOT VERY NOTICABLE AT FIRST SIGHT.
 
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