Thomas Gunn Miniatures MLB004 Mata Hari Eye of the Day

Thomas Gunn Miniatures MLB004 Mata Hari Eye of the Day. Mata Hari [Margaretha Geertruida MacLeod, née Zelle]. Dancer and courtesan whose name has become a synonym for the seductive female spy.

Mata Hari found fame as a performer of Asian-inspired dances in the early 1900s in Paris. She soon began touring all over Europe, telling the story of how she was born in a sacred Indian temple and taught ancient dances by a priestess who gave her the name Mata Hari, meaning "eye of the day" in Malay. In reality, Mata Hari was born in a small town in northern Holland in 1876, and her real name was Margaretha Geertruida Zelle.

She became a famous courtesan during WW1 and her lovers included high-ranking military officers. In early 1917, French authorities arrested her for espionage and imprisoned her in Paris. In a military trial conducted in July, she was accused of revealing details of the Allies' new weapon, the tank, resulting in the deaths of thousands of soldiers. She was convicted and sentenced to death and on October 15th 1917, refusing a blindfold was executed by a firing squad at Vincennes. The nature and extent of her espionage activities remain uncertain and her guilt is widely contested.
Thanks to Michael Beverland for suggesting this figurine for our Femme Fatale series, a sample has been posted to him for his contribution to Thomas Gunn. In all honesty, our Mata Hari would be equally at home in the 'Naughty Forties Club' or in this outfit would fit in just as easily with our Roman or Egyptian series.

Limited to 100 pieces, comes in a seductive pose on a specially commissioned plinth.

Thomas Gunn Miniatures is a renowned manufacturer and retailer of high-quality miniature figurines and diorama accessories. Specializing in historically accurate and intricately detailed miniatures, Thomas Gunn Miniatures offers a wide range of products catering to collectors, hobbyists, and enthusiasts of military history and toy soldiers.

Founded by Andrew Stevenson, an avid collector and enthusiast of miniature figurines, Thomas Gunn Miniatures is recognized for its commitment to craftsmanship and attention to detail. The company produces miniature figures spanning various historical periods, including ancient civilizations, medieval knights, Napoleonic wars, World War I, World War II, and more. Each figurine is meticulously sculpted, capturing the essence and authenticity of the historical characters and settings they represent.

In addition to individual figurines, Thomas Gunn Miniatures offers thematic sets and diorama accessories, allowing collectors to create immersive and historically accurate scenes. The company's dedication to historical precision and artistic excellence has earned it a loyal following among miniature enthusiasts worldwide.

Whether you're a passionate collector, a hobbyist, or a history buff, Thomas Gunn Miniatures provides an opportunity to own meticulously crafted pieces that reflect the rich tapestry of human history. These miniatures not only serve as valuable collectibles but also offer a tangible connection to the past, bringing historical events and characters to life in exquisite detail.