W. Britain Model Figures and Toy Soldiers 20207 Zulu Swinging Knobkerrie

W. Britain Model Figures and Toy Soldiers 20207 Zulu Swinging Knobkerrie. The knobkerrie, or iwisa club, was a significant weapon to the Zulu warrior and as simple as it seems, it required extra practice and strength to wield effectively. The club is, after all, an uncomplicated weapon, but the iwisa actually required expert craftsmanship to create. Made from a specific tree, olea capensis, the so called ironwood tree (the world's heaviest and hardest wood) the real secret was in the finish. The tree's sap was applied to the freshly carved stick acting as a glue, ensuring durability as well as heft, and with a surprisingly beautiful varnished finish. Usually the sap would dry after one or two months, but at times would take up to a year to set. Once cured, the stick would become a deadly knobkerrie. Matte finish 1/30th scale 54mm. W. Britain's Zulu War metal toy soldiers, figures and diorama supplies are the premiere matte finish choice for collectors and diorama builders. You'll find the historical Battle of Rourke's Drift well represented in individual foot figures from the British, Natal, and Zulu forces, artillery, personalities, dramatic multi-figure vignettes, and diorama accessories and supplies. Shop our extensive collection of W. Britain's Zulu War figures here. On January 22nd, 1879, a small British garrison of 139 soldiers faced an attack from a force of over 4,000 Zulu warriors at the mission station of Rorke's Drift in South Africa. Despite being outnumbered almost thirty to one, the British soldiers, led by Lieutenant John Chard and Lieutenant Gonville Bromhead, held off wave after wave of fierce Zulu attacks over the course of a grueling 12-hour battle. The bravery and tenacity of the British defenders ultimately prevailed, with the Zulu warriors eventually retreating. This epic battle has gone down in history as one of the most remarkable military engagements of all time, and serves as a testament to the courage and determination of the British soldiers who fought against overwhelming odds to defend their position at Rorke's Drift.