Mike,
I like the full manniquin look, as it shows the whole picture, but the main reason is that I started collecting the rifles first, and once you get the rifle, you need a bayonet and scabbard. Then you need a belt to hang the scabbard on and a tunic to put the belt on, and it never seems to end. As a gun rack, these uniform displays need to go all the way to the floor. I too have the problem with trousers and boots. My German mannequins were Swedis trousers to avoid being arrested for indecent exposure. And My French M1917 boots are dated in the 50s, as the French used the same boot until they got out of Indo-china. The Russian has post war boots and repro trousers, my Italian had repro trousers until I found a pair that were advertised as WWII, but are the same as the WWI style. I would not recomend displaying your collection inthe living or dinning room, there are several reasons, first would be light exposure, then dust and the ejecta from the cooking vessels (vaporized oils, moisture and aromas). All these things will cause a deterioration in a very short time. The biggest reason not to have a display in the living quarters, when the wife gets up in the middle of the night and sees an intruder, the best case is a pubble on the floor, the worst case is an authentic bullet hole in the uniform. I am not allowed to have my "dolls" (Maggie's word, they are really action figures) out side of the collections room after dark because she was startled by one several years ago. My mannequins are not well displayed at home due to the lack of room, the display is designed for public showing.
How ever you display, let's see some photos.
Gus
ps I think the best way to display your collection is to send it to me and I will do all the work.
