Some years back, Mrs. W started painting plaster figures from craft stores. Turns out she had quite an eye for detail. One day, we spotted these mini-nutcrackermen in the shop. I took one look at them and bought a bunch: 64 to be exact. The result is the Dookermen Chess Sets. Dookermen? A nonesense word we use to describe things that are silly. Etymology is from the ferret-sprache: Dook Dook! Anyhow, here are some of the 'Black' set. The king is the king, wow, but the queen was substituted for the top-hat figure who is wearing a medal of sorts: he's the general. The rook is the baker figure with the feather in the front of his headgear was inspired by Turkish troops, etc. The little, evil-looking figures are pawns -- 4 different types per army. Some wear feathers inspired by Alpinieri (SP?), etc. We'll have a look at some other Doucquer Armies. Resplendant in their painted uniforms with glued on braid, buttons, and medals. A chilling sight to behold... once one stops laughing. (Ironically, the mansion at Mary Hill, WA has a fantastic collection of chess pieces. Mrs. W started working on these before we visited that particular museum.) Enjoy; thanks for viewing. Dreimals DOOK!