This is an FYI post (spoiler alert), not a 'rush to buy' post
As most regulars here know, the '170 Brown Bess' by Humbrol was a vital part of the colonial marine color scheme. It was used for everything from the Pulse Rifle shrouds, to motion trackers, to hand welders, to belt tools. Its unique properties often look 'olive drab' in a low light, cool color setting. (which filmed with a blue filter, virtually all of "Aliens" appears this way). But it was the beloved "Brown Bess". Original Humbrol brown bess has LONG been discontinued. It was replaced by "Super enamel" Humbrol brown bess (of the same color code 170, but lighter and different in appearence). The reformulation was NOT the same. This is nearly a moot point because even the reformulated "Super Enamel" version was
also discontinued. It is by all accounts a dead color!!! So we search for its equal...
Until now, sort of...
I introduce to you...a brand called "All Clad" and what they deem "British Brown Bess". Because they literally call it "brown bess", I felt it needed its own thread/review. This UK company is known for their 'airbrush ready' paint colors, typically famous for their chrome an metallic themes. It appears they also do military colors. Case in point: ALCE062-British Brown Bess.
Now without further adieu, it is 'ok'. It is NOT original brown bess. From other comps I have seen, I feel like this is more akin to the reformulated Brown Bess "super enamel". It looks good, but there is no doubt: This is NOT Alien Brown Bess. It is just OK...
Original formula brown bess on the right in all cases
Here is "cool color" bathroom lighting.
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Here is "flash" on warm lighting
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Here is low light basement lighting (no flash). Looks darn close here, but then most color comps look close in this light.
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All in all, it looks better than many of the 'store bought' colors on the market today (as documented in the spray can thread), but nothing seems to replicate the original.