A complete trooper costume worn in the Paul Verhoeven sci-fi classic Starship Troopers. Recruited into the Earth Federation’s Mobile Infantry, high schooler Johnny Rico (Casper Van Dien) goes through the trials of service within the Federation military as war with the alien Arachnids takes him from Earth to the far corners of the galaxy.
Mobile Infantry soldiers wore their uniforms throughout the film as they attack the arachnids and fight for the fate of civilization. Made from fibreglass, the helmet has been finished in grey paint and features a leather and foam chin strap. The helmet is lined with foam allowing the actor to be comfortable and the text ‘#2’ is written on the inside. Also written on the inside of the helmet is the character ‘Breckinridge’, a member of the mobile infantry who was ordered to take off his helmet during a live firing exercise and was killed by an accidental spray of bullets.
The jacket (size 44 long large) is made from grey polyester with black detailing, a zip fastening at the front and reinforced elbows. Mobile Infantry patches are sewn onto the left breast and on both of the sleeves, the tag for this costume reads ‘Troopers Mobile Inf.’ on one side and ‘Made in USA. Bug Proof!!’ on the reverse side, along with the names ‘Marcus’ and ‘Willy’ written in black marker. The costume also comes with a neck piece made from black EVA foam that’s worn under the jacket. The trousers (no size marked) display a Velcro fastening at the front and reinforced padding around the knees.
Worn over the jacket is a vest which is constructed from foam covered in latex, creating the appearance of body armour. The body armour is constructed of three separate sections which all attach together via webbing and rubber clips. The back and front panels attach around the sides of the waist, and the chest piece connects with clips that run over the shoulder. Intentional distressing features all over the body armour including holes from where the bugs have ‘pierced’ into garment and fake blood. The armour is marked internally for the character of Lieutenant Willy (Steven Ford), suggesting this set of armour may have been worn in the scene when he faces a gruesome death. Various pockets and pouches are attached to the vest containing items such as two foam grenades, a plastic water bottle and other items to prepare for battle. A leg holster attached to front panel contains a stunt aluminium knife. Completing the costume is a pair of ‘Adidas’ boots (UK size 8) and a pair of black gloves.
Multiple parts of the costume display signs of wear including the intentional distressing on the armour, ‘dirt’ marks on the gloves and boots, loose threads on the patches on the jacket and various marks to the paint finish on the helmet. However, in spite of this wear, the costume remains in very good condition production used condition.