Part 1: Britains Rarities Surface on Both Sides of the Atlantic
It has been over a year since we last reported on items of significance that have surfaced that will have been of interest to many of our readers.
We have been scouring eBay, auction houses, shows and other sources to capture rare and unusual figures and sets by Britains, CBG Mignot, Noris and many other makers
There have been a number of important auctions that have occurred over this period, some of these will be covered by special articles. This includes pieces on three of the largest and rarest sets ever produced by Britains. No less than two examples of Britains largest Set #131 were sold by Morphy’s in the spring of this year, while C&T auctions sold an almost complete example of Set #132 in September. Things were rounded off by another example of Britains post-World War II largest set, depicting the Coronation of Queen Elizabeth 2nd appearing in an auction in England in May. We have already published Bill Anderson’s piece on the Morphy Set #131s. Articles on Set #132 and Set #2081 will follow shortly.
Britains / Hugar Barracks & Parade Ground
However, these were far from the only finds of interest. Vectis Auctions came up with 3 of the rarest items. Their December 2025 sale included a good example of Set 1748 “Barrack Buildings with Parade Ground & Two Guard Huts” produced by Hugar for Britains, and dating from 1939/40. This very rare set was estimated at £600-800 and eventually knocked down for £1000.
The auctioneers description was as follows: “Hugar for Britains – VERY RARE Set No. 1748 ‘Barrack Buildings with Parade Ground & Two Guard Huts’. Produced 1939/40. Comprising barracks (in two sections) on baseboard (one is fixed, other is detached but easily refixed); additional baseboard plus two guard huts. Set appears complete. One door from arched doorway is detached but present; roof sections lift off, both are slightly warped. All four ‘army recruitment’ posters are present and intact. Baseboards measure approx. 61 x 40cm (24 x 16 inches) each, giving a total display area of 80 x 61cm (32 x 24 inches). The whole set might benefit from light cleaning, but otherwise condition is generally Excellent overall. An incredible opportunity to own a very rare set.”
Rare Britains 2nd Grade Figures
The second Britains rarity was two rare boxed sets of 2nd grade figures from the very early days of Britains production which came up for sale in May 2026. The auctioneers described them as follows: “Britains – EXTREMELY RARE – Gilt Soldier Series – Set of 12 ‘City Imperial Volunteers’, Boxed. 54mm scale, issued from 1901. Figures dated with ‘1st June 1900’ stickers. All stickers detached but with four still present. Conditions are Near Mint, contained in a Fair ‘British Soldiers’ original set box (with original 12-section insert & tissue wrap).”
In fact, there were two almost identical sets, both previously sold by Phillips in 1995. Estimated at £300-500, the two sets attracted considerable interest and were knocked down for£2500 and £2000.
This was from the period when Britains were experiencing problems with their figures being copied by competitors such as Hanks and Renvoize. To combat this Britains began to attached paper labels claiming copyright. These were soon replaced by stamping the information on to the base of the figures. The boxes have a fascinating label urging buyers “Don’t buy Worthless imitations copied off our English Models. Non genuine without above signature on Box”.
Britains Mechanical Toys – The General
The final lot worthy of mention was a Britains mechanical toy. While not to everyone’s taste, these early mechanical toys were a key part of the Britains story, and highly regarded by some collectors. This particular item does have strong military theme depicting a toy general riding a tricycle!
The auctioneers described the lot as follows: “ ‘The General’ Boxed (EXTREMELY RARE). Circa mid-1880s and probably made in Germany. One of the earliest toys produced by Britains and originally appears in the catalogue of 1880 (although this version has a slightly different hat so is probably slightly later). Comprising: soldier mounted on a hobby horse carrying an umbrella and a sword. When spun, the umbrella propels the horse and the soldier’s sword arm moves back and forth. Mechanism is in working order. Approx. dimensions: H14 x W8 x D7cm. This was purchased from Christies as part of The Arnold Rolak Reference Collection sale (1st December 2000). Condition is Excellent overall, contained in a Good Plus set box, with original tissue wrap.”
Estimated at £2000-3000, this item attracted some very serious bidders, the hammer eventually coming down at £7500 (around $10,000) excluding commission.
Many more exciting finds to come
Watch this space for other Reconnaissance articles in the next few weeks with many exciting and interesting items from other makers !