Author: Rob Wilson
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Editorial Update
It was with a very sad heart that I wrote my last Editorial in July 2025. My unfortunate task then was to pass on the news that Ray Haradin, owner and publisher of Old Toy Soldier magazine and of Old Toy Soldier Auctions, had passed away. Ray was a larger than life figure whose energy… Read more
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Hobby News
This section of the site is devoted to any news of interest to our readers. This includes Auctions and other events, new publications and other exciting finds. It also provides a forum for discussing issues of interest to toy soldier collectors. Shows and Events This section provides regular updates of Shows and other events. We… Read more
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Watch This Space!
A New Beginning Following the untimely passing of Ray Haradin in June 2025 the Old Toy Soldier world faced an uncertain future. Ray had been the driving force behind both the Old Toy Soldier publication and the associated Old Toy Soldier Auction business. Both of these businesses were brought to a close with his passing. This announcement prompted strong interest in continuing… Read more
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Editorial
It is with a very sad heart that I write what might be my last Editorial. On June 24th I received news that Ray Haradin, owner and publisher of Old Toy Soldier magazine and of Old Toy Soldier Auctions, had passed away. Ray was a larger than life figure whose energy and enthusiasm enlivened our… Read more
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A Tribute to Ray Haradin
RAY HARADIN 11.4.64 – 6.24.25 Ray was the owner of the Old Toy Soldier Magazine from 2000- 2025. He was born on November 4,1964. He had the good fortune to belong to a family that took old toysvery seriously. His father, Dr. Anthony Haradin, was a long-term collector and expert on old American toys and… Read more
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Hobby News
Obituary – Debbie TrochlellJanuary 13, 1953 – February 3, 2025 Debbie was born on January 13, 1953 in Brookfield, Wisconsin on a small farm. She grew up there with her siblings and had fond memories of farm-life. Cows, chickens, pigs, goats and horses were all present on the property, which was surrounded by a growing… Read more
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Book Review
In August 2024 we published a preview of Nassim Medjaoui’s book. This is now available in English. The author is planning to attend the Chicagoland Show in September and signed copies will be available. The book will be available with a soft cover, and priced at 65 euros, 70 dollars. Buyers should contact the author… Read more
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RECONNAISSANCE
Auction Review – Important auction in the South of France The lifetime collection of Monsieur Lavigne, a well-known French collector and connoisseur of toy soldiers, came under the hammer at the offices of Carrère et Laborie on the 5th of June in the southern city of Pau. Bidders from across the world competed for some… Read more
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Show Report – West Coaster Show
March 9, 2025 The annual West Coaster show took place in a new venue this year – the DoubleTree by Hilton in Buena Park, CA (conveniently situated in a central location to Los Angeles, Pasadena, Irvine, Long Beach, and Ontario!). As usual, it showcased a diverse collection of both new and vintage, metal and plastic… Read more
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Hobby News – Obituary
John Cupman John was an avid toy figure collector, researcher and author. He concentrated on collecting non military figures, with a particular emphasis on Cowboys and Indians, however it was Britains Cadbury Cococubs that were his special interest. John authored two independently published reference books on the “Cubs” and visited the Cadbury factory in Birmingham… Read more