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 fine and rare items, as well as the more common products of all the main French makers that one might expect to find.
Monsieur Lavigne had assembled a very eclectic collection, almost entirely focussed on French figures, many in original boxes. CBG Mignot was of course represented, but primarily in the form of large display sets rather than single regiment sets. Other solid cast competitors of CBG Mignot were also on offer, but the main focus was on French hollowcast, including most of the major companies (such as XR, CS, CL, etc).
The highlight though was a magnificent castle and figures by Sonnenburg, which was eventually knocked down for 7000 euros, excluding commission (10 times the auctioneer’s modest estimate of 600-800 euros!).
Other notable items were two magnificent display sets depicting the Russo-Japanese war of 1905 and a similar set focussed on the conflict between Romans and Gauls. These went under the hammer for 1500, 3100 and 1700 euros respectively.
Tim Hyndman
The next two pages show some fine Britains conversions by Brit Tim Hyndman. We featured his work in the magazine a few months ago. Tim has continued to produce great figures as illustrated here. The groups of French Cavalry figures from the turn of the 19th/20th century are all based on Britain’s figures, brilliantly converted and painted. They continue the tradition of Freddie Green, and others, of taking toy soldiers and elevating them to another level, while still retaining the charm and feel that Britains aspired to when they first introduced their range of Hollowcast in 1893. These groups were entered into the most recent BMSS Annual competition and, not surprisingly, were awarded a Gold medal. All the figures are Britains, many superbly converted and repainted in Britains Special Paint style with gloss enamel paints. Keep up the good work Tim!
Charlie Sinel presents a new display – Work details at the Kyber Pass
Just over a year ago (Winter 2024, Vol 47, No. 4), we reported on Charlie Sinel’s personal museum, featuring rare Heyde and other sets. Charlie has sent us an update of his latest display. This time it features primarily “new” toy soldiers from various makers. Charlie has enlisted the help of a “Museum exclusive artist” to assist with the backdrop and scenic work.
Charlie loves playing with his toys and has had loads of fun setting up the display. It features a British fort on the borders of India and Afghanistan, with various groups of soldiers carrying out their routine duties in a brief spell when all is quiet! Charlie has incorporated as many poses of mess, work, reveille and other camp details as possible, to show what a soldier’s daily life, under the Union Jack, usually consisted of. Like the old chestnut, 300 days of sheer boredom and five days of sheer terror!
“Just finished with painted backdrop for work details at the Khyber Pass. Thought you might enjoy seeing the finished product. I’m also sending along pics of my Gunga Din display as it’s in the same genre as the Khyber Pass diorama. My impetus for the Indian Western Frontier themed displays probably emanated from the hundreds , and I mean hundreds, of times me and my kid brother Sam saw the alltime great movie Gunga Din on TV as young boys in the 50’s. We loved it.
Now when I watch it on DVR with my grandsons, I give a slight explanation to them about why the British were even there. I wanted a display that wasn’t all battlefields and parades but an accurate depiction of the drudgery of the daily military life in the enlisted ranks. I believe this diorama is true to the Corps ( excuse my pun).”
On closer inspection of the groupings, one cannot help to notice that all the Native working parties are commanded by a Colonial British Office or Non-Com. Also, true to form, the Native Troops take their meals separately from the British Troops. Fort Muree ( as named in the movie) was scratch-built by Hicks Atwells. Hicks was a very well-known collector and dealer in the 80’s and 90’s. Back when I first started collecting in the early 80’s Hicks ran the Dedham, MA Toy Soldier Show which is still in existence as the North East Toy Soldier Society Show, now held in Burlington, MA.
All the Manufactures have long since gone to that great lead cauldron in the sky but here are some of them.
Trophy – Reveille display
Soldier Center Miniatures – Bakery and Mess displays
Little Legion – Unloading Mules and Brew Up
Steadfast – Work Detail carrying log (extreme back left)
Rose miniatures- Heliograph set (on the parapet)
Most of the others were purchased unboxed and have no maker’s mark on the bases.
Hope this will amuse and entertain other readers. Be sure to include my email with a note to any collectors who want a tour of the Museum to feel free to get in touch.”
Thanks for sharing Charlie!
Acknowledgements
Charlie asked us to mention that his “house artist” is the world renowned watercolorist, Katherine Cowett. Katherine, after much cajoling, was kind enough to lend her Picasso like eye and hand to create the marvelous background.
Charlie’s brother Sam is also a collector (retired) and has helped out in setting up the Museum.
Charlie once again extends an invitation to anyone interested to come see for themselves. Contact him in advance at [email protected].
