While on a recent touring holiday in New Zealand, visiting the Auckland War Memorial Museum, I came across a new (to me) brand of Toy Soldiers. I was immediately attracted to a large cabinet f illed with a huge range of 54mm figures. At first I thought I was looking at the well known New Zealand manufactured f igures marketed under the Imperial brand name. I had hoped to arrange a visit to that company’s premises, but unfortunately (for me at least) they had picked the same time to take a break and were away until the end of this year. I was therefore please to at least find some toy soldiers to admire. However, on closer inspection, I realised that these were by some other maker. Enquiries with the museum staff revealed that they were produced by Regal Enterprises, a separate company, also based in Greytown, New Zealand.
Regal have been producing toy soldiers since 1992. Although a key focus had been on New Zealand, they now offer an extensive range of figures, covering many countries and historical periods.
The sculpting of the figures is excellent, and anatomically correct. Nevertheless, these are toy soldiers, with robust weaponry rather than the rather more delicate arms carried by their Imperial cousins. The paint style is very similar to that of Imperial, but slightly less detailed.
I was particularly taken by their artillery sets, as well as many of the British Colonial campaigns. Those interested in the history of New Zealand, including the period before the discovery of the country by Western explorers, will find much to admire and amuse. The culture clash between the British colonists and the Māoris is well represented, as well as the earlier clash between the Māoris and the preceding inhabitants such as the giant, f lightless Moa birds (sadly now extinct!).
I purchased a Camel Corps figure which goes very nicely with my small collection of Lawrence of Arabia figures by Somerset.
Some of the vast range of figures produced by Regal (from top to bottom, left to right: Māori vs. Moa; Māori Haka; US Mexican War; Victorian Rocket and Artillery teams; Great War Austrian infantry and NZ Camel Corps in Sinai; and Māoris serving in the 8th Army, North Africa, 1941)
Regal sell their figures in a number of stores in NZ, including the Te Papa (the National Museum of New Zealand), the Kerikeri Mission Station, and the Stone Store, the oldest store in NZ dating from 1832.
They also ship their figures all over the world, and offer free shipping on orders over NZ $500.00. Otherwise they charge a flat shipping rate of NZ $60.00. Figures can be shipped through NZ International Courier Post with tracking & insurance. Currently the exchange rate is NZ$1= $0.59.
For U.S. collectors Breagan, based in Texas, carries some of their figures. See the link below. Regal Enterprises Toy Soldier Designer/Producer | Breagans The full range is on display at: https://regaltoysoldiers.com/
If you have any other questions Regal can be contacted directly at: [email protected]