Another cross-channel ferry trip from Dover to Calais, a drive to Paris and I arrive at the Camponile hotel in Nanterre which is 30 yards from the Euro figurines show venue. After a very convivial meal with fellow collectors and sellers, I set my alarm for 6 am for the show on Sunday morning.
This show always has a lot of regular traders, but every time there are ones I have not seen before. Today is no exception and to my mind there seem to be more plastic and lead soldiers than I’ve ever seen before.
The mood is very upbeat with lots of people through the door, possibly the busiest Paris show to date.
I don’t pay much attention to the plastic figures, but an American collector visiting for the first time has a field day and left very happy, with half an army.
Amongst the traders there was a proliferation of CBG Mignot and many other makers, but no Heyde today except on my stand. Some nice display sets are available.
This show never fails to deliver; my finds on the day, including an oval base set of Britains Spanish infantry (with bemedaled officer), a dated set of square base Cameron Highlanders, Mignot cyclists, GM zoo accessories and from someone’s bargain box what I believed to be a Paris office b size Russian cavalry figure. I have never seen or heard of this figure before, however it is logical considering that Japanese b size Paris figures are well known.
A prearranged deal is concluded early in the day, and I am now the proud owner of a Paris office ambulance team, a superb example. It is well known that the Paris office did ambulances, service wagons and gun teams, but this is the first one I’ve seen. Unfortunately, these items have been faked extensively, so much care is needed, and they must be handled and examined carefully to be certain they are authentic. Viewing is certainly essential.
As part of this deal comes 4 Paris Office Chassuers a Cheval, a wonderful Paris officer of the Saint-Cyr cadets using the dated Scots Grey figure, as well as a b size Paris office Saint-Cyr cadet, plus a few other figures.
This show finishes by 12.45 or so, so if you plan to visit aim to arrive as early as possible, public admission is from 8.30am. If you come in March I will see you there; this is a permanent fixture for me.
EUROFIGURINES
02 Mars 2025 | Nanterre
Philippe ALBARET:
+33 06 14 61 16 18
[email protected]
