Tag: articles

3. Representations of the armies involvedThere was considerable variation in the uniforms of the Allied States, as well as differences between the actual uniform as worn during wartime conditions and their parade/dress uniforms. Typically, it was the latter represented by Britains, who created various sets in response to the (then current) conflict, in their usual… Read more

1I acquired a copy of Britains 1880 catalogue in a bundle of other toy soldier paper items from an auction, no chance of discussing with the seller if there was any background. I have taken the copied four pages as authentic, with a clear Senior Britains signature similar to that seen on various occasions elsewhere.… Read more

Beginner’s luckCharles Sinel’s serious toy soldier collecting began with a slice of luck. He spotted an advert in a local auction for a wild west display set which piqued his interest. Could this be an example of an unknown Marx Playset, like the other ones he had played with as a young boy? He was… Read more

Norman Joplin was intrigued by Will Beierwaltes’ article on Feix in the Fall 2023 issue. He wrote in to the magazine, pointing out that on page 56 of the Feix article, the Japanese Officer has his sword in the same position as the Russian officer in the picture he had found in the O’Brien Archive.… Read more

Along with my treasured Marx Fort Apacheand Mineral City western playsets, I hadtwo marvelous accessory pieces thatcomplemented all the cowboys andIndians that filled my imagination andmy time. Although I didn’t know it then,these were the western stagecoach andthe Conestoga covered wagon producedby the U.S. Metal TOY MFG Company of149-57-33rd St. in Brooklyn, New York(see Figure… Read more

According to our latest research, an early British naval landing party set with gun, initially identified by L.W. Richards1 as having been manufactured by the REKA Company, may not now be a REKA set. The figures in this set are rarely seen in the market, and most examples have paint obscuring any markings on the… Read more

The passing of John Ruddle was reported in the previous issue. In December 2023, C & T Auctions in Broadstairs, Kent were proud to auction his extensive collection. John’s name and face will be familiar to many of our readers. He was one of the pioneer authors on the subject of Britains figures. His Collectors’… Read more