TOY198

STOOYLDIERTHE WORLD’S NO. 1 MAGAZINE FOR COLLECTORS OF ALL STRIPESWWW.TOY-SOLDIER.COM MODEL FIGUREUNDER NEW MANAGEMENT WFRIONMHTECNSRY VKing & Country GIs Capture German Jet $8.50/£4.95 IN THIS ISSUE: 11 • It’s a Reiner Krock! • Napoleon’s Personal Bodyguard • A Tale of 2 Collections • Gettysburg Figure Forum • Allied & Axis Leaders of WWII • Ancient Egyptians 9 771359 742033 • Roman Testudo • Great War Releases • Battle of Britain RAF • Medieval Plastics TOY SOLDIER:NOVEMBER FREE PULL-OUT CENTERFOLD POSTER!NOVEMBER 2014 - ISSUE 198

WITH NEARLY 15,000 ITEMS ONLINE, WE’RE YOUR ONE-STOP TOY SOLDIER AND HOBBY SHOP! IF YOUR PASSION IS COLLECTING METAL OR PLASTIC TOY SOLDIERS, BUILDING MODELS ANDDIORAMAS, PAINTING MINIATURES OR EVEN TRYING YOUR HAND AT WARGAMES, OUR FULL-TIME STAFF IS HAPPY TO HELP WITH ANY OF YOUR TOY AND HOBBY REQUESTS. NEED HELP ASK FOR MATT!HENRY V MOUNTED-- FATAL SHOT--SINGLE MOUNTED U.S. COLONEL GEORGE WASHINGTON, BRITISH PARATROOPER SINGLE FIGURE CAVALRY FIGURE TRW067 $112.00 BATTLE ON THE MONONGAHELA, WITH STEN GUN-- 1755--SINGLE MOUNTED FIGURE SINGLE FIGURE TCS00795 $79.90 PARA009 $40.00 JJCLUB-SET#17 $92.00 HITLER TOURING LIMOUSINE-- INCLUDES FOUR FIGURES TCS00800 $199.90 WCSCTHEIOOTEBLECFLUKIFENYOCOD&RTUIITHOTSENEAOMLRSULDSR LIKE US ON FACEBOOKFOLLOW US ON TWITTER @HOBBYBUNKER



inside this edition FIGURE OF THE MONTH............................................. 5 14 READERS: FIRE BACK! .................................................. 6 OPENING VOLLEY......................................................... 8 26 IT’S A REINER KROCK! ............................................... 14 NAPOLEON’S PERSONAL BODYGUARD.................. 18 toy soldier showcase A TALE OF 2 COLLECTIONS....................................... 26 GETTYSBURG FIGURE FORUM................................. 34 NEW METAL SHOWCASE................. 40 CENTERFOLD......................................................... 38-39 NATIONAL LEADERS OF WORLD WAR II................ 50 Editor Stuart A. Hessney marks the 100th anniversary KIT KORNER................................................................. 58 of the beginning of World War I with inspections of British and French forces, takes a snapshot of Paul Newman builds and paints a cricket-themed British pilot of the photographers from the 1903 Delhi Durbar, ducks and Great War. covers for a look at a Roman legion testudo, scrambles to review World War II Battle of Britain Royal Air Force BOOK REVIEWS........................................................... 66 releases, digs into ancient Egypt, and a whole lot more. PRIZE EXERCISE.......................................................... 70 PLASTIC PARADE.............................. 56 Win a stirring equestrian figure of English King Henry V scoring his seemingly miraculous victory at Agincourt courtesy of The Collectors Len Cooksey gets positively medieval with reviews of Showcase. Norman infantry from the Battle of Hastings and a pair of mounted figures inspired by the Battle of Lewes. CALENDAR.................................................................... 74 34 58 18bringing you this issueStuart A. Hessney Alison Smith Kelly Johnson 14Sara Vix EDITOR DESIGN DIRECTOR SALES & MARKETING4 TOY SOLDIER & MODEL FIGURE

from the editorPUBLISHED MONTHLY BY: Welcome to TS&MF, the world’s No. 1 magazine for collectorsAshdown Ltd. of all stripes!Unit 5EPark Farm For starters, I have some big news from the home front. MyChichester Road first grandchild, Lola Jane (pictured here where my mug usuallyArundel, West Sussex appears), was born to my daughter, Emily; and her husband,England, U.K. BN18 0AG Kevin Vadeboncoeur; July 31, 2014.Tel: 01903 884988Fax: 01903 885514 The beautiful baby’s parents have decorated her nurseryUS OFFICE: in a cute giraffe theme, so I’m starting to hunt for toy figuresAshdown Inc. depicting the tall beasts to get Lola started on collecting!68132 250th Ave.Kasson, MN 55944 On the TS&MF front this month, U.S. collector JackToll-Free: 1-866-606-6587 Matthews kicks things off by recounting how he firstFax: (507) 634-7691 encountered Reiner Krock and started collecting the German craftsman’s solid-cast figures. Some are painted metal copies of 7.5-cm composition figures made in Germany; others arewww.toy-soldier.com conversions or variations. All of them look pretty neat!EDITOR: A.J. Mergenthaler saddles up for a look at the French Chasseurs à Cheval of the ImperialStuart A. Hessney Guard. His history of Emperor Napoleon I’s personal bodyguard is richly illustrated by [email protected] wide variety of figures.SALES & MARKETING:Sara Vix Stephen Dance, president and archivist of the British Model Soldier Society (BMSS),[email protected] provides a peek at two collections in Italy and England. He describes a recent visit to aDESIGN: toy soldier museum in Bologna. Then he draws some comparisons with his own Society’sAlison Smith National Collection, now 40 years old.CONTRIBUTORS:Len Cooksey, Stephen Dance, Doug The majority of the BMSS collection is on display at the Stratford Armouries MuseumDearth, Hayden Hammersmith, Jack near Stratford-upon-Avon, known as the birthplace of playwright William Shakespeare. Matthews, A.J. Mergenthaler, Gordon A smaller segment of the collection is exhibited at Blenheim Palace in Oxfordshire,Nelson, Paul Newman, Grant Peterson, childhood home of British Prime Minister Winston Churchill. Both exhibits are wellColin Romanick, Curtis Sleight and worth trips through the English countryside for tours of inspection.Leo Winston The wide-ranging BMSS National Collection has been built up from members’SUBSCRIPTION MANAGERS: donations or loans of figures and dioramas. But the phenomenal collection’s care andU.S.: Kelly Johnson/ eye-catching presentations have largely been in the hands of just one very dedicated man: [email protected] longtime Curator John Ruddle.U.K.: [email protected] SUBSCRIPTION RATES: After John stepped down from the post, he was honored at the 2013 BMSS AnnualU.K.: £59.99 Show. But I’d like to take this opportunity to salute John for all his much appreciatedU.S.: $109.99 yeoman labors to showcase and share our hobby through the years!Canada: $125.99Europe: €87.99 Elsewhere inside this edition, Colin Romanick delivers a report on the inauguralRest of World: $134.99 W. Britain Model Figure Symposium staged in historic Gettysburg, Pa., Aug. 8-10, 2014.NOVEMBER 2014 It was the perfect spot for an American Civil War-themed weekend filled with seminars, displays, sneak peeks at upcoming releases and more.Postmaster: Send address correctionsto Toy Soldier & Model Figure, History and collecting converge in an article about the Allied and Axis leaders ofAshdown Inc., 68132 250th Ave. World War II. Curtis Sleight profiles the good, the bad and the ugly when it comes to theKasson, MN 55944 2nd Class Postage heads of state.Paid. Canada Post InternationalPublications Mail - Sales Agreement As usual, there’s lots more in store in this edition, so please start turning the pages,No. 546038. All rights reserved. enjoy and, as always, happy collecting!Reproduction in whole or partwithout the written permission of the Stuart A. Hessney, editorpublisher is prohibited. All editorialcontributions in the form of articles, figure of the monthletters and photographs (b/w orcolour print or transparencies) are Kudos to Tradition of London Ltd. for its speciallywelcomed by Toy Soldier but cannot produced Christmas 2014 set featuring a World War Ibe returned unless accompanied by theme. A powerful dose of personality has been injecteda stamped addressed envelope. All into the detailed and glossy set by the inclusion of thismaterial submitted to the magazine is iconic figure portraying British Secretary of State foraccepted on the basis that copyright War Horatio Kitchener in field marshal uniform.in the work will be vested in thePublisher who assumes all rightsworld-wide, in all forms and media.In any event the publisher canaccept no responsibility for lossor damage to contributions.© TOY SOLDIER & MODEL FIGURE 5

FIRE BACK! n The place where you canYOUR LETTERS sound off about your views about SOUND OFF ABOUT THE HOBBY OR MAGAZINE anything to do with this hobby, or this magazine.MORE ‘ZULU’ FILM TRIVIA LESTTTAERRDear Editor: I am aware, no one has ever identified a “British 24thI refer to your very interesting piece frame in the film showing a Zulu wearing Foot Trumpeter”on Anglo-Zulu War British 24th Foot a watch! from Firstby First Legion Ltd. in issue 196. Legion’s ZuluThe truly magnificent film “Zulu” has The main body of Zulu extras, of War series. probably been subject to more rigorous, whom there were only 240, received aminute and even, dare I say, pedantic government-approved cash payment of Behind It: The Making of the Epicscrutiny than has been suffered by any the equivalent of about £4 U.K. a week, Movie” by Sheldon Hall (2005).other movie. I would like to add a few or $40 U.S. per month at the exchangepoints of clarification to your section rate operating at that time, which was five  on movie trivia. or six times the average black wage. An Edwin Herbert additional 280 extras for the wedding Hon. Secretary “Zulu” was not shot “on location scene were paid slightly less and the 100near Rorke’s Drift.” The terrain near female dancers slightly less still. Chief Victorian Military Societythe site of the mission station was Buthelezi apparently supported these Leighton Buzzard, Bedfordshirenot considered spectacular enough. A numbers and rates as he did not want tooreplica site was built 160 kilometers many people taken from their duties on England, U.K.(100 miles), as the crow flies, southwest his land. In the iconic ridge scene, by the  of Rorke’s Drift in the Royal Natal way, each pair of Zulus carried a stand of The Editor Responds: Thanks for sharingNational Park in the KwaZulu Natal 10 shields to magnify the numbers. intriguing insights about a film that’sprovince of South Africa. It is an area near and dear to many toy soldierfar more mountainous and picturesque As well as the Gene Autry “Singing collectors’ hearts, including yours truly.than the real site of the battle. The set Cowboy” Western you mentioned, the Zuluwas dismantled after filming. extras were also shown silent comedies starring Charlie Chaplin, Buster Keaton Although Michael Caine had and Harold Lloyd. This exposure toindeed made small, often unbilled Hollywood probably accounts for some ofappearances in at least 17 feature films the overacting by the extras in the melees.(not five) prior to “Zulu,” the credit line“Introducing ..” was just a convention Some of the fake assegais you mentionedat that time to designate British or were actually made with retractable bladesAmerican actors presented as potential for the particularly gory scenes.“stars of the future.” Finally, when Frank Bourne died on The Zulu extras could possibly have May 8, 1945, he was 91 years of age, not 95.been paid with wristwatches (andcattle) as a bonus, but several sources Useful sources for further informationdispute that. The warriors’ decorative are “What Really Happened at Rorke’swrist bracelets might have been Drift” by Pat Rundgren (2003), “Zulu:mistaken for watches. And, as far as The Truth behind the Film” by Paul Raby (2009) and “Zulu – With Some GutsEDWARD II WAS NO ‘HAMMER’Dear Editor: “Hammer of the Scots,” not Edward II as The Editor Responds: Oh my gosh, I have noWith regard to your article in issue your article stated. idea how that unfortunate error snuck in,196 concerning the 700th anniversary especially considering the outcome of the battleof the Battle of Bannockburn, I Apart from this slight oversight on underscored how Edward II was certainly noshould like to put the record straight your part, your magazine is excellent. “Hammer of the Scots.” Perhaps the writerregarding Edward II and the Battle Keep up the good work. (me), copy editor (me) and/or editor (me)of Bannockburn. It was English King were hammered at the time? Please restEdward I who was known as the Edward Needs assured that I am hanging my head in shame. Barnsley, South Yorkshire England, U.K.6 TOY SOLDIER & MODEL FIGURE

GAS ATTACK ARTICLE TRIGGERS MEMORIESDear Editor: are “adsorbed,” not “absorbed,” that is, “to” I was not rewarded for myI was inspired to write this letter by Paul rather than “into.” valor. Instead the following day theGarson’s “Great War Gas Attack!” article lieutenant chewed me out for losingin issue 196. I’ve had firsthand experience with my helmet and I had to return to the gas masks. While I was in Army basic “battlefield” to find it. I have just completed several chapters training, our platoon was “in the woods”on the history of our company on how for a couple of days living in tents and So much for paying attention in class.its technology of filtration for chemical, taking classes outdoors. One day two of Thomas Temple Allanbiological and radiological (CBR) and our classes were about “being ambushed”later, filtration for semiconductor clean and the “procedure for using one’s gas Charlottesville Va., USArooms, came from the early work done mask.”by the U.S. Army at Edgewood Arsenal TS&MF ONin Maryland and the Naval Research I was a squad leader, thus charged with FACEBOOK,Laboratory. Surely similar work was done a modicum of responsibility. Off we went TWITTERin other countries during World War I.   on a night march. As we trudged through a little valley, all hell erupted as we were Have you got something to say to The filtration in nuclear reactors, ambushed. Since we had been instructed the hobby world and you want to saybiological research facilities and other to attack the ambushers immediately, it now?!? Then use your computerdangerous facilities “contains” the instead of lying there to be killed, I yelled mouse to click your way to Toy Soldierdangerous airborne materials that are to my squad to attack up the hill. & Model Figure Editor Stuart A.possibly airborne. On the flip side, Hessney’s Facebook page and becomesome gizmos we take for granted today, There were flares all around us. As I a “friend” of the magazine. Enthusiastsincluding handheld computers, were made stepped into the smoke, I yelled, “Gas!” can debate views, share hobby tips,possible by devices developed to protect Following procedure, I put my rifle spread news, post photos, help eachtroops from CBR warfare. between my legs, put my helmet on my other identify figures, and more. It’s rifle and donned my gas mask. your forum for fun! Also readers can The several phases in the gas masks now follow TS&MF on Twitter as wewere designed to protect the wearer from I looked back and no one had followed strive to keepboth particulate and gaseous toxins. Thus, me. They were all lying down in the collectorsthey had filters and carbon adsorbers. By path. The flares died down and I couldn’t around thethe way, the latter word is correct. Gases find my helmet.   globe informed and connected. GET WRITING! Win a prize by sending in a letter on anything concerning the toy soldier and model figure hobby. Each month a special surprise gift will be awarded to the Star Letter writer!ABOVE: WWI American doughboys receive training in how to use gas masks in France circa 1917. CONTACT US COLLECTOR GLAD MYSTERY SOLVED We welcome readers’ Fire Back! feedback via e-mail at stuart@ Dear Editor: ashdown.co.uk. In addition, letters can Many thanks to Scott J. Dummitt for his issue 193 letter solving the mystery of the be sent via fax to 01903 885514 or provenance of the British Yeoman Warder and Black Watch piper I had purchased mail to Fire Back!, TS&MF, Ashdown in Bermuda many moons ago. I am glad to learn that the figures were made by Ltd., Unit 5E, Park Farm, Chichester Greenwood Ware in Great Britain. You just have to know the right people on Road, Arundel, West Sussex, England, occasion. U.K. BN18 0AG. Letters can also be sent via fax to (507) 634-7691 or A.J. Mergenthaler, Pearl River, N.Y., USA   mail to Fire Back!, TS&MF, Ashdown Inc., 68132 250th Ave., Kasson, MN, USA 55944. All correspondence must include your full name, address and daytime telephone number in case verification is needed. Letters may be edited for length or clarity. Anonymous letters will not be considered for publication. TOY SOLDIER & MODEL FIGURE 7

VOOPELNLEIYNG n Editor Stuart A. Hessney and LATEST NEWS FROM THE TOY SOLDIER HOBBY his worldwide team of intrepid correspondents track down the latest news and notes of interest to toy soldier and model figure enthusiasts.SIERRA PARTNERS WITH W. BRITAIN FOR ‘DEADLY DANCE’Whether my fellow collectors would Myszka and Mike Hall. Zulu War enthusiasts can look forward torather waltz, moonwalk or dust off their It comes hot on the heels “The Deadly Dance,” a W. Britain set availabledisco grooves, I urge them to bust a move, of previous limited editions exclusively from Sierra Toy Soldier Co.act fast and place an order for “The Deadly such as “Brothers in Arms” (ref.Dance” while supplies last. 20143; $69), which dramatically re-creating the fierce clashes at Isandlwana depicts a determined British and Rorke’s Drift in January 1879. This Anglo-Zulu War hand-to-hand infantryman protecting a woundedcombat set (ref. 20147) was produced comrade writhing in pain. “Thrust Please do the hustle pronto to put in anby W. Britain exclusively for Sierra Toy and Block” (ref. 20146; $69) order. I’m willing to wager you’ll be doingSoldier Co. of Los Gatos, Calif., USA. couples another chap from the a jig once you see how well “The DeadlyThe 58-mm vignette depicts a British 24th Foot in a life-and-death Dance” and the rest of the chorus line ofsoldier of the 24th Foot engaged in mortal tango with a Zulu. Sierra-exclusive sets enhances Zulu Warcombat with an African warrior against displays.a scenic backdrop formed by a stack of Those two previous setsbiscuit boxes. I imagine that this Redcoat were limited to production runs --Stuart A. Hessneyis out of bullets because he’s desperately of 300 apiece. One is already aresorting to using his Martini-Henry rifle sellout and the other is expected to beas a club to try to fend off a Zulu with a soon, underscoring their collectible appeal.spear and cowhide shield closing in. For clear-cut evidence of strong demand, look no further than the fact that W. Britain Tension abounds in this dynamic set General Manager and Creative Directorsculpted by the brilliant Alan Ball. The Kenneth A. Osen has optimisticallyanatomy, authentic details and action have arranged to have 500 of these “Deadlybeen brought to life by the tremendous Dance” sets produced in China for Sierra.talent and vast expertise of master painterDave Youngquist. The three-piece set is The matt-finished miniature men of thereasonably priced at $76. 24th Foot are modeled in foreign service helmets and scarlet coats with the green “The Deadly Dance” is only the latest facings of their famous regiment.They andtwist in a ballet of exclusives orchestrated their equally valiant Zulu foes are perfect forby W. Britain for Sierra proprietorsU.S. ARMY UNVEILS NEW CAMOUFLAGE PATTERNThe U.S. Army recently unveiled a new Natick Soldier Research, Development However, Army leaders have stated itcamouflage pattern for combat uniforms. & Engineering Center in Massachusetts. will be just one part of a “family” of camo patterns that will also include a dark It’s called Operational Camouflage According to an official statement jungle/woodland variant and a lighterPattern. However, it was also referred issued, “The Army has confirmed through pattern for desert conditions.to as Scorpion W2 in tests. testing that (the pattern) would offer exceptional concealment, which directly The Army plans to retain wearable The color palette includes muted enhances force protection and survivability items in the digital Universal Camouflagegreens, light beige and dark brown. for soldiers.” Pattern and dye them coyote brown inThe pattern was developed by the Army conjunction with potential cost-savings The Army intends to transition to the measures. The Army also intends to The U.S. new camo through a “fiscally responsible” over-dye existing Modular Lightweight Army’s new phase-out of the unpopular gray-green Load Carrying Equipment and Improved Operational Universal Combat Pattern. The new camo Outer Tactical Vests that are the Universal Camouflage is expected to become available by the Camouflage Pattern to create a darker Pattern for summer of 2015. color that better matches coyote brown. combat uniforms. The new style’s Operational It should be interesting to see how Camouflage Pattern name is meant re-creating the new camo might challenge to emphasize its use extends beyond toy soldier makers in the future. Afghanistan to all combat commands. The uniform will be worn in garrison too. --Stuart A. Hessney8 TOY SOLDIER & MODEL FIGURE

OBITUARY: WILLIAM E. THOMPSON (1931-2014)Toy soldier collector and maker William Woolworth’s in Bronxville or to nearby Toy soldier collector and TV personality Bill Thompson.E. Thompson, who made generations of New York City to add to his collection.Arizona TV viewers smile and laugh via Survivors include Bill’s wife, Katie; fivehis popular children’s show, died at age 82 Bill eventually began to sculpt, cast, children; 10 grandchildren; seven great-in Phoenix July 23, 2014. paint and sell toy soldiers. He even created grandchildren; one brother and one cousin. his own line, Gorton Toy Soldiers, with his Bill was born in New York City friend Andy Masich, a museum curator. --Grant PetersonDec. 18, 1931. He was graduated from More recently Bill produced the HistoricalBronxville High School, then attended Toy Soldiers range in conjunction withDePauw University in Greencastle, Ind. friend Ned Norris.He was an artist, boxer, history buff,writer, creative genius and local legend in Bill was a true history nut, especiallyArizona. when it came to the American Civil War. He amassed ACW toy soldiers, Bill made people laugh for a living re-enacted battles, collected uniformsfor 36 years after creating his character and weapons, and made numerous films,Wallace Snead for a local TV program including “The Battle of Cannonballthat showcased cartoons. Within a year, Junction.”former cameraman Ladimir Kwiatkowskijoined the comedy show as Wallace’s As time passed, Bill’s collection grewsidekick Ladmo. Pat McMahon joined the from his own output and sets collected fromcast in 1960. all over the world, including some rarities. Visiting his hobby room was like traveling Various incarnations of “The Wallace through history. Bill’s incredible knowledgeand Ladmo Show” aired daily on KPHO- of history and obsession with accuracy madeTV (Channel 5) in Phoenix from 1954 to his amazing collection truly one of a kind.1989. It was one of the longest-running,locally produced children’s programs in Though Bill is gone now, he’s notU.S. broadcasting history. forgotten as a large part of him lives on in his massive, lifelong collection of toy Bill’s lifelong passion for collecting toy soldiers. His family has enlisted longtimesoldiers began in 1936, when he received friend Pam Yelverton of Brunton’sa set as a Christmas gift. Each week Barracks in Prescott, Ariz., to help find athat followed he would head to the local new home for it.LANCASTER BOMBERS IN MILESTONE TANDEM FLIGHTA pair of World War II Lancaster “bouncing bombs” in 1943. A book by An estimated 7,300 Lancasters werebombers have flown together for the Paul Brickhill about the mission led to the built. Most of the bombers that survivedfirst time in 50 years. 1955 movie “The Dam Busters,” starring WWII were eventually scrapped. Richard Todd as Gibson.    The U.K.-based Battle of Britain It is believed that the last time twoMemorial Flight’s four-engine bomber or more Lancasters flew together was inwas joined by the only other airworthy 1964 in Canada.Lancaster. Restored by volunteers andnamed Vera, it was flown 3,700 miles --Stuart A. Hessneyfrom Canada across the Atlantic toLincolnshire, England. Once the heavy bombers were bothcleared for takeoff, they flew in tandemAug. 13, 2014. It was the first in aseries of practice flights to preparefor appearances at air shows and in60 flypasts over Britain. Lancasters are best known fortheir role in a daring raid led byRoyal Air Force Wing Cmdr.Guy Gibson to attack Germandams with specially developedGuy Gibson and crew board theirLancaster bomber in a dioramaby W. Britain commemorating the1943 Dam Busters raid. TOY SOLDIER & MODEL FIGURE 9

THE REBEL YELL…THE REBEL YELL… The shrill ringing scream is said to have had ancient Celtic was one of the most effective psychological origins, as decades before the war, almost three quarters of the population from Virginia to Texas was probably oftools used by the Confederate army during the Scotch-Irish decent. Anecdotes from former Union SoldiersAmerican Civil War. It was first heard during the commented that, “if you claim you heard it and weren’tFirst Battle of Manassas when Stonewall Jackson’s scared that means you never heard it.”troops were ordered to “yell like furies,” during a You can almost hear the Rebel yells when you look at our newestbayonet charge assaulting Henry House Hill. It was heard again additions to our ever growing collection of American Civil War figures.and again at every battle during the bloody fighting that raged For a closer look please visit one of our authorized dealers.for four years. Sierra Toy Soldier Green’s Collectables Treefrog Treasures Hobby Bunker Tel: 408-395-3000 Tel: 973-627-4961 Tel: 866-394-2418 Tel: 781-321-8855 Fax: 408-358-3966 Fax: 781-321-8866 www.greenscollectables.com Outside U.S.: 1-507-545-2500 www.hobbybunker.com www.sierratoysoldier.com 46 Warren Trail www.treefrogtreasures.com 33 Exchange Street 29 N. Santa Cruz Ave. 248 Sandstone Drive NW Malden, Massachusetts 02148 Denville, New Jersey 07834 Eyota, Minnesota 55934 Los Gatos, California 95030 Tedtoy Miniatures Minuteman Toy Soldier DuTtkeli:n8s0’0C-LoIlLle-cAtRaMbles Tel: 270-929-2876 Tel: 617-462-5431 (800-545-2769) www.tedtoy.com 1301 Walnut Street www.mmtoysoldiers.com Fax: 856-428-9640 35 Pilgrim Village Rd. Unit #902 www.dutkins.com Owensboro, Kentucky 42301 1019 West Route 70 Taunton, Massachusetts 02780Cherry Hill, New Jersey 08002 The History Store Toy Soldier Shoppe Tel: 740-775-7400 Tel: 414-302-1850 Fax: 414-302-1851 www.thehistorystore.net [email protected] www.toysoldiershoppe.net 3775 S. 108th St. 101 North Paint St. Chillicothe, Ohio 45601 Greenfield, Wisconsin 53228WBA1714 ©2014 FIRST GEAR, INC. FIRST GEAR®, design, W. Britain®, and are registered trademarks of First Gear, Inc., Peosta, IA



Toy Soldier is available around the world Planning yourfrom any of the specialist shops listed below sales strategy?USA: Toy Troops Promote your business inHobby Bunker 7561 Center Ave. #17, Toy Soldier & Model Figure33 Exchange Street, Huntington Beach, CA magazine.Malden, MA 02148 Contact us today for rates.Sierra Toy Soldier Co. CANADA:15466 Los Gatos Blvd. #108, Scott J. Dummitt Presents +1 (507) 634-3143Los Gatos, CA 95032 1754 Carmel Line, Bailieboro, [email protected] Ontario, Canada K0L 1B0Joseph Saine We carry these lines of products:628 Dixie Highway, Maitland Toy Soldier Shoppe • Collectors ShowcaseRossford, OH 43460 108 Victoria St. South, • William Britain Goderich, Ontario • Del Prado USAThe Toy Soldier Shoppe Canada N7A 3H9 • Forces of Valor3775 S 108th St., (HWY 100), • Armies in PlasticGreenfield. WI 53228 AUSTRALIA • Figarti Miniatures The Toy Soldier ExperienceTroops of Time 810 Donnybrook Road • Thomas Gunn Miniatures1602 Copeland Street, Donnybrook. Victoria. 3064Jacksonville, FL 32204 Free shipping on all domestic US orders. If you wish to see Toy We ship internationally.Michigan Toy Soldier Soldier & Model Figure1400 E. 11 Mile Road magazines in your area, Email: [email protected] Oak, MI 48067 please encourage your Phone: 205-903-5998 favorite shop to call and Website: http://stores.ebay.com/thetoysoldierpatrolbaseThe History Store order at 1-866-606-6587 or101 North Paint Street, 507-634-3143.Chillicothe, OH 45601We are also available in all UK newsagents. www.tomgunN.co.uk • email: [email protected] Dornier 335 with wing cannon RAF Ninak Ltd edition of 10 WW1 Belgian British Chariot with Carabiniere Commando FigureAvailable direct from us and from all good quality toy soldier stockists throughout the world.1s/c3a0lteh Thomas Gunn Miniatures, 67 Market Place, Warminster, BA12 9AZ, UK 1s/3c0atlhe Phone: 0044 1985 219472 - Fax: 0044 1985 21610512 TOY SOLDIER & MODEL FIGURE

Large glossy and vintage collection secured, Sierra Toy Soldier Company take a look at our website for details New! Britain’s Zulu War - BR20147 -- “The Deadly Dance” - Zulu Warrior and British 24th Foot Hand-to-Hand Set - 3 Piece Set - Limited Edition of 500 - Sierra Toy Soldier Company Exclusive! IN STOCK NOW! Currently carrying the following lines Visit Our store, In person Or Online • King & Country • First Legion • W. Britains • Figarti For The Largest Selection Of Toy Soldiers!Thomas Gunn Miniatures • John Jenkins Designs • CollectorsShowcase • Del Prado • JG Miniatures • Kronprinz • Frontline 29 N. Santa Cruz Avenue, Los Gatos, CA 95030 35 Pilgrim Village Road, Unit 902, Taunton MA 02780 Toll Free (866) 869-7653 International (408) 395-3000 tel: 617-462-5431 email: [email protected] Fax (408) 395-3006 www.sierratoysoldier.com TOY SOLDIER SHOPPE “FIRST LEGION’S IRON BRIGADE” STORE HOURS: King & Country • WBritain Tuesday – Friday Little Legion • John Jenkins Design 10am – 5pm Alexander Toy Soldier • First Legion Saturday Black Hawk and others. 10am – 4pm Closed: www.toysoldiershoppe.net Sun & Mon COME VISIT OUR STORE! 3775 S. 108th St., Greenfield, WI 53228 (414)302-1850 [email protected] TOY SOLDIER & MODEL FIGURE 13

Collecting Toy Soldiers Wehrmacht figures in varied poses created by Reiner Krock.It’s a Reiner Krock!U.S. collector Jack Matthews recounts encountering and collectingsolid-cast metal figures made by a creative craftsman from GermanyText: Jack Matthews Photos: Meriam MatthewsS ome 30 years ago I met a young RIGHT: Political personality figures of Italian leader German fellow at Dick Sousi’s Benito Mussolini and Germany’s Reich Minister of Annapolis Toy Soldier Show in Propaganda Joseph Goebbels and Luftwaffe FieldMaryland, then one of the biggest and Marshal Hermann Göring (from left).best in the United States. His name was Reiner Krock. BELOW RIGHT: Reiner Krock’s intricate tinplate model of a WWII quad antiaircraft gun with a He brought his lovely wife and their Luftwaffe crew.two large Maine coon cats, which mywife loved. Reiner came as a vendor to BELOW: Examples of Wehrmacht soldiers onAnnapolis and other shows while living parade.14 TOY SOLDIER & MODEL FIGURE

Collecting Toy SoldiersABOVE: The craftsman based this U.S. Army map ABOVE: The solid-cast metal Afrika Korps troops are rather unique items in the realm of 7.5-cm scale.table group on a German military vignette made byLineol prior to WWII. of what’s now the largest collection of Ed offered me the entire lot of several German-made Lineol and Elastolin hundred soldiers at an extremely reasonablein Maine to assist in the construction of a composition figures and tinplate items, price. I immediately purchased them all.German-owned plant. He produced solid- purchasing a very large Stuka dive bombercast metal figures in the 7.5-cm size like with working parts from Reiner. It was not I sold some duplicates on eBay throughLineol and Elastolin composition figures cheap, but worth every penny. the years. But more than 200 of themmade in Germany. continue to fill two long shelves in my In my opinion, the best of Reiner’s collection room. Many of Reiner’s German-themed 1980s to 1990 offerings were solid-castpieces were copies of the sawdust and Imperial German figures. They includedglue originals. But most of them were soldiers on parade, regimental standard-variations and conversions, such as a bearers, generals and sentries. I have amarvelous array of World War II Afrika large group of them.Korps troops in action in their short-pantstropical outfits. TREASURE TROVE By today’s standards, his conversions After the construction project in Maine waswere modest. But a number of the figures completed, Reiner returned to Germany.are strikingly robust and vigorous. At the time, the late Ed BurleyTINPLATE WORK called me to say that Reiner had left his remaining inventory with him to disposeIn addition to his offerings of figures, of. Ed had apparently produced someHerr Krock also sold a few painstakingly molds for Reiner and made a few of thehandmade tinplate items. For example, metal figures’ flags in a large and glossymy collection includes his intricate heavy paper style.tinplate model of a WWII German quadantiaircraft gun with a Luftwaffe crew. I well recall Dr. Bill Mussing, owner ABOVE: Reiner Krock figures with large paper flags marked “Made in the USA,” possibly done by the late Ed Burley. LEFT: Luftwaffe airmen with a paratrooper from the Fallschirmjägers at center. BELOW: Reiner Krock’s Luftwaffe bandsmen made of metal replicated their composition forbearers. TOY SOLDIER & MODEL FIGURE 15

Collecting Toy Soldiers Black-uniformed German SS men on parade complete with a torch carrier. ABOVE: Excellent hand-painted tin regimental flags and other standards of Imperial Germany and the WWII era. Reiner continues to make some complex figures in small dioramas out of the modern, light resin-type materials. However, his very early and heavy metal figures almost never show up at shows, auctions, on eBay or elsewhere. I thought it was about time to share a look at many of them with fellow collectors via TS&MF. I well remember those nice meetings with Reiner in Annapolis more than a quarter-century ago and my thrill in getting that treasure trove from the late, great Ed Burley. n LEFT: Reiner Krock marked his metal figures’ bases in varied ways, such as “G.M.G. 1989” and “RK 83. BELOW: Circa 1980s price stickers. Pre-WWI Imperial German army figures from the collection of Jack Matthews. about the writer Retired attorney and judge Jack Matthews is one of the world’s foremost collectors of antique toy soldiers, tinplate toys and related items (see TS&MF issue 90 for his “Collector’s Story”). The U.S. resident is a top expert on composition figures and World War II ephemera. The frequent TS&MF correspondent has also written articles for several other publications and contributed to Richard O’Brien’s “Collecting Toy Soldiers” books. In addition, Jack authored the book, “Toys Go to War: World War II Military Toys, Games, Puzzles and Books.”16 TOY SOLDIER & MODEL FIGURE

Tradition of London Ltd Traditional style soldiers for collectors. www.traditionoflondonshop.com The Christmas 2014 Set. World War One - The British ArmyField Marshal Lord Kitchener, Officer, Private Infantry Summer/ Winter and Pri-vate Scottish Regiment. This special limited edition “Christmas 2014 Set” is only available during the year of issue. The figures are made in England of quality white metal and meticulously hand-painted in gloss enamel to the highest standards. Priced at £82.75 Painted – Also available as Kit/ castings Priced at £10.85 each 764 Toy Soldiers Set British Foot Guards Painted The Guards fought in every major British campaign on the continent during the Napoleonic Wars. They carved their place in history under commanders such as Sir John Moore and Wellington from Corunna and Talavera during the Peninsula War to their legendary defence of the Chateau of Hougoumont throughout the battle of Waterloo Officer, Ensign with Kings colour, Ensign with Regimental col-our, two Sergeants with pike and two Pioneers. 768 Toy Soldiers Set French Grenadiers of the Guard, Head of Column Painted Head of Column - Officer, Standard Bearer, two Sapeurs, two Sergeants and two Drummers A Grenadier from French, derived from the word grenade was originally a spe-cializedsoldier, first established as a distinct role in the mid-to-late 17th century, for the throwing of grenades and sometimes assault operations. At this time grenadiers were chosen fromthe strongest and largest soldiers. By the 19th cen-tury, the throwing of grenades was no longer relevant, but grenadiers were still chosen for being the most physically powerful soldiers and would lead assaults in the field of battle. All our own produced Toy Soldiers and Model Figures are available as Kit/ castings, unpaintedTradition have now closed our Mayfair London shop and all future orders can be obtained direct via our mail order service or via one of our agents. Production will still be in England, mail order will be from the Stockholm office.Tradition Toy Soldiers are available in North America from the following dealers: Bryerton’s Military Miniatures Dutkins’ Collectables Hobby Bunker, Inc.6935 W. 62nd Street, Chicago, Illinois 60638 1019 West Route 70 33 Exchange Street, Malden, Ma 02148 Cherry Hill, New Jersey 08002 Phone: (773) 229-0015 Phone: (856) 428-9559 Phone: 1-781-321-8855 Fax: (733) 229-0117 Fax: 1-781-321-8866 www.bryertons.com www.dutkins.com www.hobbybunker.com Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected] Tradition of London Ltd., www.traditionoflondonshop.comEmail: [email protected] UK Tel: +44 (0)115 942 7462

History & CollectingNPearpsoolneaoln’s Black Hawk ToyBodyguard Soldier depiction of a Chasseur during the wintry retreat from Moscow in 1812.A.J. Mergenthaler saddles up for a look at the Napoleonic French“Chasseurs à Cheval of the Imperial Guard in history and miniatureText: A.J. Mergenthaler Photos: A.J. Mergenthaler and TS&MF ArchivesT he Napoleonic Wars is perhaps one   Both of those outstanding soldiers of the most popular periods among were favorites of Napoleon. Both lost collectors drawn to our very unique CLOSE CALL their lives in action. Lannes was killed athobby. In no small measure, I believe it Aspern‑Essling near Vienna, Austria, inis due to the soldiers’ colorful and diverse Napoleon Bonaparte’s rise in rank and 1809. Bessières was reconnoitering theuniforms, the numerous combatant power was meteoric during the French defile of Poserna-Rippach in Saxony-nations, and the personalities who fill the Revolutionary Wars. By 1796, he was Anhalt when he was killed by a cannonballpages of the history of that significant commander in chief of the Army of Italy. that ricocheted off a wall and struck himperiod during the late 18th and early 19th in the chest in 1813.centuries. At this time, a somewhat embarrassing close call occurred. Napoleon was almost Napoleon’s mounted bodyguards were As has been the case throughout captured by a detachment of Austrian originally known as the Guides à Chevalhistory, kings, emperors, leaders of great cavalry at an unguarded moment near the when the unit’s genesis began. By the endarmies and major personalities almost little village of Valeggio. Because of this of September 1796, they were increasedwithout exception have had bodyguards experience, he realized there was a real to 160 men. These darlings of Napoleonor groups either large or small of soldiers need for a unit dedicated to the protectiondedicated to their personal protection. of himself and the army’s headquarters. BELOW LEFT: Right side view of a Chasseur à Cheval on horseback by King & Country Ltd. One of the units that had as their Napoleon created a formation thatprimary responsibility the protection of initially consisted of both infantry BELOW: Soldiers of the World figures ofFrench general, first consul and finally and cavalry. They included Grenadiers dismounted Chasseurs. They were required toEmperor Napoleon I were the elite men commanded by Jean Lannes, later a have bayonets fixed on their carbines when servingand officers of the Chasseurs à Cheval of marshal of the First French Empire; and as escorts on foot.the Imperial Guard. 50 light cavalry led by Capt. Jean-Baptiste Bessières of the 22nd Chasseurs à Cheval. Bessières also went on to become a marshal.18 TOY SOLDIER & MODEL FIGURE

History & CollectingABOVE LEFT: Labayen model of Marshal Jean- were amongst the best provided for French Capt. Eugène de Beauharnais, the stepsonBaptiste Bessières, commander of the Cavalry of the troops in terms of uniforms, weapons and of Napoleon.Imperial Guard. equipment necessary for such a high-   profile unit. Besides performing escort dutiesABOVE MIDDLE: Labayen figure of a Horse and supplying basic security during theGrenadier. A company of them who formed the   campaign in Italy, the Chasseurs à ChevalDirectory Guard became part of the Consular Guard were equally valuable on the battlefield.following Napoleon’s coup. ELITE UNIT They served as an important strategic  reserve used at critical points in combat.ABOVE RIGHT: Labayen figure of Gen. Antoine Bessières was in overall command of theLasalle, who was denied command of the Chasseurs mounted bodyguards. They included two All of the men in this special unit wereregiment by Napoleon. heavy cavalry squadrons of Grenadiers carefully selected only from the very best à Cheval. The 177 light cavalrymen of candidates in terms of proven courage and the Chasseurs à Cheval were led by moral rectitude. Their numbers continued to increase until there were four squadrons. LEFT: Dismounted Chasseurs à Cheval standard- They were officially titled as the Guides à bearer by Labayen. Cheval de l’Armée d’Italie at this point.   BELOW: Close-up showing details of the In the spring of 1798, Napoleon Chasseurs flag modeled by Labayen. embarked on his short and less-than- successful Egyptian/Syrian campaign. BELOW RIGHT: Napoleon figure by The Leaving most of his expedition behind, AeroArt St. Petersburg Collection. Napoleon left Cairo to sail back to France TOY SOLDIER & MODEL FIGURE 19

History & CollectingABOVE: Labayen portrayal of Pierre Daumesnil, in August 1799. He was accompanied by a First Legion Ltd.who commanded a Chasseurs à Cheval squadron small number of the Guides à Cheval. portrayal ofbefore losing a leg at Wagram. NapoleonBELOW RIGHT:  Left side view of a Chasseur à Though Napoleon had won several surveying aCheval on horseback by King & Country Ltd. battles, the Egyptian campaign was a failure. battlefield while Nevertheless, his very clever handling of accompaniedBELOW: Dismounted the situation led to him returning to a by a Chasseur.Chasseur by W. Britain. hero’s welcome. He overthrew the French Directory by a coup d’état Nov. 9, 1799.   Napoleon became first consul under LAVISH UNIFORM a constitution that preserved the illusion of a republic but in reality established a Becoming a member of the Chasseurs military dictatorship with him at its head. à Cheval of the Imperial Guard was His mounted bodyguard became the the pinnacle of a cavalryman’s hopes Chasseurs à Cheval of the Consular Guard and aspirations. Their devotion, by decree in 1799. bravery, dedication and service without reservations was inextricably bound to Napoleon’s machinations led to their Emperor to the very death. him being crowned by Pope Pius VII as Emperor Dec. 2, 1804, in Paris. In Their lavish, hussar-style uniform conjunction with the coronation, the included a fur colpack or shako with a red Consular Guard became the Chasseurs band, dark green coats and breeches, and à Cheval of the Imperial Guard. They short boots. Cheaper and more practical included a company of Mamelukes gray overalls with two crimson stripes from Egypt. At that time, the four along each outside seam and leather squadrons were commanded by General Brigadier Eugène de Beauharnais. The Emperor reserved the right to personally appoint the commander in the future. The Chasseurs rendered important service, in addition to their primary responsibility to protect Napoleon. They were involved in the heat of battles ranging from Rovereto, Arcole and Rivoli during the first campaign in Italy to Egypt, the second Italian campaign, Austria, Spain and Germany.20 TOY SOLDIER & MODEL FIGURE

History & CollectingChasseurs à Cheval of theImperial Guard by CBG Mignot.reinforcements became popular following TOP RIGHT: Soldiers of the World depiction ofthe Russian campaign. Napoleon himself Napoleon resting his telescope on the shoulder of aenjoyed wearing the uniform of the Chasseurs sergeant.Chasseurs in recognition of the regiment’sservice. RIGHT: French Chasseur on foot by Poste Militaire. The officers and men of the Chasseurs à BELOW RIGHT: Chasseur on picket duty byCheval were totally devoted to Napoleon. Del Prado.Their love of the Emperor and their valor,discipline and courage were an example including his personal bodyguard. As ato the entire army on the numerous result, the Chasseurs’ nine squadrons werebattlefields of Europe during the next 11 divided into the Old Guard and Youngyears. Guard in 1813. In 1805, four companies of cadets The War of the Sixth Coalition(“vélites”) for the Chasseurs à Cheval were compelled Napoleon’s abdication in Aprilcreated as a means of replacing losses to 1814. After the Bourbon monarchy waskeep the squadrons at full strength. The restored, the Chasseurs à Cheval werevélites were disbanded by 1811. reconstituted as the Corps Royal des Cheval Chasseurs de France. Napoleon’s 1812 invasion of Russia wasdisastrous for his entire Grande Armée, King & Country Ltd. figures are featured in avignette depicting a Chasseurs à Cheval sergeant questioning a British prisoner under guard. TOY SOLDIER & MODEL FIGURE 21

History & Collecting However, when Napoleon returned CHASSEUR ANECDOTES and was regarded as one of France’s bestfrom exile on Elba in 1815, Charles cavalry commanders. Lasalle desired toLefebvre Desnoëttes assumed A couple of individuals deserve mention. be given command of the Chasseurs àcommand of the Chasseurs à Cheval. One of them has a rather humorous Cheval because their commander, NicolasDuring the Hundred Days, he aspect. The other demonstrated complete Dahlman, had been killed in the clash.commanded the Guard Light Cavalry devotion.Division at 1815’s Battles of Quatre The need for a new commander wasBras and Waterloo, where he was After the brutal and costly Battle evident. Since Gen. Lasalle was arguablywounded. of Eylau Feb. 7-8, 1807, Napoleon was one of the army’s top cavalry officers, he approached by Gen. Antoine Lasalle. sought the very prestigious command. He was known as the “Hussar General”ABOVE: Chasseurs à Cheval charge into battlefrom The Collectors Showcase.RIGHT: Mounted Chasseurs standard-bearer andescorts by King & Country Ltd.BELOW: Chasseurs à Cheval standard-bearercrafted by Roger Berdou in 54-mm scale around1961.22 TOY SOLDIER & MODEL FIGURE

History & CollectingHe was very firmly refused by Napoleon, to second lieutenant in 1800 and captain ABOVE: A stunning trumpeter is amongst thenot because he was unqualified, but due in 1801. He attained his highest rank in various Chasseurs produced by King & Country Ltd.to the fact that his undisciplined behavior the Chasseurs à Cheval of the Imperialdid not reflect the character the Emperor Guard when he became major and a BELOW LEFT: Chasseur figure created byrequired of the commander and men of squadron commander. It was quite an Charles C. Stadden.such an elite group. honor for someone who came from such humble beginnings. BELOW RIGHT: A 54-mm Chasseur à Cheval The other personality, Pierre de la Garde kit figure from Métal Modèles of France.Daumesnil, was a young enlisted man Daumesnil was wounded a total of 20of the 22nd Chasseurs à Cheval. After times. His cavalry career came to a very for his faithful service, this favorite of thebeing wounded in Spain in 1794, he was abrupt end when he lost his left leg at Emperor was made a general-de-brigadereunited with his regiment in time to be the Battle of Wagram in 1809. In reward and given the position of governor of thesent to Italy. Fortress of Vincennes. Daumesnil’s demeanor, bravery and As an interesting aside, my collectionboldness were noted by then Capt. includes a Labayen figure of Gen.Bessières, who later became commanderin chief of the Cavalry of the ImperialGuard. Aware of the qualities of thisyoung cavalryman, Bessières selected himto serve with the Guides of the Armyof Italy. Daumesnil was subsequentlypromoted to the rank of “marechal-des‑logis” (sergeant). During the battle of Arcola at a fiercelycontested bridge crossing, Napoleon fellinto a canal. He was stuck dangerously inthe mire when Daumesnil helped extricatehim. While serving in the Egyptiancampaign, Daumesnil came to specialnotice of Napoleon himself on twooccasions by protecting the general frompossible serious injury, if not death. OnceDaumesnil used his own body to shieldNapoleon from what turned out to be adud grenade. Daumesnil was one of the very fewsoldiers who returned from Egypt toFrance with Napoleon. He was promoted TOY SOLDIER & MODEL FIGURE 23

History & CollectingDaumesnil mistakenly modeled with the ABOVE: Chasseur shooting carbine bywrong lost leg. The Collectors Showcase. It’s just one of the old and new painted ABOVE RIGHT: 28) Chasseurs à Chevalmetal figures of varying quality and styles officer by The Collectors Showcase.from several manufacturers pictured withthis article. Whether they are toy soldiers RIGHT: Chasseurs à Cheval standard-beareror connoisseur-style military miniatures, crafted by The Collectors Showcase.all clearly demonstrate accurate depictionsof the very special and elite soldiers of BELOW: Chasseur falling wounded byNapoleon’s personal bodyguard. n The Collectors Showcase. about the writer A.J. Mergenthaler was a co-owner of TBC Graphics, a typesetting and printing company, in New York City and Rockland County, N.Y., USA. After the business was acquired by Bowne & Co., he became vice president and sales manager of Intergraphic Technology and Action Graphics. The retiree is a longtime toy soldier and model figure collector. He has also contributed articles to several hobby and history-related publications through the years. In addition, he was one of the founders of the Military Historical Society.24 TOY SOLDIER & MODEL FIGURE

Manufacturing Military and Literary themed kits in 54mm and 76mm since 1963 • historical accuracy • superb sculpting • huge selection • Made in USA *kits not for children under 14 Peter Nathan Toy Soldiers www.ImrieRisleyMiniatures.com www.facebook.com/ImrieRisleyMiniatures We offer the widest variety of elite military miniatures, toy soldiers and diorama accessories available for your [email protected] PO Box 89 Burnt Hills NY 12027 USA visual hobby. Peter Nathan Toy Soldiers has been in business over 20 years and all the products displayed in our new store are available online. Shop 18, level 2, Queen Victoria Building,455 George Street, Sydney, Australia. Tel: (+612) 9267 5591 Email: [email protected] Website: www.toysoldiers.com.au Store Hours Mon, Tue, Wed, Fri, Sat: 10am to 6pm Thu 10am to 9pm, Sun 11am to 5pmMonarch Regalia,Date Clan Samuraiwww.Tedtoy.com TEDTOY MINIATURES FEATURES: Tof rToiompes MMiliiltiatarryyMMiinniiaattuurreess •• LLiimmitieteddEEdidtiiotinoPnrPinrtisn•tsM•ilMitairliitaaria 16106022CCooppeellaanndd SStt..J•a3c8k1so-n6v8i2ll8e,•FwLw• w90.t4r-o38o1p-s6o8f2t8ime.comMonarch Regalia, WBritain, First Legion, John Jenkins, Figarti, SwMatouwnrddwaayy.–t1Fr1r:oi0d0oay-p140s::0o300f-•t5Ti:3um0e•sedSa.ayctu-ordFmaryi:dBayy A1p0p:3o0in-tm5e:n30t Collectors Showcase, del Prado and, of course, Tedtoywww.tedtoy.com 107 W.3rd St. 270-929-2876 Owensboro, KY 42301 TOY SOLDIER & MODEL FIGURE 25

Museum Military MiniaturesA Tale of 2 CollectionsBMSS President Stephen Dance describes a recent visit to a toy soldier museum in Italy and drawssome comparisons with his Society’s own National Collection, now 40 years oldText: Stephen Dance Photos: Stephen Dance, Robin Marlin and Derek WestM y wife, Debra, might have The grouping is by historical period/theme ABOVE: The Italian toy soldier museum has been been forgiven for thinking I to a degree, but also by type of figure. housed at Villa Mazzacorati in Bologna since 1990. had planned it this way. Therewe were, enjoying a recent holiday in As a visitor enters, one of the first BELOW: A visitor can inspect more than 50Bologna, Italy, staying in a fabulous hotel cabinets encountered features a great cabinets filled with figures in the main room of thewhose guests have included the likes of display of Britains plastic Swoppet Bologna museum.Frank Sinatra and Pavarotti. knights, set against the background of a turreted castle. These fine models -- to call War II vintage accompanied by the Suddenly, I discovered that Bologna them toys doesn’t do them justice -- are characteristic composition figures.has its own toy soldier and model figure truly amazing figures. They even have However, my eyes were drawn to somemuseum! It was quite an unexpected tiny daggers and swords which can be examples of vintage Italian lead models ofboon as I’d not seen any mention of one withdrawn from equally tiny scabbards. a kind I have never seen before. Locatedprior to coming. with some Heyde solids, these appear Nearby are some impressive to depict Italian units of the Great War Il Museo Nazionale del Soldatino camouflaged tinplate vehicles of World“Mario Massaccesi” is located inside theVilla Mazzacorati, an imposing buildingdating from the 17th and 18th centuries.Amongst other things, it serves as acommunity health facility. The museum is in a large, ground-floor room off to the right as one entersthe building. On the other side of thecorridor is another large room with newadditions to the collection.MUSEUM’S GENESISThe museum has been at VillaMazzacorati since 1990. It was formedby a group of collectors in Bolognawho wished for a more public meansof displaying their figures, which theythought could be useful in illustratinghistory. The collection had originally beenlocated at Palazzo Francia in PiazzaCalderini. But further expansion, notablythe acquisition through a bequest ofthe entire collection of professor MarioMassaccesi, necessitated a move to newpremises made available by the Comunedi Bologna. Agreement was secured toname the Villa Mazzacorati museum inhonor of Massaccesi, and also to use theword “Nazionale” (National) in the title. Displayed in the main room in morethan 50 modern, glass-fronted cabinetsis an impressive collection of toy soldiersand model figures. They are largely 54-mm, but with some larger types, smallerflats and wargaming figures. There is some emphasis, as might beexpected, on figures depicting Italianunits. But the displays have a broadsweep. There is something here foreveryone. The cases feature themed displays oflead, plastic and composition figures,often arranged in imaginative settings.26 TOY SOLDIER & MODEL FIGURE

Museum Military MiniaturesABOVE: A selection of the superbly paintedconnoisseur-style figures at the Italian museum.TOP LEFT: An interesting model of Villa Mazzacoratias it appeared during the Napoleonic period.MIDDLE LEFT: The Bologna museum’s recentacquisitions include Timpo plastic Waterloo infantry.period, including Alpine troops and thefamous Bersaglieri. Some are rather longin arm, but to me they had undoubtedcharm. A fascinating display a little farther onfeatures a model of the Villa Mazzacoratias it was in Napoleonic times. Next tothis are other historical vignettes fromthe Roman and ancient periods. There aresome beautiful examples of “connoisseur”figures in various scales and historicalperiods which would grace any modelingcompetition. One of my personal favorites wasa superb display of French firefighters(“pompiers”) by the French firm CBGMignot. They were all in their originaldisplay box reproducing a fire station,complete with bright red motorized andhorse-drawn vehicles. These are, I think,old models produced fairly recently (1960son), but they made for a particularlyattractive display. There were various other examplesfrom Mignot, including polar and Alpinegroups.EMPIRE STRIKES BACKAlthough Italy had its own period ofcolonization, it would seem that theBritish Empire continues to exercise afirm hold on the imagination of Italiancollectors. One case houses an impressiveprocession from the days of the Rajfeaturing elephants. Opposite is a well-chosen selection of both model-qualityand toy figures illustrating British unitson active service and colonial units inBritish service. These displays include acolorful defensive formation of lead kiltedHighlanders firing. A lively diorama depicts desperatefighting between British Redcoats andLEFT: Bologna display of French “pompiers”(firefighters) by CBG Mignot rushing to an emergency. TOY SOLDIER & MODEL FIGURE 27

Museum Military MiniaturesABOVE: Unusual lead models of Italian forces of the museum as a “museo storico del soldatino” 1960s. Things really took off when theGreat War on exhibit in Bologna. (historical museum of toy soldiers). It was newly formed National Collection opened particularly pleasing to see young children in April 1974 in Dodington House nearABOVE RIGHT: The Stratford Armouries Museum entranced by the displays. Hopefully, some the city of Bath, England.is home to the BMSS National Collection. of them might get the collecting bug. The figures and dioramas were providedZulus in the Anglo-Zulu War of 1879, The Italian enthusiasts responsible for by BMSS members as donations or loans.now a very popular theme for modelers. setting up and maintaining the museum The Society’s nearby Bristol BranchA diorama in a display case close by re- are to be congratulated. Complimenti! was particularly active in supporting thecreates another famous last stand a few initiative. Most visitors to the house alsoyears earlier on another continent -- that A very useful hardback book about viewed the collection. The feedback wasof U.S. Army Lt. Col. George Armstrong the collection, profusely illustrated with very positive.Custer and the celebrated 7th Cavalry. colour photographs, is Roberto Nannetti’sThe defeats at Isandlwana and the Little “Il Museo Nazionale del Soldatino Mario A wide variety of early BritainsBighorn continue to fascinate historians Massaccesi.” Published in 1997, it is not hollow-cast soldiers were on view, togetherand modelers alike. available from the museum. But it can be with fine displays of the ancient and purchased from the Bologna bookshop Napoleonic periods, which remain popular One cabinet focuses on flat figures. It Libreria A.Nanni. I paid 20 euros for my amongst modelers in the Society’s ranks.features, amongst other things, some very copy. As well as acting as a catalog of the Concerted efforts were made to make theattractive flat warships. There is also a very museum, the volume also has a number collection representative of the many andcolorful scene of flat tournament knights of helpful appendices on other Italian varied interests within the BMSS. Onein action with onlookers and jesters. A collections. particularly attractive display consisted ofreally lovely depiction of a formal garden fine models of artillery through the agesof the Baroque era is complete with BMSS COLLECTION constructed by Duncan Buller-West.spectacular fountains. All demonstrate theamazing versatility of the flat figure. For me, visiting the Bologna collection In March 1978, the National Collection was interesting both in its own right and moved to Hatfield House in Hertfordshire I was very impressed with the many as a contrast to the British Model Soldier which, for various reasons, was thoughtdisplays and overall concept of the Society (BMSS) National Collection, now to be a more suitable venue. At this point, in being for an astonishing four decades. the Society’s long-serving secretary, JohnBELOW RIGHT: Display cases full of toy soldiers Ruddle, was doing double duty as curatorand model figures line up for inspection by visitors The origins of the BMSS National of the collection.to the Stratford museum. Collection can be traced back to deliberations in the second half of the He worked with John Sanders, whoseBELOW: Writer Stephen Dance is president andarchivist of the BMSS.28 TOY SOLDIER & MODEL FIGURE

Museum Military Miniatureswonderfully realistic WWII Western to a head. Ruddle decided to relinquish ABOVE: A Stratford display is highlighted by aDesert scenes remain superb examples the post of secretary so he could focus his Zulu War Battle of Isandlwana diorama crafted byof the modeler’s art. The sudden and attention on consolidating and improving the late R.J. Glazier.untimely death of Sanders at the terribly the collection.young age of 41, however, brought things BELOW: WWII dioramas, vignettes, armored In 1986, the National Collection vehicles and scenery at Stratford. TOY SOLDIER & MODEL FIGURE 29

Museum Military MiniaturesABOVE: Stratford display of flats featuring superb to be seen anywhere, including a large Museum near Stratford-upon-Avon,painting by the late Jim Woodley. number of original sets and rarities. It was England, known as the birthplace of something of a coup given the growing playwright William Shakespeare. ABELOW: Longtime BMSS National Collection interest in old Britains, stoked by media smaller component of the collectionCurator John Ruddle adjusts a display at Stratford. reports of high prices at auction. is exhibited at Blenheim Palace in Oxfordshire, childhood home of Britishbenefitted from a significant bequest of lead ARMOURIES ARRAY Prime Minister Winston Churchill.Britains figures originally owned by RolandBamford. This meant that the Society now Recently a further move has taken place After many years of sterling servicehad one of the best displays of old Britains and the National Collection is now as National Collection curator, Ruddle largely located at the Stratford Armouries has stood down. He was presented with30 TOY SOLDIER & MODEL FIGURE

Museum Military MiniaturesABOVE: BMSS displays at Stratford include anumber of Napoleonics.RIGHT: The silver Coldstream Guards officertrophy presented to the BMSS by Britains is ondisplay at Stratford along with some of the lateFreddie Green’s great conversions.BELOW: Miniature Vikings have invaded theStratford Armouries Museum.a special award at the BMSS AnnualShow in April 2013 in recognition of hisextraordinary achievements in relationto the collection. Recently, curatorialresponsibilities have been shared betweenDerek West and Robin Marlin. Stratford Armouries is a most unusualinstitution. Privately owned, it houses a TOY SOLDIER & MODEL FIGURE 31

Museum Military MiniaturesPLANNING VISITS TO world-class collection of arms and armour focus on the works of one manufacturer isTHE TWO COLLECTIONS put together over many years, together perhaps one of the main differences from with a remarkable assemblage of aviation the Bologna collection.Admission is free to the Museo Nazionale relics. The BMSS National Collectiondel Soldatino “Mario Massaccesi,” Villa seems to fit well there. A fine silver statue of a ColdstreamAldrovandi Mazzacorati, Via Toscana 19, Guards officer in review order illustrates40141 Bologna, Italy. As with earlier displays, there is a the close links the BMSS had with strong Britains component, extending Britains in its formative years (the The museum is open from 9 a.m. to along a long line of cabinets. Here a Society was founded in July 1935). This12:30 p.m. Monday (yes, Monday!) to visitor will find some of the oldest figures was a trophy generously donated by theSaturday and 9:30 to 12:30 Sundays and produced by the firm, including early company to encourage the model soldierholidays. The museum is closed in August. “Germanic” figures and a shafted limber hobby. It can be seen clearly in early Royal Horse Artillery gun team. Further newsreel footage of Society meetings in The museum can be reached by taxi groups of soldiers from many lands the far-off days when we were called thefrom the center of Bologna or by the No. 13 illustrate how Britains truly produced British Society of Collectors of Modelbus from Via Rizzoli. Alight at the Villa “Regiments of All Nations.” Soldiers.Mazzacorati stop. My wife and I took ataxi there and the bus back. The journey Plastic figures produced by Britains are The modeling and painting skills oftook about 20 minutes or so. also featured. For example, the displays BMSS members are well represented include the magnificent Overland at Stratford in case after case featuring The main BMSS National Collection Stagecoach, one of the most complex colorful models and scenes from justis housed at the Stratford Armouries models ever manufactured. This major about every period of history andMuseum, Gospel Oak Lane, Pathlow,Stratford-upon-Avon, WarwickshireCV37 0JA, England. Please expect to pay admission to themuseum, which is open daily 10 a.m. to5 p.m. (closed during winter months).The museum is a five-minute drive fromJunction 15 of the M40 motorway (followthe brown signs). An admission fee is also charged atBlenheim Palace, Woodstock, Oxfordshire,OX20 1PP, England. It’s a short car or busjourney out of Oxford, which is served byLondon’s Paddington Station. The palaceis open daily from 10.30 a.m. to 5.30 p.m.(closed during winter months). If traveling any distance, it is stronglyadvised that you contact a venue inadvance to make sure it will be open onyour selected day. Unforeseen circumstancescan sometimes result in short-noticeclosures. --Stephen DanceTOP RIGHT: Prints enhance a Stratford display ofold Britains, including “Types of Our Colonial Army.”RIGHT: The BMSS collection at Blenheim Palaceincludes naval subjects.BELOW: Stratford model figure vignettes include afamiliar scene played out through the ages that begsthe question, “But when will I see you again?”32 TOY SOLDIER & MODEL FIGURE

Museum Military Miniaturescampaign. A great many of them have BLENHEIM EXHIBIT ABOVE: Blenheim Palace hosts part of the BMSSbeen donated by members of the Society. National Collection. The BMSS National Collection exhibit LEFT: Colonial campaigns and mechanized warfare A visitor will find everything from at Blenheim Palace is smaller, but it has converge in an exhibit at Blenheim Palace.heavily armed jeeps of the WWII Long much of interest to the visitor. BELOW: Blenheim Palace display of figures inspiredRange Desert Group to the elaborate by British India.(and surely largely impractical?) uniforms Twelve cabinets display figures grouped BOTTOM LEFT: Ancient warriors and medievalof the Napoleonic Wars and 18th century. by theme, such as the Great War, naval knights at Blenheim Palace.Warriors of ancient times continue to history, the 17th century and so on. Thepresent a fearsome spectacle. Historical majority of the finely detailed pieces have about the writerincidents such as the handing over of been painted or built by BMSS members.the keys of Calais are reproduced inminiature. However, there is also a cabinet of vintage toy soldiers. A number of rare As well as fully-round figures, there knights by Courtenay and Ping are anare fine examples of flats from different added attraction.historical periods. Many of these wereexpertly painted by the late Jim Woodley, Blenheim Palace is also well-known forFellow of the BMSS. its fine family collection of Lucotte figures crafted in France. While it is true that the BMSS displayfeatures more model-quality figures than In concluding this brief accountBologna (reflecting the many modelers in of these Italian and British nationalour ranks), that is certainly no criticism. collections, I’d like to pay tribute to theThere are some beautiful figures on dedicated enthusiasts who have overcomedisplay at the Italian museum reflecting many obstacles to establish thesetremendous skill and imagination. public displays, and all those who have generously donated or loaned pieces for the enjoyment of visitors. n Stephen Dance is a lifelong collector of model soldiers whose interests span both connoisseur-quality figures and vintage toy soldiers, especially those by German makers such as Heyde and Heinrich. In 2013, he was elected president of the British Model Soldier Society. He also serves as its archivist, looking after materials which date back to the founding of the Society in 1935. Stephen’s collecting and modeling interests focus primarily on the Second Anglo-Boer War of 1899-1902. He has had articles on that campaign published in both Britain and South Africa. In the 1970s and early 1980s, he helped to locate surviving British veterans of the Boer War to be interviewed for the National Army Museum in London. TOY SOLDIER & MODEL FIGURE 33

History & Hobby EventFigure Forum W. Britain’s special eventIn Gettysburg figure of Iron Brigade Sgt. Albert Tarbox, an ancestor of one of the symposium’s speakers.Colin Romanick delivers a report on the inaugural W. BritainModel Figure Symposium staged in historic Gettysburg, Pa.Text: Colin Romanick Photos: Colin Romanick and OthersT oy soldiers and history came to Director Kenneth A. Osen while ABOVE: W. Britain figures animate a Pickett’s Charge life as W. Britain hosted its first browsing a wonderful selection of books diorama by James H. Hillestad. annual Model Figure Symposium and toy soldiers. BELOW LEFT: Seminar presenter Roderick Musselmanat the site of the American Civil (right) discusses history with a symposium attendee.War’s pivotal Battle of Gettysburg in Gettysburg is well-known for its BELOW: The National Museum of the Marine CorpsPennsylvania. The weekend of Aug. 8-10, plethora of toy soldier stores and antique in Triangle, Va., provided a fantastic display of uniforms,2014, was filled with seminars, displays, outlets. Finding a McClellan saddle or equipment and weaponry.sneak peeks, a silent auction and more. original ACW equipment for sale is not a difficult undertaking there. Gettysburg’s Wyndham hotel wasthe event’s headquarters. Upon arrival inthe main lobby, guests were greeted by arestored 3-inch ordnance rifle. Many attendees arrived in townFriday in time for an evening welcomereception at the hotel. They could inspectdisplays of W. Britain figures coveringvaried periods of history. Highlightsincluded a Battle of Gettysburg Pickett’sCharge diorama created by James H.Hillestad of The Toy Soldier Museum inCresco, Pa. Visitors could have also visitedsome of the local stores that stockmilitary miniatures, including theAntique Center of Gettysburg andGettysburg Toy Soldiers. For a whileFriday at Larry Weindorf ’s shop, Forthe Historian, customers could meet W.Britain General Manager and Creative34 TOY SOLDIER & MODEL FIGURE

History & Hobby Event   Musselman described in colorful detail ABOVE: Symposium attendees had a chance to the terrain, crops and structures on local inspect various types of replica ordnance.FARMING FACTORS farms consisting of 100 to 500 acres each. The soldiers arrived in time for the spring LEFT: Seminar presenter Kevin Hampton (seated)After a hearty Pennsylvania breakfast harvest, which meant trees were hanging answered many questions Saturday and led aSaturday, an estimated 60 attendees settled low with fruit and fields were filled with battlefield tour Sunday.in for a day of great historical seminars high stalks of wheat, oats and corn. Whilefeaturing ACW experts. the fruit was refreshing for the troops, the from outcroppings, were cited as examples roads were rough going for the infantry. of impediments to movement. Roderick Musselman fired the opening Cavalrymen had it best.volley with a seminar titled “19th-Century The Sherfy Orchard and McPhersonAgricultural Landscape and Its Impact Musselman also illustrated differences Farm were cited as two examples ofon the Army.” He is the education between improved and unimproved Gettysburg farms at the time of thesupervisor at Carriage Hill Farm in acreage that proved challenging for famous battle July 1-3, 1863. MusselmanDayton, Ohio, and interprets 19th-century soldiers to traverse. The area’s split-rail noted that many farms like those tookagriculture. He discussed Pennsylvania’s fences and other obstacles, such as post- years to recover from the terrible battle.Adams County and what the Union and and-rail fencing and stone walls madeConfederate armies encountered on the Musselman’s seminar was a treasuremarch to the county seat at Gettysburg in trove for historians, toy soldier collectors1863. and wargamers alike. Hobbyists gleaned new ideas for accurate terrain modeling for the era.   TACTICAL TALK The next seminar was led by Patrick Craddock, who has been an ACW living historian for many years. Titled “By Squad, Company, Regiment and Brigade: How Armies Move,” his talk outlined the transition from Napoleonic linear tactics to the more modern skirmish warfare utilized in the War Between the States. Training manuals such as Hardee’s Rifle and Light Infantry Tactics or Casey’s Infantry Tactics were discussed. Craddock’s presentation was a visual delight with historical artwork and drawings. LEFT: A 3-inch ordnance rifle greeted guests in the hotel lobby. BELOW: W. Britain’s Ken Osen (left) enjoyed discussing history and toy soldiers with attendees during the weekend. TOY SOLDIER & MODEL FIGURE 35

History & Hobby EventABOVE: ACW diorama featuring a bareheaded types of horses used by the artillery and An ongoing project helps put actualfigure of Union Maj. Gen. “Fighting Joe” Hooker. their placement within a limber team. His faces with some of the artifacts in the seminar provided great material for more museum’s collection. Some of the postwarRIGHT: A view of sculptor Ken Osen’s own realistic depictions of artillery in miniature.  letters shared during the presentationworkbench showing figures modified for the showed the bond of comradeship of armssymposium’s silent auction.   between friend and foe alike. Correlating points were made concerning FIGHTERS’ FACES Hampton’s seminar was followed by freethe need for a faster cadence to change time for attendees to explore Gettysburgformations and move due to the increased Rear-guard action was provided by independently before returning to the hotellethality of rifled firepower over longer Wisconsin Veterans Museum Curator of for a Saturday evening banquet.distances. One left this seminar with a Collections Kevin Hampton at the finalgreater understanding of how ACW tactics seminar. He discussed the “Faces of the  were driven by advances in technology. Iron Brigade” while sharing many original photos and letters from the museum along BRITAINS BANQUETARTILLERY ANECDOTES with anecdotes. As the dinner event’s keynote speaker,After a filling lunch provided by the This was a moving seminar as it Osen gave an insightful talk explainingWyndham, Charles C. Tarbox presented a personalized the individual struggle each how a toy soldier is made from conceptionseminar on ACW artillery and Gettysburg. man was facing at Gettysburg, regardless to the finished product.The retired attorney is the owner of Tarbox of allegiance.Toy Soldiers in Ligonier, Pa., and has been He described how a team of technicalan avid artillery scholar for many years. The historian is also a descendant ofUnion Iron Brigade Sgt. Albert E. Tarbox,Company K, 6th Wisconsin. The NCOwas the subject of a special event figureproduced by W. Britain. Charles gave an entertaining andinteractive presentation on the types ofcannons, carriages and rounds used by bothUnion and Confederate forces. A segmentconcerned with setting fuses was especiallyinteresting because reproduction modelsallowed attendees a hands-on experience. Tarbox recounted some wonderfulanecdotes while describing the training andRIGHT: Vignettes like these charging Confederatesencouraged attendees to create their own dioramas.BELOW:  Seminar presenter Patrick Craddock chatswith attendee John Fleagle Jr. (from left). 36 TOY SOLDIER & MODEL FIGURE

History & Hobby EventABOVE: Woodland Indians and Colonial militia clash in an 18th-century diorama.experts works together to research auction bidding for 20 one-of-a-kind ABOVE: Guests marveled at the upgraded paintingequipment and uniforms to achieve W. Britain ACW figures. Osen took and accuracy of W. Britain figures.exacting details in the sculpting and production figures that he originallypainting of figures. He shared looks sculpted and made uniquely modified participants painted pre-primed W. Britainat images of works in progress that new versions of them. They were sold figures.assisted the layman in understanding the along with an assortment of prototypes.complexities of the process. Sneak peeks at A great deal of time was spent paintingsome upcoming releases were provided. Attendees also had a pleasant surprise faces and the shading of clothing. Many thanks to a raffle, which included books hobbyists left with a great sense of Osen also announced a new exclusive from Casemate Publishers and Osprey accomplishment and voiced plans to paintrelationship between W. Britain and world- Publishing. additions to their collections themselves!“Osen also announced a new exclusive relationship It was a wonderful weekend. Manybetween W. Britain and world-renowned military artist participants have already started asking,Don Troiani.” “What about next year?”renowned military artist Don Troiani. The TOUR OR PAINT Osen and company at W. Britaintoy soldier maker stated that much of the have already begun planning the nextTroiani artwork now made available to W. Sunday morning presented symposium symposium and will release details afterBritain had not been seen publicly before. attendees with a couple of options. they have been finalized. nIn the future, collectors can expect to seethe painter’s work reflected in exclusive Hampton led a group on a tour of BELOW: Seminar presenters included artilleryfigures and the expansion of various ranges. the Gettysburg National Military Park. historian and toy soldier shop proprietor They traced the movements of the Iron Charles C. Tarbox. All of the dinner guests were presented Brigade through the battle.with examples of a W. Britain CollectorsClub figure of Iron Brigade Sgt. Tarbox. Other hobbyists honed their skills in a workshop conducted by W. Britain Collectors also engaged in silent master painter David Youngquist. He provided personalized instruction asABOVE: Confederate soldiers advance through a cornfield. about the writer Colin Romanick is a staff member with the Historic Services Division of the City of Newport News, Va., and an education specialist with the U.S. Army Quartermaster Museum located at Fort Lee, Va. He is a published author with a passion for military history and toy soldier collecting. He lives in Williamsburg, Va., with his wife and miniature schnauzer. TOY SOLDIER & MODEL FIGURE 37

(Photo Courtesy of King & Country Ltd.) 19838 TOY SOLDIER & MODEL FIGURE

UNDER NEW MANAGEMENT: U.S. GIs advancing deep into Nazi Germany in the spring of 1945 have captured an assembly plant for a revolutionary new Luftwaffe jet fighter:the Heinkel He 162 “Volksjäger” (People’s Fighter). Even the top brass have come for a good look! Made primarily of wood, the “Salamander” was designed to be cheap to build andeasy to fly for inexperienced Hitler Youth pilots expected to be pressed into service to try to stave off the Allied airpower onslaught. Problems arose because the fighter was rushed intoproduction. It did not see combat until mid-April, then Germany surrendered May 8, 1945. The jet couldn’t save the Fatherland, but the Americans, British and Russians benefitted fromstudying its innovative design and spectacular performance. This display was created by the King & Country Diorama Workshop in Hong Kong. The centerpiece is a new 1:30-scaleSalamander made of polystone and painted in the markings of 1/JG1 as flown by Lt. Rudolf Schmitt. --Stuart A. Hessney TOY SOLDIER & MODEL FIGURE 39

New Metal on the March n Editor Stuart A. THE LATEST TOY SOLDIERS MARCH IN REVIEW Hessney reviews some of the latest items from around the globe to land in the marketplace.WORLD WAR I FRENCH 34TH INFANTRY AT THE SOMMEBY FIRST LEGION LTD.Reviewed by: Stuart A. Hessney   “French Infantry Charging No. 3”First Legion Ltd. has unleashed kinetic HORIZON BLUE (ref. GW020).releases depicting the French 34thInfantry Regiment during World War I’s After the Great War broke out in 1914,Battle of the Somme. the French infantry went into action in traditional dark blue coats and bright red These figures epitomize soldiers trousers.known as “poilus” (French for “hairyones”). This term of endearment came The French government had alreadyinto popular usage during the early 1800s approved adoption of a less visible blue-as French Emperor Napoleon I raised gray uniform known as “horizon blue”huge citizen armies. Poilu encapsulates in June 1914. But the war erupted just athe rustic, farming background of the few weeks later – too soon for the newtypical infantryman. Many of them wore uniform to be available for issue.impressive mustaches and bushy beards.They were also known for their fondness The Battle of the Frontiers fought fromfor rations of “pinard” (cheap wine). Aug. 7 to Sept. 13, 1914, punctuated the need for a change of clothes. Heavy casualties Stereotypical attributes accorded to were blamed on the brightly colored uniformpoilus included valor and endurance, fashion making French troops attractivethough not necessarily unquestioning targets for their German foes. Of course,obedience. French tactics that emphasized attacking in massed formations -- despite the advent of the machine gun and other modern weaponry -- were also a major detriment. “French Infantry Sergeant Pulling a Private to Attack” (ref. GW025).“French Infantry “French Infantry FiringCharging No. 4” Grenade” (ref. GW023).(ref. GW021).40 TOY SOLDIER & MODEL FIGURE

“French Infantry Throwing Grenade” (ref. GW015).“French Officer “French InfantryLeading the Charging No. 1”Attack” (ref. (ref. GW018).GW013). Soldiers either carrying “French Infantry Lying ammo or aiming the weapon Loading” (ref. GW024). make up the “French Infantry Machine Gun Team” (ref. GW022). “French Infantry Lying Wounded” (ref. GW017).“French Infantry “French Infantry “French InfantryCharging No. 2” Kneeling Firing” Advancing Firing”(ref. GW019). (ref. GW016). (ref. GW014). TOY SOLDIER & MODEL FIGURE 41

Distribution of horizon blue clothing forces against Germans along both banks of the commencement of WWI with abegan during the first three months of of the River Somme in France from July 1 total of 15 French troops launching an all-1915. The French army was also the first to Nov. 18, 1916. out assault at the Somme.to adopt steel helmets to afford protectionfrom shrapnel. More than 3 million of the The battle began with the Allies A whistle-blowing officer leads poilus“Adrian” helmets were produced by the making a costly commitment to going on posed advancing and kneeling firing,end of 1915. the offensive. The Somme is notable in charging, tossing or launching grenades, military history because it highlighted the loading, or fallen wounded. These single The tradition of wearing greatcoats importance of airpower and saw the first figures on terrain-covered bases cost(“capotes”) for field service continued in deployment of tanks in battle by the British. $64.95 U.S. apiece.the trenches along the Western Front.Greatcoats were buttoned back when the By the time the battle ended, the Allies The duplexes include an advancingtroops were on the march or going over the had advanced about 6 miles into German- Chauchat light machine gun team.top to launch an assault across no man’s land. held territory, capturing more ground than Another evocative vignette depicts a any offensive since 1914’s Battle of the sergeant grabbing a reluctant private by French foot soldiers also wore blue Marne. But they failed to achieve all the collar to join the charge. Each of thesescarves, trousers held up by suspenders, their goals. two-piece sets costs $129.95.puttees and boots. Their gear includedhaversacks, cartridge pouches and water More than 1 million were wounded or Varied animation and authentic detailsbottles. They were armed with Lebel rifles. killed, making the Somme one of WWI’s are combined with nicely done matt painting biggest battles and one of history’s bloodiest. and shading to breathe life into these 34thBLOODY SOMME The French forces commanded by Marshal Infantry poilus imbued with élan, with the Ferdinand Foch suffered 204,253 casualties, one apparently hesitant exception.The Adrian helmet and horizon blue including 50,736 killed or missing.uniform, as aptly modeled by these 60- To oppose them, First Legion hasmm Frenchmen from First Legion, were FRENCH ELAN German soldiers in the works. Britishin vogue by the time of the Battle of the Tommies, trenches, vehicles and more areSomme. It pitted French and British Counting a couple of duplexes, First also planned to help collectors re-create Legion is commemorating the centenary the clashes of a century ago. nWORLD WAR II GERMAN PAK 38 ANTITANK GUNBY FIRST LEGION LTD.Reviewed by: Stuart A. Hessney Now First Legion Ltd. has released But it was so effective and useful that it   a German Pak 38 antitank gun remained in service until the war ended. (GERSTAL049) with a three-figure crewInstead of achieving a relatively easy as part of its campaign to re-create the First Legion’s matt-painted modelconquest, the German 6th Army found wintry warfare during World War II. is whitewashed and the crewmen wearitself fighting for survival as autumn gave winter camouflage.way to winter in 1942 at Stalingrad, Russia. This type of 50-mm caliber gun was first fielded against Red Army tanks “It’s presented in a slightly more dirty during Nazi Germany’s Operation and ragged style reflecting the conditions at the time,” First Legion partner Barbarossa invasion of the Soviet Matthew Pavone explained. Union in 1941. The Pak 38 was one of the few weapons capable This 60-mm set is designed to of piercing the 45-mm thick complement previously released items like armor of Russian T-34 tanks a Soviet T-34 and supporting infantry at the time. It could also fire geared for winter warfare. An antitank “Panzergranate” 40 APCR gun also could have been used to blast shots with a hard tungsten buildings sheltering enemy troops as the core designed to penetrate the Battle of Stalingrad became a brutal urban enemy’s heavier KV-1 tanks. warfare slugfest that claimed 2 million The Pak 38 was succeeded casualties before the Russians prevailed. by more powerful weapons. This detailed set retails for $259.95 U.S. nABOVE: A large shield affords the crew someprotection from enemy return fire.RIGHT: First Legion’s new German Pak 38 andcrew in winter action.42 TOY SOLDIER & MODEL FIGURE

ANCIENT ROMAN EMPIRE TESTUDO FORMATIONBY FIRST LEGION LTD.Reviewed by: Stuart A. Hessney The testudo formation was effective RIGHT: LEFT: “Imperial Roman against all types of missile weapons, but “Imperial Roman Front Rank Testudo”The ironclad discipline of Imperial Roman not invincible. Lucius Cassius Dio, a Right Side Testudo” (ref. ROM110).legionnaires is impressively illustrated by consul who wrote an 80-volume history (ref. ROM111).five new figures from First Legion Ltd. of Rome, described how a Republican LEFT: “Imperial Romandesigned to enable collectors to re-create army's testudo was vanquished by Parthian Left Side Testudo”a testudo. cataphracts (armored heavy cavalry) and (ref. ROM112). mounted archers at the Battle of Carrhae In Latin, the word “testudo” means in 53 B.C.tortoise, so it’s easy to see how this frequentlyused formation got its name. Legionnaires “For if (the legionnaires) decided towould align themselves with their large, lock shields for the purpose of avoidingrectangular shields interlocked to completely the arrows by the closeness of their array,”cover a contingent’s front, top and sides. Cassius Dio wrote, “the (cataphracts)Whether they were in the midst of a battle were upon them with a rush, strikingor a siege operation, the Romans presented down some, and at least scattering thea shield wall on all sides, looking like a turtle others; and if they extended their ranks towho had ducked his head inside his shell. avoid this, they would be struck with the arrows.” The deployment of a testudo duringMark Antony’s invasion of Parthia in 36 First Legion’s red shield-bearingB.C. was described by Plutarch as follows: legionnaires are modeled in Imperial Gallic helmets, cuirasses (“lorica “Then the shield-bearers wheeled segmenta”), red tunics and aprons, andround and enclosed the light-armed sandals. Each detailed figure has a roletroops within their ranks, dropped down to play, whether it’s placement in theto one knee, and held their shields out as front rank, on the right or left sides, ora defensive barrier. The men behind them to provide overhead cover. Accordingheld their shields over the heads of the to First Legion spokesman Matthewfirst rank, while the third rank did the Pavone, they have been designed withsame for the second rank. The resulting a “modular” concept in mind so ashape, which is a remarkable sight, looks collector can create a testudo with as fewvery like a roof, and is the surest protection as six figures. But the sky’s the limit foragainst arrows, which just glance off it.” expanding the frontage and depth. The testudo was used in both defensive The testudo bristles with gladius-typeand offensive modes. Because the men short swords drawn by the front rank, leftwere so closely packed together, the flank and right flank heavy infantrymen.formation’s main drawback was that it These three versatile poses also could bemade it difficult for them to engage in deployed in a close-order battle line.close-quarters combat. Like a turtle, theformation was also slow-moving because These glorious additions to the maker’sspeed had to be sacrificed in favor of “Glory of Rome” series cost $59.95 U.S.carefully coordinated unison. apiece. nRIGHT: First Legion’s new RIGHT: “ImperialRomans can be recruited in Roman Testudonumbers to form a testudo. Cover Variant 2 -- Outside Row” (ref. ROM114). LEFT: “Imperial Roman Testudo Cover Variant 1 -- Center” (ref. ROM113). TOY SOLDIER & MODEL FIGURE 43

CHRISTMAS 2014 SET: WORLD WAR I: THE BRITISH ARMYBY TRADITION OF LONDON LTD.Reviewed by: Stuart A. Hessney Charles was one of the British soldiers RIGHT: Kitchener   evacuated from the beaches of Dunkirk, is modeled in field France, in 1940. He served in East Africa, marshal uniform.Two heads are better than one to Crete and Syria before joining the 8thaccomplish any task. Therefore, two Army for the invasions of Sicily and Italy. son Richard became a notable painter ofStaddens are even better than one when it nautical subjects. Their daughter Denisecomes to making terrific military miniatures Charles was a sergeant when he was developed into a talented miniature artistlike the special Christmas 2014 set being demobilized in 1946. He went on to serve specializing in wildlife and flowers.issued by Tradition of London Ltd. with the Royal Fusiliers and then the Royal Sussex Regiment in the Territorial Their youngest son, Andrew, was The British Army was selected as its Army until 1967. fortunate enough to be taught how totheme to commemorate the centenary of sculpt pewter master figures by one ofthe beginning of World War I. The set’s In civilian life, Charles had begun the best in the business: his own father.six soldiers were recruited from Tradition’s commercial production of military Andrew has taken that rarefied tutelagevast catalog. miniatures by 1951. His output and combined it with his own innate encompassed 25, 30, 54, 85 and 90- talent to carve out a reputation for The master figures were originated by mm scales, larger sculptures, and being an excellent designer of figures forthe late Charles C. Stadden, one of the woodcarvings. After he and his wife, companies such as W. Britain, Sarumgreatest artists in the history of our hobby. Betty, were wed in 1952, she lent a hand Soldiers and, of course, Tradition.His son, Andrew C. Stadden, followed with her considerable skill for painstakingin his footsteps as a skilled figure and painting. Tradition’s Christmas 2014 setmodel maker. This made it possible for upholds a tradition launched in 2001. ItMagnus Lindström of Tradition to enlist Charles became best known for is made up of detailed figures of an officerAndrew to apply his talents to updating handmade figures from his own studio holding a cane, a kilted Scottish regimentthe 54-mm figures. and his long association with Norman soldier with his steel helmet doffed and Newton Ltd., the forerunner of today’s infantrymen posed in either a helmet The result is one of the finest sets of Tradition. The late Roy Belmont- and greatcoat, summer dress topped by agloss-painted toy soldiers I’ve ever feasted Maitland, founder of Norman Newton, peaked cap, or puffing a pipe and wearingmy eyes on. once commented: a sheepskin to ward off the chill of winter.   \"Stadden's style of sculpting is best A powerful dose of personality has described as combining completely been injected into the set by the inclusionVIRTUOSO’S ART accurate historical detail of uniform and of a figure portraying Secretary of State equipment together with amazing lifelike for War Horatio Kitchener in his fieldCharles was born in London June 12, portraiture in miniature. Each figure marshal uniform. Available separately for1919, according to a profile written by captures its own expression and detail. £19.75 (see issue 193), this stunning figureCurtis Sleight published in TS&MF issue The technical virtuosity and penetrating represents an iconic military man who85. Charles’ father, Francis Stadden, served vision of the artist have combined with appeared on a famous recruiting posterin the Middlesex Regiment during the the scholar's eye for detail to establish and helped mobilize more than 3 millionGreat War, thus giving Tradition’s set a (Stadden figures) as the outstanding volunteers during the first two years oflink to events of 100 years ago. military miniatures of our time.\" WWI. Kitchener died in the sinking of the HMS Hampshire while en route to After WWI, Francis worked for a Charles became legendary in the hobby Russia in 1916.London stationery business. Sometimes he by the time he died in 2002. Exampleswould bring home postcards illustrating of his metal masterpieces continue to be Made in England and packaged in amilitary uniforms for his son. This is avidly collected and fetch a pretty penny. nostalgic red box, this limited edition setbelieved to have planted the seeds for will only be available through the end ofCharles’ passion for drawing, sculpting and AR  TISTIC HERITAGE 2014. The dandy painted group is pricedpainting military uniforms. at £82.75 U.K. Casting kits are available There must be something very special individually for £10.85. Charles lied about his age to eagerly in the Stadden family’s genetic makeupenlist in the Royal Artillery. But he only because all three of Charles and Betty’s Our hobby is very fortunate thatlasted six weeks before he was found out children turned out to be artistic. Their Charles C. Stadden passed the torch to hisand returned to civilian status. Later he son Andrew. After all, two Staddens arewas called up for Army service in June better than one when they are like father,1939 on the brink of World War II. like son, making this iconic WWI cameo collection an outstanding expression of theABOVE: Tradition’s special set for Christmas 2014 includes a WWI British officer, a Scottish Highlander, an art of the toy soldier. nenlisted man in winter dress, Kitchener, a private in summer dress and an infantryman in a greatcoat (from left).44 TOY SOLDIER & MODEL FIGURE

BRITISH INDIA’S 1903 DELHI DURBAR: PHOTOGRAPHERSBY BEAU GESTEReviewed by: Stuart A. Hessney A camera obscura is a box with a   PICTURESQUE pinhole that allows light to go through The descriptions and full-color illustrationsCollectors can command their miniature and create a color image on a piece of in the eyewitness book “Durbar” by Dorothyminions to candidly “smile for the birdie” paper. Photography’s birth stems from and Mortimer Menpes are vital referenceand say “cheese” for photographers newly efforts to retain an image created by a material for any toy figure maker attemptingdeveloped by Beau Geste. camera obscura. to re-create the 1903 extravaganza, includingThey come in two different sets added French inventor Nicéphore Niépce Ana Donzino of Beau Geste. However,to the Argentine maker’s expansive series produced the first photo-etched image in she referred to what else but black-and-inspired by the 1903 Delhi Durbar. Each 1822. He went on to partner with Louis white photos from the event to create hergroup is made up of one lady aiming Daguerre to make further advances in 1:30-scale photographers.a handheld camera and three either chemical photography. The glorious display of regal power wasEuropean or Indian gents operating large Elsewhere, Brazilian Hercules Florence painstakingly planned by Lord Curzon,box cameras mounted on tripods. had come up with his own process in Viceroy of India. A grand tent city with allThese superb sets are perfect for 1832. William Fox Talbot had invented the amenities was raised on a plain outsidecapturing the spectacle of the festivities a light-fast silver process, but the Delhi.celebrating the coronation of British Englishman kept his work secret until King Edward VII stayed home inKing Edward VII and Queen Alexandra reading about Daguerre’s breakthrough England and sent his brother, the Dukeas Emperor and Empress of India. The in 1839. Talbot’s 1835 photograph of the of Connaught. Lord and Lady Curzon led a procession made up of Britishfigures’ varied and fashionable dress of the latticed Oriel window in Lacock Abbeylate Victorian/early Edwardian period also in Wiltshire might very well be the oldest dignitaries and Indian maharajahs ridingmakes them suitable for enhancing other camera negative in existence.    on magnificently painted and caparisonedcivilian scenarios or military ceremonial American George Eastman elephants from the train station to thedisplays. invented an early type of film to replace Durbar festival grounds. The Indian   photographic plates in 1884. He founded Army’s commander in chief, Lord Eastman Kodak Co., popularized the Kitchener, led thousands of troops as theySNAPSHOT HISTORYPhotography’s long history can be traced use of roll film for still photography and paraded with bands playing or lined theback to the 5th century B.C. and Chinese helped bring affordable cameras to the route to handle crowd control duties.and Greek sources who described pinhole masses. Beau Geste has re-created thecameras. Leonardo da Vinci observed Roll film led to the invention of motion pageantry of the procession withhow a hole in a dark cave on the edge of picture film by Eadweard Muybridge everything from spectacular state elephantsa sunlit valley served as a natural camera and Louis Le Prince in 1888. Electronic to recent sets of spectators beautifullyobscura, which literally means “dark digital photography was invented by painted in gloss finishes. Now they canchamber” in Latin. Kodak engineer Steve Sasson in 1975. be complemented by these two sets of photographers priced at $156 apiece by Shannon Reuss of Treefrog Treasures, the manufacturer’s U.S. distributor. I think they’re well-done and very cool. Ironically, the photos shown here don’t do them justice! In the future, I hope things click in a way that convinces Ana to add a movie crew to frame the picturesque Durbar tableau too! n LEFT: “Durbar Photographers Set No. 1” (ref. 389).   BELOW: “Durbar Photographers Set No. 2” (ref. 390). TOY SOLDIER & MODEL FIGURE 45

ANCIENT EGYPTIAN FIGURES & STRUCTURES LEFT: “The Standing Pharaoh” (ref. AE055).BY KING & COUNTRY LTD. BELOW:Reviewed by: Stuart A. Hessney Hobbyists can also collect a vizier (ref. “Paying Homage”   AE057) to offer advice to the pharaoh. A (ref. AE059). new version of a fan bearer (ref. AE058)Like a pharaoh drenched in wealth and keeps a cooling breeze going like a human BELOW:power, Andy C. Neilson of King & air conditioner. A kneeling figure portrays “Pharaoh’sCountry Ltd. is a big hit with the ladies. a vassal state’s ruler “Paying Homage” Bodyguard”Despite the undeniable charm of his (ref. AE059) by offering his sword to the (ref. AE056).ubiquitous rugby shirts and his devilishly pharaoh.boyish grin, the reason why is how his LEFT:ancient Egyptian miniatures generate sales. All of these scene-setting figures are “The Vizier”Seriously, chicks really dig this sandy series, sold singly for £41.95 U.K./$44 U.S. (ref. AE057).and it’s been a big hit with blokes too! Collectors who have been building The toy soldier company’s cofounder dioramas depicting an ancient Egyptianand creative director draws inspiration town, temple or palace can look forward tofor this popular range from the mysteries a couple of new scenic items.and history of the Nile Valley civilization,wondrous landmarks like the pyramids, The “New Pharaoh’s Gate” (ref. AE053)and the daily life of its people. Since the is a great stand-alone background pieceseries was launched several years ago, in its own right or it can complementK&C has produced everything from the others. It comes in two parts: a decoratedSphinx to mummies, gods, Cleopatra, wall with a gate and a base with stonebuilders, shops, homes, traders, dancing steps. Its dimensions are 6.75 inches long,girls and even papyrus boats. Now seven 3.5 inches deep and 10.25 inches high. Itnew items have been introduced. retails for £116.95/$124. My favorites are a pharaoh (ref. AE055) Statues of jackal-headed Anubis andand his bodyguard with a spear and shield ibis-headed Thoth dominate the “Wall(ref. AE056). The miniature monarch is Gods Set” (ref. AE054). Each of the twoposed grinning with a fixed gaze and his sections measures 3.75 inches wide, 3.25hands on his hips in a way that reminds inches deep and 7.5 inches high. Pricedme of how actor Yul Brynner chewed up at £102.95/$109, these deity walls gothe scenery in his portrayal of Pharaoh together well with the new gate.Ramses I chasing Moses (CharltonHeston) and the Hebrew slaves in director Superbly painted in matt finishes, theseCecil B. DeMille’s 1956 film “The Ten 1:30-scale items are handsome additionsCommandments.” to a series that really seems to have a way with the ladies, at least when it comes to attracting customers to K&C products. nRIGHT: K&C’s newEgyptian items includea pharaoh holdingcourt, a gate and wallswith statues of gods. RIGHT: “The New Fan Bearer”  (ref. AE058).46 TOY SOLDIER & MODEL FIGURE

LEFT: LEFT: “Arms Folded” RIGHT: “A Nice“Pilot With (ref. RAF058). Cup of Tea!”Map” (ref. (ref. RAF057). RAF061). “Tea and Sandwich Table” LEFT: (ref. RAF064). “Intelligence Officer” (ref. LEFT:  RAF059). “Watching & Waiting” (ref. RAF062).WORLD WAR II BATTLE OF BRITAIN ROYAL AIR FORCEBY KING & COUNTRY LTD.Reviewed by: Stuart A. Hessney “The Card Game” “Sitting & Thinking”   (ref. RAF063). (ref. RAF060).“The Few” who foiled the Luftwaffe’s bid long, 5 inches wide and 7.5 inches high. A flight sergeant and a flying officerto achieve air superiority over the Royal Details include a bell and a clock with its seated in rattan chairs form a set titledAir Force have inspired 10 new releases hands at about 1350 hours. This scenic “The Card Game” (ref. RAF063) andfrom King & Country Ltd. wonder costs £214.95 U.K./$229 U.S. priced at £111.95/$119. Tea, coffee, sandwiches and a radio tuned to the After the Fall of France, Nazi Germany Pilots priced at £42.95/$45 apiece BBC blanket a trestle table accessory (ref.launched history’s first major campaign include standing chaps with either tea RAF064) that sells for £36.95/$39.waged solely by air forces: the Battle of and a sandwich (ref. RAF057), ready forBritain. The Luftwaffe’s objective was to action in a flying helmet and life vest Should an enemy aircraft come withinpave the way for Adolf Hitler’s planned (ref. RAF058), holding a map with a range, a two-man team in steel helmetsinvasion of Britain. scarf blowing in the wind (ref. RAF061), and 1908-pattern webbing in RAF gray or pensively waiting and armed with a are ready to provide a warm welcome with At the peak of the World War II battle Webley revolver (ref. RAF062). Another their Bren gun (ref. RAF065). That setfrom July 10 to Oct. 31, 1940, German pilot with a cup of tea sits cross-legged costs £98.95/$105.attacks put a number of RAF airfields out on the ground (ref. RAF060) while anof commission. Many fighter squadrons intelligence officer wearing a tin hat These 1:30-scale figures and buildingwere dispersed around the countryside jots down a report on a dogfight (ref. are wonderfully detailed complementsto make use of flat and grassy fields, such RAF059). to K&C’s long-running series of RAFas farms and sports grounds, suitable for aircraft and vehicles. noperations by Hurricanes and Spitfires. LEFT: “The Cricket K&C’s new releases depict airmen Club” (ref. RAF055).enjoying leisure time, but ready to scrambleat a moment’s notice should radar detectthe approach of enemy aircraft. Thecenterpiece is the Walmington-on-SeaCricket Club (ref. RAF055), a green andwhite pavilion serving as a dispersal hut fordisplaced pilots. Walmington is the fictional seasideresort where BBC’s “Dad’s Army” of radio,television and film fame was based. It’salso the setting for Home Guard figurespreviously produced by K&C. The Cricket Club measures 10.8 inchesRIGHT: “AntiaircraftBren Gun Team”(ref. RAF065). TOY SOLDIER & MODEL FIGURE 47

ASSORTED NEW RELEASESBY KING & COUNTRY LTD.Reviewed by: Stuart A. Hessney MK117; £129.95/$139), a striking knight bodyguards identifiable by a special scarlet described as “William of Bordes carrying cloak is posed on horseback (ref. LOA012)An assortment of new releases from King his family’s banner.” and another on foot (ref. LOA013).& Country Ltd. takes on a distinctlydesert tone thanks to Middle Eastern Dismounted figures priced at These items are sold singly atgroups based on the medieval Crusades £42.95/$45 apiece include a “Crouching £116.95/$125 for the mounted men andand the Arab Revolt during World War I. Crusader” (ref. MK118), “Sir John £43.95/$46 for the fellow afoot.   Trumpington” (ref. MK119), a “Knight   Hospitaller With Axe” (ref. MK120)   and the “Knight With Double-HandedCRUSADER KNIGHTS Sword” (ref. MK121). A “Wounded WWII WEHRMACHT Crusader Knight” (ref. MK122) lyingWhen K&C launched its Crusades range down on the job costs £40.95/$43. K&C’s World War II “Classica few years back, it decided to make the Wehrmacht” range has always tendedfigures in 1:32 scale to fit in with other   toward field gray on the color wheel.makers’ existing items rather than its usual But a new model of a Czech-made “Pz.1:30. A steady stream of action-packed LAWRENCE OF ARABIA Kpfw38(t)” tank (ref. WS225) showsChristian Crusaders battling Islamic how many German vehicles were beingSaracens for control of the Holy Land has The Arab Revolt against Ottoman rule camouflaged by mid-1942. This detailedensued. and the 1962 film “Lawrence of Arabia” polystone and metal model comes starring Peter O’Toole in the title role with a commander figure and costs “For centuries alas, warfare has been have been rich sources of inspiration for £158.95/$169.the norm for the countries and peoples K&C.of the Middle East,” K&C cofounder BELOW: “Fighting Flag-and Creative Director Andy C. Neilson The new matt-painted releases are Bearer” (ref. MK117).observed. “As it is today, so it was then highlighted by a stunning figure of “Princeduring the time of the Crusades.” Feisal” (ref. LOA011), who was portrayed by Alec Guinness on the silver screen. The Seven colorful additions to the series 1:30-scale sculpture brandishes a scimitarare spearheaded by mounted figures of and rides an Arabian stallion.“The Veteran” (ref. MK116; £121.95U.K./$129 U.S.), with a gray beard and a According to Andy, the Prince wasmace; and the “Fighting Flag-Bearer” (ref. “protected by a handpicked group of Nubian warriors.” One of those BELOW: “The Veteran” (ref. MK116).RIGHT: “Crouching RIGHT: LEFT: “KnightCrusader” “Knight With Double-(ref. MK118). Hospitaller Handed Sword” With Axe” (ref. MK121). (ref. MK120). LEFT: “Sir John Trumpington” (ref. MK119). ABOVE: “Wounded Crusader Knight” (ref. MK122).48 TOY SOLDIER & MODEL FIGURE

BELOW: “Prince RIGHT: “Feisal’sFeisal” (ref. LOA011). Mounted Bodyguard” (ref. LOA012). RIGHT: “Standing Feisal Bodyguard” (ref. LOA013). Another armored vehicle priced at Andy cited the new “Nice German WWII displays and other scenarios.£186.95/$199 depicts a “Flak Panzer 1A” Soldier” (ref. WS297) as “proof not all This double French façade depicts(ref. WS291) used mainly on the Eastern Germans were monsters.” He is posed adjoining four-story and three-storyFront in a ground attack role. Painted gray holding a young girl from one of the structures with a “Viennoiserie”and nicely weathered, this nifty model occupied countries and sharing his bread bakery on the ground floor of thecomes with a seated soldier to man the and jam with her. This compassionate latter house. Wall posters, signs and20-mm Flak gun. A set available separately composition costs £61.95/$65. flower boxes are just some of thefor £83.95/$89 supplies two more figures details of this piece, which measuresfor the gun crew. They don’t have bases to K&C has also taken the wraps around 7.75 inches wide, 3.4 inchesease standing them on vehicles. off the “Deux Maisons” (ref. SP060; deep and 14.9 inches tall. n £195.95/$199) to provide a backdrop inBELOW: “Deux LEFT: The WWII German “Flak PanzerMaisons” (ref. SP060). 1A” (ref. WS291) comes with a seated gunner and can be reinforced by a set of two more crewmen (ref. WS292). RIGHT: WWII German “Pz.Kpfw38(t)” (ref. WS225). ABOVE: The “Nice German Soldier” (ref. WS297) of WWII. TOY SOLDIER & MODEL FIGURE 49

History & CollectingABOVE: The Allies’ Big Three: Joseph Stalin, Franklin D. Roosevelt and Winston Churchill (from left) at the Tehran Conference in 1943. The individual figures wereproduced by The AeroArt St. Petersburg Collection. (Photo Courtesy of James H. Hillestad of The Toy Soldier Museum)National Leadersof World War IIToy soldier collector Curtis Sleight profiles Allied and Axis leaders while identifying the good,the bad and the uglyText: Curtis Sleight Photos: Curtis Sleight and OthersI f someone was to ask me where I was contemporary production far surpasses Step 1 was to prepare a list of the on World War II’s V-E and V-J Days, WWII-style toy soldiers of the 1950s. national leaders who have been sculpted I would reply, “In my playpen wondering Modern manufacturers’ lines include into miniature figures. I found that manywhat all the excitement was about.” personality figures of British, American toy soldier makers have issued one or and German generals. more. But only Alymer of Spain has I was too young at the time to realize produced the entire lot uniformly withinhow grateful the war-weary Allies were But what about the national leaders? its Historical People Series. In additionthat the Axis nations of Germany, Italy These men were the heads of state who to the national leaders being profiled inand Japan no longer posed a threat to commanded the generals and, for better this article, Alymer has also producedtheir freedom and way of life. In 1945, the or worse, shaped the 20th century. Have figures of Marshal Philippe Pétain ofworld was once again safe for democracy. the national leaders of WWII also been Vichy France, Chiang Kai-Chek and Mao honored by the toy figure sculptor’s blade? Tse-Tung of China, Gen. Francisco Franco The war ended 69 years ago. By the of Spain, and Marshal Josep Broz Tito oftime I was graduated from the playpen After poking around a bit, I found the Yugoslavia.to playing with toy soldiers on the answer to be yes. And rightly so, for theyfloor, WWII toy soldiers had joined the are the men who directed the war effort Step 2 was to acquaint myself with thetraditional scarlet-clad British soldiers of from their seats in government, steering national leaders’ military background.the Victorian Age on the shelves at shops. their respective armed forces to either victory or defeat. Step 3 was to deduce the answer toREVIVAL OF INTEREST the following question: Was their military SEARCHING FOR ANSWERS experience, or lack of such, a help or aDuring the past decade or more there hindrance in establishing rapport withhas been a rebirth of interest in painted Thus the question arose: How well- their generals and directing the war?metal toy soldiers of WWII, with King prepared militarily were these national& Country Ltd. being perhaps the most leaders to deal with such responsibility? One fact popped out immediately: Theprolific manufacturer. I became curious enough to search for leadership styles of these historically great the answers. men differed considerably. Some seemed In terms of quality and scope,50 TOY SOLDIER & MODEL FIGURE