StOoyLDIERThe World’s No. 1 Magazine for Collectors of All Stripeswww.toy-soldier.com MODEL FIGURESABoTAGE! WINFBIYRSFTIGTAIGRTEIRAXIS ITALY DIORAMA BY K&C $8.50/£4.95 in this issue • W. Britain’s 120th Anniversary Life Guards • Trophy Talk • Yellow Rose of Texas 04 • Prussian Army Band Project • Hocker’s Boxer Rebellion Range • Bannockburn • WWII Italian Askaris by K&C • TCS Napoleonic French Infantry • ACW Plastics9 771359 742033 • More K&C Custer’s Last Stand•Build & Paint Diorama • 1/6th WWII German aTOprYilSO2L0D1I3ER-:iAsPsRuIeL 179 CONTEST:
Your one-stop shop. Toy soldiers-new or old, plastic or metal, assembled or kit. Rare finds from shows &trades. Finishing supplies, diorama & scenery accessories, military books & magazines.Black Hawk #FW-0217 Figarti #VN-019 Mars #MAF-32001 King & Country #AL037BAppeal to the Great Spirit 2 Air Cav with M60 & M79 1/32 Taliban Warriors ‘Aye, Ready’-Australian Light $79.00 (16 in 4 poses) $21.95 $119.00 $72.00 Horse (Set B) Britains #52003 Exped. Force #54ACW- TSSD #TSSD10A ACW ACW Union Infantry Set CSSART ACW Confederate Cavalry, 8 Mounted in 8 #2 Irish Brigade-6 Plastic Figs Artillery - Gray Plastic Poses With Horses, Gray $16.00 $34.00 $28.00CohfecokuraofnwuodtrebotthsuruiertleyS‘RUfuaoPnrrEbeRHealaSnierAddvL-aREtbeotlse-ierFcdeitedniad’olsnsiet, ecmtiso,nTTIMoEyFOSR ToHEld4i8eTHrNS.Eh.T.oS.wS. &Sale A store, a website, a travelling show!! SUNDAY, ACPRROIWLN14ETPH,L2A0Z1A3, OUR STORE: Our 7,000 sq. ft. store is located at 33 Exchange Street, WOBURN, MAAM PM Malden, MA near the Orange Line Malden Center ‘T’ (subway) stop. 9:00 -3:00F1o5rMmidedrleystehxeCaHnaollPidaraky,WInonbuSren,leMcAt. DCohinldarteinonu:n$d6er.0150 FREE! We’re just 10 minutes north of Boston, off Route I-93. Store Hours: Mon-Sat 10-6, Thurs until 8pm, Sun 12-5pm TO PLACE AN ORDER: By Phone: 1-781-321-8855 Phones are manned from 9:30-6:30, Mon-Fri, Sat 10-6, Sun 12-5 Online: www.hobbybunker.com By fax: 1-781-321-8866 By mail: Send your order to Hobby Bunker, Inc., 33 Exchange Street, Malden, MA 02148 Free Shipping! on all orders $100 or more (domestic, until further notice)
inside this edition 20 FIGURE OF THE MONTH...............................................5 toy soldier showcase READERS: FIRE BACK! ....................................................6 OPENING VOLLEY...........................................................8 NEW METAL SHOWCASE.................... 40 TROPHY TALK................................................................12 Editor Stuart A. Hessney eyes figures YELLOW ROSE OF TEXAS.............................................20 commemorating the 120th anniversary PRUSSIAN ARMY BAND PROJECT...............................26 of toy soldier production by W. Britain HOCKER’S BOXER REBELLION RANGE.....................30 and a whole lot more. CENTERFOLD........................................................... 38-39 KIT KORNER...................................................................56 PLASTIC PARADE................................. 52 BANNOCKBURN............................................................. 62 Len Cooksey volunteers for the American BOOK REVIEWS.............................................................66 Civil War, at least when it comes to inspecting PRIZE EXERCISE............................................................70 fresh troops. Win World War II Germany’s “First Tiger” tank courtesy of Figarti Miniatures. 1/6TH ARMY........................................... 54 CALENDAR...................................................................... 74 Scott J. Dummitt steels himself to review a World War II German soldier reminiscent30 of actor James Coburn’s character in the 1977 film “Cross of Iron.”56bringing you this issueStuart A. Hessney Alison Smith Kelly Rud 14Sara Vix 26 EDITOR DESIGN DIRECTOR Sales & Marketing4 TOY SOLDIER & MODEL FIGURE
from the editorPUBLISHED MONTHLY BY: Welcome to TS&MF, the world’s No. 1 magazine forAshdown Ltd. collectors of all stripes!Unit 5EPark Farm Please get ready to read a truly eclectic and excitingChichester Road rollercoaster ride through articles about history, collectingArundel, West Sussex and modeling.England, U.K. BN18 9EYTel: 01903 884988 For starters, Texan Tommy Allison recounts how heFax: 01903 885514 was fortunate enough to meet and forge a friendship withUS OFFICE: Len Taylor and his wife, Valerie, while the U.K. coupleAshdown Inc. visited the United States in 2002. Len is retired now, but68132 250th Ave. for a number of years the creative craftsman made many aKasson, MN 55944 collector very happy with the toy soldier items he producedToll-Free: 1-866-606-6587 as proprietor of Trophy Miniatures of Wales Ltd.Fax: (507) 634-7691 Tommy is an avid collector with a particular passion forwww.toy-soldier.com all things Trophy. He interviews Len about his work while at the helm of the company and his views on the future of our hobby in an article titled “Trophy Talk.”EDITOR:Stuart A. Hessney Steve Rhea, another collector from the Lone Star State, delivers a dose of local myth [email protected] history in “Yellow Rose of Texas.” Steve examines Antonio Lopez de Santa Anna’s decisiveSALES & MARKETING: defeat in the Texas Revolution’s Battle of San Jacinto in 1836. The writer also looks into howSara Vix Texian Gen. Sam Houston might have caught the Mexican commander with his pants [email protected] due to a legendary dalliance with a lovely lady.DESIGN:Alison Smith History and toy figures also converge in “Prussian Army Band Project,” an article writtenCONTRIBUTORS: by Max Hundleby. The music-minded hobbyist from England outlines how he orchestratedW.T. Allison II, Philip J. Bennett, the creation of a 19th-century military band of 10-cm figures to march out in his collection.Len Cooksey, Scott J. Dummitt, Spoiler alert: Dog lovers should get a big kick out of Max’s contribution to TS&MF.Hayden Hammersmith, Max Hundleby,Colin Luxford, Paul Newman, Yours truly has penned “Hocker’s Boxer Rebellion Range.” It explores how the ChineseGrant Peterson and Steve Rhea uprising against “foreign devils” has inspired an extensive new series by The Toy Soldiers of Wm. Hocker, Proprietor. The man behind the brand name, Bill Hocker, is one of my favoriteSUBSCRIPTION MANAGERS: makers of traditional-style figures.U.S.: Kelly Rud/ [email protected] Frankly, I was blown away when I got my first peek at all the brand new sets that Bill hasU.K.: [email protected] dreamed up to re-create the dramatic, 55-day siege endured by foreigners and Chinese ChristiansANNUAL SUBSCRIPTION RATES: in Beijing, and the relief force assembled by the unprecedented Eight-Nation Alliance in 1900.U.K.: £69 Hearty congratulations are in order too because 2013 marks the 30th anniversary of Bill’s business.U.S.: $110Canada: $121 “Bannockburn” is an account of the major Scottish victory over English forces duringEurope: $114 the First War of Scottish Independence June 24, 1314. American collector Philip J. BennettRest of World: $119 relates how a trip to Scotland and a chance meeting with artisan Brian Rodden combined to(U.S. funds only) inspire him to re-create the medieval battle with handsome heraldic miniatures.April 2013 There’s lots more in store in this issue as usual, so please start turning the pages, enjoy and,Postmaster: Send address corrections as always, happy collecting!to Toy Soldier & Model Figure,Ashdown Inc., 68132 250th Ave. Stuart A. Hessney, editorKasson, MN 55944 2nd Class PostagePaid. Canada Post International figure of the monthPublications Mail - Sales AgreementNo. 546038. All rights reserved. W. Britain’s new British Life GuardsReproduction in whole or part trooper is a nostalgic replica of its verywithout the written permission of the first toy soldier trotted out in 1893.publisher is prohibited. All editorial This highly collectible piece and acontributions in the form of articles, complementary officer commemorateletters and photographs (b/w or the 120th anniversary of that hobbycolour print or transparencies) are milestone.They faithfully re-create awelcomed by Toy Soldier but cannot “Germanic”figure that represented abe returned unless accompanied by business breakthrough for the Britaina stamped addressed envelope. All family and revolutionized the market.material submitted to the magazine is As we all know now, the Britains brandaccepted on the basis that copyright name went on to become synonymousin the work will be vested in the with toy soldiers and the companyPublisher who assumes all rights continues to make hobby history.world-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 Win a prize by sending in a YOUR LETTERS letter on anything concerning the Sound off about the hobby or magazine toy soldier and model figure hobby. Each month a special surprise gift will be awarded to the Star Letter writer!CUSTER’S LAST STAND ANORAK NOTES DETAILSDear Editor: Additionally, during the battle Keough The Editor Responds: I totally understandIt was pleasing to see in TS&MF would never have been in a position to how we collectors revel in such details.issue 177 that King & Country Ltd. protect Custer’s personal guidon because But I can also appreciate how a toyis joining Black Hawk Toy Soldier in he was in command of the right wing figure maker would take some artisticproducing figures depicting Custer’s of Custer’s battalion. Eyewitness Indian and dramatic license by depicting anLast Stand. These makers’ series accounts and the layout of the bodies Irishman like Keough with red hair andcombine two of my favorite subjects: would point to Keough being already holding a guidon to create an eye-catchingtoy soldiers and Lt. Col. George dead or dying by the time of Custer’s final personality figure of a cavalryman whoArmstrong Custer’s final campaign. stand on the hill that bears his name. played a role in the story of the battle.Both companies offer well-cast anddetailed figures that would be welcome Particularly frustrating for this LESTTTAERRadditions to a collection. particular anorak is the apparent cannonball hole in Custer’s guidon, However, as a Custer anorak I considering that the Sioux and Cheyennemust take issue with the K&C figure didn’t have artillery at the Little Big Horn.depicting U.S. 7th Cavalry Capt. MylesKeough with Custer’s personal guidon. That said, it is really thrilling for aKeough is depicted with red hair and Custer enthusiast to see these sets beingwearing a kepi. In actual fact, he had produced.black hair and a black mustache. I enjoy your magazine very much, and Also the kepi was very rarely worn hope that my fellow enthusiasts will noton campaign, particularly in the consider me too sad for picking up onsummer months when it gave very these small errors. Keep up the good work!little protection against the elements.Seasoned American Indian Wars Christopher Kirkcampaigners preferring privately Barrow-in-Furness, Cumbriapurchased slouch hats or, at worst,government-issued, wide-brimmed hats. England, U.K. RIGHT: K&C’s figure of Capt. Myles Keough at Custer’s Last Stand. FAMILY ENJOYS FUN PAINTING FIGURES Dear Editor: Milla 4, and Alex, 3. They really enjoy thisI thought I would share a recent “family pastime, possibly because it enables themtime” event – painting plastic toy soldiers – to get paint on them from head to toe!by sending you some photos. The photos show me trying to tackleI have a son, Jake, 6; and two daughters, metal castings depicting British “Cherry Pickers” of the 11th Hussars while the kids paint Airfix plastic World War II GIs any color they like. As my youngest daughter Alex asks, ABOVE: Alex, 3, loves making “soldies” like drab WWII GIs look “colorful.” “Can I paint the `soldies’ (that’s how she and faces (I should learn a lesson here and says it, not a spelling error) colorful?” not let them use oil-based paints). Jake has started to grasp the concept of Painting figures can and does generate an interest in all three children. I hope this painting troops in regular matching colors. appeal continues for them! However, some of the 1:32-scale Airfix David Wigston Auckland, New Zealand Americans still ended up with red trousers. I just thought that I would share this example of spending a bit of time withABOVE: Jake, Alex, Milla and David Wigston (from children. We had fun during the paintingleft) enjoy painting figures together. session and after while cleaning their hands6 TOY SOLDIER & MODEL FIGURE
PERSONAL INTERACTIONGLUES HOBBY TOGETHER Dear Editor: that day. One ABOVE: Peter Nathan always warmly welcomesYour issue 176 account of the 2012 OTSN consolation in collectors to his toy soldier shop in Sydney, Australia.Inc. Chicago Toy Soldier Show, combined missing bothwith reports on other events by TS&MF shows was the such experiences on the Internet.correspondents -- all well done and always opportunity to visit As you have so often mentioned inof immense interest to me -- prompt me the impressive Peterto mention some of the many smaller, Nathan Toy Soldiers/ your show reports, the personal interactionregional shows held around the United Elite Military offered by shows, shops, clubs andStates. Miniatures shop collector societies forms the glue that in the magnificent connects manufacturers to retailers to One in particular draws me to it three Queen Victoria collectors. And we most certainly wishtimes yearly here in the Washington, D.C., Building in downtown Sydney. Peter is to celebrate the unifying role played byarea. The Heart of the South show, held always willing to talk about toy soldier TS&MF in this enterprise.each February, June and December, and collecting and has interesting perspectivescomplemented by the annual National on where the hobby is headed. Needless Brian HollyCapital Model Soldier Society show in to say, I crossed the Pacific with a few Alexandria, Va., USASeptember; attracts many local collectors purchased items now in my collection. and a range of vendors from NorthCarolina to Massachusetts. The offerings It is this combination of shows andare a mix of old and new figures and sets as shops that keep me coming back.well as books, memorabilia, clothing anddiorama materials. For example, I met another collector at the December Heart of the South I missed the 2012 National Capital show who, after a lengthy conversationshow as well as the Ontario Model Soldier comparing our collecting experiences,Society show in Toronto, both held Sept. invited me to his home to view his8, as I was flying back from Australia extensive collection. You cannot duplicateGET HAPPY IN YOUR HOBBY CONTEST WINNER TS&MF IS ON FACEBOOK, TWITTERSometimes it helps to “think outside the My scene showing Homerton Highbox.” Collecting, converting and painting Street in the East End of London in Have you got something to say to the hobby worldcivilian figures can add a great deal to one’s around 1850 came about by my wanting and you want to say it now?!? Then use yourenjoyment of our hobby. to place the figures in an area where my computer mouse to click your way to Toy Soldier & daughter and her family had recently Model Figure Editor Stuart A. Hessney’s Facebook So, if you get a bit jaded collecting those moved to. Homerton was a very up and page and become a “friend” of the magazine.Napoleonic or American Civil War figures, coming area 160 years ago, as it is now Enthusiasts can debate views, share hobby tips,please give a thought to adding a few becoming again. spread news, post photos, help each other identifycivilian models to your shelves. Unlike the figures, and more. It’s your forum for fun! Alsobattle scenes you set up with your model The 54-mm metal figures that I chose readers can now follow TS&MF on Twitter as wearmies, a civilian scenario allows you to to paint and convert are mostly from strive to keep collectors around theplace your handiwork in a familiar setting. Giles Brown’s Dorset Soldiers range, globe informed and connected. together with a few Victorian CONTACT US street characters by Fusilier Miniatures. We welcome readers’ Fire Back! feedback via e-mail at [email protected]. In addition, Being able to decide the letters can be sent via fax to 01903 885514 or mail colors does make a change from to Fire Back!, TS&MF, Ashdown Ltd., Unit 5E, Park having rigidly to adhere to strict Farm, Chichester Road, Arundel, West Sussex, regimental uniform details. Try it England, U.K. BN18 9EY. Letters can also be sent sometime! via fax to (507) 634-7691 or mail to Fire Back!, TS&MF, Ashdown Inc., 68132 250th Ave., Kasson, Claude R. Hart MN, USA 55944. All correspondence must include Shrewsbury, Shropshire your full name, address and daytime telephone number in case verification is needed. Letters may England, U.K. be edited for length or clarity. Anonymous letters will not be considered for publication. LEFT: Claude R. Hart’s civilians re-create Homerton High Street in the East End of London during the mid-19th century.CONTEST: GET HAPPY IN YOUR HOBBY!To have a chance of winning a prize, enter the monthly “Get Happy in Your Hobby!” contest by submitting onephoto along with a couple of paragraphs relating how the toy soldier and model figure hobby makes you happy.Send your entry to Editor Stuart A. Hessney via e-mail at [email protected] or post it to theTS&MF Get Happy in Your Hobby Contest at either Ashdown Ltd., Unit 5E, Park Farm, Chichester Road,Arundel, West Sussex, England, U.K. BN18 9EY; or Ashdown Inc., 68132 250th Ave., Kasson, MN, USA55944. All entries must include your complete contact details. Enter as many times as you like. 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.HOW TREEFROG TREASURES GOT ITS NAMESince Shannon Reuss established her RIGHT: Business is hopping was called to serve at the Peace Lutheranbusiness in 1999, it has rapidly evolved Church in Eyota, Minn. The businessinto one of the world’s top sellers of toy at Treefrog for Marsha Boyd, outgrew the family home and moved intosoldiers. Nearly 3,000 members belong to Julie Abraham and Shannon a purpose-built shop in Eyota in 2007.her online hobby forum. Every week she Reuss (from left). (Photo bye-mails her Rivet newsletter to more than St. Charles Press Editor Laura Treefrog is known for keeping its900 people. Berndt) Website constantly upgraded and updated with the latest stock from a vast array of In the past, I’ve alluded to how vanguard of Internet makers of metal and plastic soldiers, scenicShannon got started in retailing with retailers by her launching items and more. Excellent customer serviceother goods before toy soldiers gained a Website specializing is provided by Shannon and her team:supremacy. However, I’ve never gotten in collectible die-cast Julie Abraham, who manages the Websitearound to finding out how her U.S.- toy tractors. One of her and handles day-to-day operations; andbased enterprise came to be called suppliers was Ertl, which Marsha Boyd, the warehouse and shipping“Treefrog Treasures,” which would seem owned W. Britain toy manager. The very helpful full-time staff isto be a rather unlikely name that’s totally soldiers at the time, and complemented by part-timers who pitchunrelated to our hobby. one thing led to another. in on Website maintenance and engage in regional sales efforts. I found the answer in an article When Shannontitled “Business Is Hopping at Treefrog founded her business in 1999, she named Shannon estimated that Treefrog shipsTreasures in Eyota,” published in a January it Treefrog Treasures simply because anywhere from 500 to 800 orders per2013 edition of Minnesota’s St. Charles she enjoys collecting tree frog-related month to customers across the UnitedPress weekly newspaper. It was written memorabilia, according to the newspaper States and around the globe, includingby Editor Laura Berndt, who interviewed article. Australia, Canada, China and GreatShannon for a local business profile. Britain. “The name has served me well because Shannon was working as a psychiatric it stands out so much,” Shannon told the “It just keeps growing,” Reuss told thenurse for the U.S. Department of Veterans journalist. newspaper editor. “We have very loyalAffairs 14 years ago when she decided to customers, and new customers find usstart a home-based business so that she The company logo even depicts a green online every day.”would have more time to spend with her tree frog with red eyes that’s about tothen infant son, Ben. She began going to launch itself from a branch. --Stuart A. Hessneylocal auctions to find things to sell onlineand became one of the original eBay Business has been really “hopping”power sellers. since Shannon launched a second Website dedicated to selling toy soldier items That led to Shannon ranking in the in 2001. Two years later the business relocated when her pastor husband Pete LEFT: Sales growth spurred construction of Treefrog’s Eyota headquarters in 2007. (Photo Courtesy of Shannon Reuss)8 TOY SOLDIER & MODEL FIGURE
Toy Troops King & Country - Opel Maultier ~Bill Muesing~ Flakwagen – LW032 7561 Center Ave Old World Village Store Hours: King & Country • WBritain Tuesday – Friday Little Legion • John Jenkins Design Shop 17 10am – 5pm Alexander Toy Soldier • First Legion Huntington Beach, Saturday Black Hawk and others. 10am – 4pm CA 92647 Closed: www.toysoldiershoppe.net (714) 883-0700 Sun & Mon Come Visit Our Store! King & Country Thomas Gunn 3775 S. 108th St., Britains Frontline Greenfield, WI 53228 (414)302-1850 & many more Old, New, and [email protected] Retiredemail: [email protected] web site: www.Toy-Troops.com Normandy Cafe $170 Normandy Stucco BPuoilrdtiincgos wwiitthhCWomormkeirncgial Signs Village Iron Style$1G7a0te $45.00 Fountain $78Destroyed NormandyFactory CourtyardSection$79 $75 All items scaled to fit with 54mm to 60mm figures.And much more at www.HudsonAndAllen.com All items Handmade in the USA & hand- painted & finished by Hudson & Allen Staff.Hudson & Allen Studio: When It Absolutely, Positively HAS to Look Real! TOY SOLDIER & MODEL FIGURE 9
Great new range from First Legion! TEDTOY MINIATURE FEATURES: Monarch Regalia, WBritain, First Legion, John Jenkins, Figarti, Collectors Showcase, del Prado and, of course, Tedtoy www.tedtoy.com 107 W.3rd St. 270-929-2876 Owensboro, KY 42301 www.tomgunN.co.uk • email: [email protected] Eduard Dietel French Foreign Legion WW1 German PilotsWW1 British Armoured Car A7 German WW1 Tank WW1 RNAS Armoured carAvailable 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 21610510 TOY SOLDIER & MODEL FIGURE
Hobby history & maker profileTrophy TalkCollector Tommy Allison chats with retired toy Second version ofsoldier maker Len Taylor about his own Trophy the dramatic PolishMiniatures and the future of the hobby in general winged hussar.Text and Photos: William T. Allison II registered as such, so it was modified to Trophy Miniatures of Wales Ltd.In 2002, Len Taylor and his lovely wife, a dealer register that name, so that it was Valerie, visited Sulphur Springs, Texas, no longer available. The earliest production list that I have during a trip to the United States. By from Len is dated 1973. He owned thethat time, I was totally committed to Cups and trophies from earlier toy name Work Crest Ltd. for a while andcollecting his Trophy Miniatures of Wales soldier competitions in London and made painted metal toy soldiers under theLtd. figures, so I was very glad to have a California were in Len’s workshop, name “Soldiers of the British Empire.”chance to meet the Taylors. Anyone who and from that source of inspiration Collectors might run across them fromhas been fortunate enough to encounter the name “Trophy of Wales” was time to time.the couple from Penarth, Wales, knows born. Unfortunately, it could not bewhat great people they are, and how they Len started making 1:32-scale setsboth have a wonderful sense of humor. which were sold at Jock Couts’ Under Two Flags shop in London. As the interest in Since that time, Len and I have Len’s figures grew, he left his job in themaintained regular contact. A profile of auto industry and set up for full-timeLen and Trophy follows along with his manufacturing in 1978. The Trophy linethoughts about the future of toy soldiercollecting. COMPANY GENESISBombardier Leonard J. Taylor, RoyalRegiment of Artillery, was dischargedfrom the British Army Nov. 10, 1951. Len eventually drifted back to his earlierchildhood interests in military historyand models. In the early 1970s, Len made a smallset of Renaissance-era Landsknechts andsold them painted or as kits to localmodel clubs. He sold the figures under thebrand Harlech Models, only to have LEFT: Tommy Allison (left) meets Len and Valerie Taylor in Sulphur Springs, Texas, in 2002. BELOW: British Post Office Rifles in action.12 TOY SOLDIER & MODEL FIGURE
Hobby history & maker profileABOVE: Cadets of The Citadel in South In 2006, Len sold his business to Ken and Civil Wars, Mexican-American War,Carolina. Jackson of Maison Militaire in England. American Wild West, Napoleon in Egypt, However, Len retained the name Trophy and a host of civilians in Christmas andexpanded from an original 25 figures to a Miniatures of Wales Ltd., and does so to circus sets.list encompassing more than 3,000 items. the present time. In addition, Len developed specialty In Trophy’s heyday, there were 38 items such as a Jacobite Rebellion set, anemployees and the production goal was action-packed Polish winged hussar and1,125 units per day. A unit equaled VARIED OFFERINGSone foot soldier. Three units equaled a ABOVE: The Lion was a British vesselmounted figure. There were more than Len said his most popular series was based on the Crimean War.3,000 molds. the Anglo-Zulu War, followed by the BELOW: A small British gunboat of the Mahdist War and British India’s North- 19th century patrols the Nile. Len also started a line of miniatures West Frontier. The Boxer Rebellion andknown as Dragon Crest, which was under Crimean War series were also popular, asthe direction of his son, Stuart. That brand was World War I.name was utilized to sell the work ofapprentices. Other lines included the Pageantry Series, Indian Mutiny, Waterloo, British Raj in India, American RevolutionaryFrom left: LordRoberts’ staff car andthe “Maharaja ofBikaner’s State Car.” TOY SOLDIER & MODEL FIGURE 13
Hobby history & maker profile RIGHT: A real brass box serves as an ideal base for “A Christmas Gift From a Princess,” which blends Great War and holiday themes.ABOVE: “The Only One” was part of 35 of the Union gunboat “The Eagle” and 28 bestsellers? He responded that the bestTrophy’s popular Zulu War series. of the Confederate gunboat “Leopard.” period, of course, was the Zulu War, andBELOW: Trophy’s personality figure of the associated hand-to-hand sets. Next wasyoung Winston Churchill at Omdurman There was also a small Nile gunboat. the Napoleonic period and Waterloo, with(ref. HS5). An Arab dhow was carved completely out the Polish Lancers of the Guard and the of wood. Less than 50 were produced. Lancers of Berg being the most popular.a 9/11 New York City firefighter. Setsof cadets were specially commissioned Len made 67 each of two staff cars Coming in third was the Mahdist Warfor The Citadel, The Military College of produced from 1990 to 1991. He made period.Trophy’s British Post Office Rifles,South Carolina, in Charleston. Artillery 69 of an Anglo-Boer War “Steam Traction Gen. Charles Gordon at Khartoum, youngpieces, carriages and other vehicles were Engine” (ref. EQ45) set. Trophy also Winston Churchill at Omdurman andabundant. produced dioramas of the Zulu War’s regimental standard-bearers of various Rorke’s Drift, La Haye Sainte at Waterloo, regiments were top sellers, according to Len. There were no tanks, trains or airplanes the Texas Alamo and the Peking Gatebecause, as Len said, “They cost too much during the Boxer Rebellion. The Boxer Rebellion was very popularto develop and to produce.” with items such as Tartar archers, the “Assault on the Peking Gate” diorama, Len produced 66 of the Nile River Kansu Braves, Tiger Men and hand-to-gunboat “Victoria” and 18 of the Crimean PERSONAL FAVORITE hand sets. In the Crimean War series,War Flying Squadron gunboat dubbed “The three sets of the Charge of the LightLion.” For the American Civil War, he made I asked Len what his favorite Trophy set Brigade and the “Russian Siege Battery”RIGHT: Trophy’s Alamo “Come and Take was? were collector favorites.It Gun” is now regarded as being a rare set.BELOW: Seasonal sets included He answered, “The brewer’s dray cart From the civilian range, the “Fish“Christmas Dray” and the frosty “Finishing of William Hancock and Son.” Monger’s Cart,” “Hansom Cab,” “Horse-Touch.” Drawn Bus,” “Rag Doll Lady” and That is where his father worked and “Victorian Tradesman’s Van” series were Len was employed for four years before highly sought after. joining the Army. His dad, “Little Bill,” drove the brewer’s dray cart in all of the parades and shows. I asked Len which sets were his14 TOY SOLDIER & MODEL FIGURE
Hobby history & maker profileRIGHT: A ConfederateLouisiana Zouave clasheswith a dismounted Unioncavalryman (ref. HA4). ABOVE: “Elephant Troop Carrier” (ref. ME3) from an Indian Mutiny series. BELOW: Old West “Bronco Buster” by Trophy. For the ACW, hand-to-hand sets grandmother, I was always intrigued by awere leading sellers, as was the large large photo of a soldier,” he recounted. “Itsets of “Pickett’s Charge” (ref. GY1) was surrounded by silk-embroideredand “Holding the Line at Cemetery postcards from the front. It was explainedHill” (ref. GY2) based on the Battle of that this was Uncle Charlie and he wasGettysburg. Also popular were all of the killed in the `Woods’ in the war.”mounted figures. Len said, “It was many years later that I discovered Uncle Charlie’s Regiment was the Royal Welsh Fusiliers and that heUNCLE CHARLIE’S WAR had fallen in the battle for Mametz Wood July 7, 1916 (during the First Battle ofRegarding WWI, Len related, “I was the Somme in France). The 38th (Welsh)never fond of this period, although it was Division lost about 4,000 men killed orone of the main reasons I got interested in wounded in this searing engagement. Itmilitary history.” “As a small child visiting my Len Taylor’s WWI British sets included “The Gaudy Gun” (ref. EQ74). TOY SOLDIER & MODEL FIGURE 15
Hobby history & maker profileABOVE: ARW Patriot heroine Molly would not be used in a massed attack a wagon while “Finishing Touch” (ref.Pitcher helps crew a cannon (ref. AR1). again until July 31, 1917.” XM14) shows people building a snowman.ABOVE: Boer War steam tractionengine (EQ45). “On a quiet path just outside of the For the Alamo, all of the personalityBELOW: Mahdist warriors on camels wood is a memorial in the shape of a red figures of Davy Crockett, William Travisfrom the Nile series. Welsh dragon tearing at barbed wire on and Jim Bowie, as well as the defenders’ top of a stone plinth,” he added. “Come and Take It Gun,” are regarded16 TOY SOLDIER & MODEL FIGURE as being rare. Amongst four Wild West “My favorite piece from this series is sets, the “Bronco Buster” was the best, ‘The Gaudy Gun’ (ref. EQ74),” Len said. in my opinion. “The 8-inch howitzer on the Western Front attracted the attention of the war The Raj series included the Prince of artist Fortunino Matania. He was attracted Wales’ State Elephant, “Camel-Drawn by the gaudy camouflage and wrote, Artillery Section,” “Maharaja of Bikaner’s ‘War, as far as the artillery is concerned, State Car” (ref. VV2) Maharaja of Patiala is developing into a vast fancy dress ball, on horseback, “Elephant Troop Carrier,” with immunity from destruction as the elephant-drawn siege gun and 15th prize for the best costume.’” Bengal Infantry Band. Len noted, “I think it is worth In the Pageantry Series, the British mentioning the last figure I did in Gold State Coach was popular while the this period: ‘A Christmas Gift From a rarest of the rare became the open-topped Princess.’ A Tommy sitting in a trench State Landau. Also well-received were opens the handsome brass box of three sets of pirates, a small range of teddy cigarettes, a gift from Princess Mary.” bears, Lord Roberts’ staff car (ref. VV1A), and sets of modern British Foot Guards. Since the sale of the business and PAGEANTRY & MORE molds but not the brand name in 2006, Trophy models are unfortunately no Trophy’s civilian Christmastime sets longer produced in any great amount by included the “Willing Team,” four sets of Maison Militaire, except for The Citadel skaters, “Bringing Home the Tree” and figures by private commission. the “Christmas Bus.” “Christmas Dray” (ref. C76A) depicts Santa Claus riding British Raj “Camel-Drawn THOUGHTS ON Artillery Section” (ref. PW8). COLLECTING I asked Len where he thinks the hobby is headed. He reflected, “Back in the 1950s there were clear areas of collecting. You either collected mint and boxed Britains or you bought old and damaged specimens, you repaired them and in some cases converted them.” “The era also saw the appearance of figures from the likes of Charles Stadden, aka Norman Newton Ltd., and the brilliant Russell Gammage of Rose Miniatures, which were available not only primed and ready to paint, but also in kit form,” he continued.
collector profile “As a result, there were far more collectors COLLECTOR RESOURCES ABOVE: Trophy’s Lancers of Bergturning out superb single figures and (ref. WA68) at Waterloo.vignettes and dioramas of every period I think that to most collectors, Trophy BELOW: Battle of Waterloo regimentalimaginable, and the sale of prepainted figures items are difficult to find, and when standard-bearers.seemed to be in decline,” Len observed. found are very expensive. For the first time in a number of years, there were soldier collecting. We are so very fortunate “The next major change came with the some nice Trophy sets available at the to have had someone as talented as Lenappearance of the Russians and Chinese,” 2012 OTSN Inc. Chicago Toy Soldier Taylor involved in our hobby. nhe noted. “The Russians brought new Show.standards of sculpting and painting to the about the writerhobby that were almost beyond belief. The Of equal importance is the lack ofChinese are in the ranks of top quality available information about which sets William T. “Tommy” Allison II is anpainters. Unfortunately, these new figures were made and their content -- not only as attorney in Sulphur Springs, Texas.and sets are often beyond the economic to set numbers, but the number of figures The American has been collectingmeans of many collectors.” and poses in each set. Trophy catalogs are since the third grade and has about available for sale on eBay from time to 6,000 figures. Tommy collects toy “Added to that, the figures began to be time. But they are not cumulative -- they soldiers made by Britains, Trophypainted in a variety of mediums, from oil to only cover what was for sale during that Miniatures of Wales Ltd., Beau Geste,acrylic, and even enamels were used,” Len particular catalog year. CBG Mignot and Marlboroughpointed out. “Flesh was matt and boots Military Models. His collection canwere glossy. Especially in the matt-painted An excellent resource for Trophy is be viewed on the Treefrog Treasuresfigures, the art of shading and highlighting the Treefrog Treasures Forum, and in Forum under W.T. Allison II.the model became very important.” particular collectors such as Martyn (GICOP), Tom Dubel (tdubel), Lawrence When asked about his research, Len Lo (LawrenceLo), and Mike Tarantinostated that he has a large collection of (ucla1967). Albums of their collectionsbooks and prints that he has accumulated can be viewed on the forum for additionalduring a 50-year period. While conducting information. Readers can also contactresearch for figures, he would also contact Len (LEN3966) via the forum. The Toymuseums and visit regimental museums in Soldier Museum’s James H. Hillestadthe United Kingdom. has written extensively about Trophy for TS&MF (see issue 115). All of these Len concluded by saying it’s difficult enthusiasts and Len would be more thanto see how new improvements could be happy to assist anyone with a questionmade, but he feels certain they would. He about Trophy Miniatures. thinks that the younger collectors willbe more interested in World War II For me personally, Len and Trophyand afterwards, especially in view of the Miniatures brought an excitement tointerest shown in the Vietnam War series collecting toy soldiers. They were simplybrought out by Figarti Miniatures and the best glossy figures. To many of us,First Legion Ltd. Trophy was the “gold standard” of toy TOY SOLDIER & MODEL FIGURE 17
New 2013One-hundred and twenty years ago No.49033William Britain and his son decided tocraft a better metal toy soldier. They ARCHIVE SERIESmade it fully round, about 3” inchestall (it was a mounted Life Guard), 1893 Life Guards Trooperand hollow. Not only was it a more W. Britainrealistic toy soldier, it was much moreeconomical to make. It did not take 120th Anniversary Piecelong for them to corner the market,pushing out the then dominate No.20116German makers. ZULU WARFirst Gear is very lucky to have been asteward of this great name for the last “Thrust!” - Fight for the Kraaleight years. We will continue to care British 24th Foot andfor the brand and grow it in a mannerthat would have made William Britain Zulu Hand-to-Hand Set No.8proud. Thank you for the first 120-years of playing with and collectingW. Britain figures. The Sets above and the entire W. Britain For more information visit Chester’s Hunting Tedtoy Miniatures & Fishing Tel: 270-929-2876www.wbritain.com www.tedtoy.com Tel: 631-738-6991 1301 Walnut StreetWBA0313 e-mail: [email protected]©2013 FIRST GEAR, INC. Owensboro, Kentucky 42301 232 Ronkonkoma Ave.FIRST GEAR®, design, W. Britain®, and � Ronkonkoma, New York 11779 Hobby Bunker Tel: 781-321-8855are registered trademarks of First Gear, Inc., Peosta, IA Treefrog Treasures Fax: 781-321-8866 Tel: 866-394-2418 www.hobbybunker.com 33 Exchange Street Outside U.S.: 1-507-545-2500 Malden, Massachusetts 02148 www.treefrogtreasures.com 248 Sandstone Drive NW Eyota, Minnesota 55934
Collection Preview! No.25017 WORLD WAR II RAF 617 Squadron - The Dambusters 70th Anniversary Commemorative Set, 1943No.31106 No.18063 No.18062 AMERICAN CIVIL WAR AMERICAN REVOLUTION AMERICAN REVOLUTION Union Infantry 114th Pennsylvania Iroquois Warrior Attacking with Iroquois Warrior Zouaves Color Sergeant with Tomahawk No.1 Chief Joseph Brant National Colors No.1 When buying Toy Soldiers see that they are W. Britainsrange can be purchased from the W. Britain retailers listed below: Green’s Collectables The History Store Kenneth Osen’s Brookhurst Hobbies Tel: 973-627-4961 Tel: 740-775-7400 Hudon & Allen Studio Tel: 714-636-3580 101 North Paint St. Fax: 714-636-9150 www.greenscollectables.com Chillicothe, Ohio 45601 Tel: 586-336-0837 46 Warren Trail www.hudsonandallen.com www.brookhursthobbies.com Toy Soldier Shoppe 12188 Brookhurst St. Denville, New Jersey 07834 Tel: 414-302-1850 788736 Mile Road Fax: 414-302-1851 Bruce Township, MI 48065 Garden Grove, California 92840 DuTtkeli:n8s0’0C-LoIlLle-cAtRaMbles (800-545-2769) www.toysoldiershoppe.net Sierra Toy Soldier Old Toy Soldier Home 3775 S. 108th St. Tel: 408-395-3000 Tel: 760-758-5481 Fax: 856-428-9640 Fax: 408-358-3966 Fax: 760-758-7004 www.dutkins.com Greenfield, Wisconsin 53228 1019 West Route 70 www.sierratoysoldier.com www.oldtoysoldierhome.comCherry Hill, New Jersey 08002 29 N. Santa Cruz Ave. 977 South Santa Fe, Suite #11 Los Gatos, California 95030 Vista, California 92083
History & collectingYellow Rose of TexasCollector Steve Rhea explores a legend and the Texas Revolution’s decisive Battle of San JacintoText: Steve Rhea Photos: Steve Rhea and TS&MFThe military history of Texas as a lived off the land and burned farms and ABOVE: K&C’s figure of Sam Houston colony, republic and state provides settlements in their paths, forcing the is flanked by Mars pioneers. much subject matter for writing colonists to evacuate. As word spread of theabout toy soldiers.The Battle of the Alamo fall of the Alamo and the approach of the BELOW LEFT: The Texas Revolution’salone provides an entire subgenre for toy Mexican army, settlers hurriedly fled to the “Runaway Scrape,” with figures by Marx,soldier collectors. But beyond that my home east with what livestock and possessions CTS and Mars.state has a history encompassing Spanish they could save. This panic became knownconquistadors, French cavaliers, pirates, in Texas history as the “Runaway Scrape.” faced. The plains of San Jacinto were idealfilibusters,Texas Rangers and others. for a set-piece battle: flat, coastal, tall-grass prairie with scattered groves of trees. Although it lacks the romance of theAlamo legend, 1836’s Battle of San Jacinto ROAD TO BATTLE Santa Anna’s army moved onto thewas where the fledgling Republic of Texas southern part of the plain by marchingfinally won its independence and it has its Gen. Houston, who commanded an up the road from the town of Newown folklore. “army” of less than 400 men at San Felipe Washington. Houston’s forces came via de Austin, saw that his only recourse was the Harrisburg Road and were due north to withdraw to the east and try to add of the Mexicans, with their rear to Buffalo more troops and raise the morale of his Bayou. The only line of retreat for theRUNAWAY SCRAPE disillusioned men. Houston’s force, the Texians was back along the Harrisburg newly-formed Texas government and Road, which crossed a tributary of theAfter the Alamo fell March 6, 1836, thousands of refugees continued to move bayou by Vince’s Bridge.Mexican President and Gen. Antonio eastwards ahead of the Mexican advance.Lopez de Santa Anna was determined to press his advantage and stamp out the Houston ignored pleas from theTexian revolt by destroying all remaining government to stand and fight. Instead, he OPPOSING FORCESresistance. Santa Anna divided his force used these days to drill his green troops,into three columns. His strategy, however, which were constantly being swelled Gen. Houston’s army had only a smallproved to be his undoing, as it had for his by remnants of the Texian forces from cavalry contingent, probably no more thanidol, Napoleon Bonaparte, prior to the Refugio in South Texas and by fortune- 60 troopers, commanded by a GeorgiaBattle of Waterloo in 1815. seeking fighting men from the United firebrand who had been baptized with States who arrived too late to serve at the the revolutionary name of Mirabeau Gen. José de Urrea, who was operating Alamo or Goliad.to the south with the Mexican army’s rightwing, had defeated and massacred Texian Six weeks after the fall of the Alamo,troops near Goliad after Col. James Fannin Santa Anna’s force of approximately 800surrendered. Now Urrea was directed to men took the small town of Harrisburgmove eastwards along the coast. (today it’s an eastern suburb of the City of Houston). Gen. Houston, in the Gen. Joaquin Ramirez y Sesma was meantime, had retreated across Buffaloordered to sweep in a wide arc to the Bayou onto a broad peninsula of landnorth, then turn east to rendezvous with bounded by the bayou on the north andSanta Anna’s main force. It would march San Jacinto Bay to the east and south.due east to San Felipe de Austin, themain settlement of Anglo Texas, then Incredibly, at this point the Texiansmove to defeat the remaining Texian force outnumbered Santa Anna’s force, thoughcommanded by Gen. Sam Houston. most of the rebels were very inexperienced compared to the Mexican veterans they As they marched, the Mexican columns LEFT: Mexican command set by W. Britain.20 TOY SOLDIER & MODEL FIGURE
History & collectingABOVE: A frontiersman by Auburn “An elderly friend of mine, with ancestry reachingRubber Co. is enlisted to depict Deaf Smith back to Austin’s colony, always claimed that andestroying Vince’s Bridge. ancestor had ‘played the fiddle’ at the battle.”RIGHT: San Jacinto’s clash at the Mexican infantry, but broke off after a light skirmish. flush with their victories at the Alamo andbarricade is refought by Airfix Napoleonics, On the morning of April 21, the odds Goliad. The Texians were tired out froma metal figure by an unidentified maker, and the retreat, poorly supplied and ill-trained.Texians from BMC and CTS. were more than evened when Santa Anna’s brother-in-law, Gen. Martin Perfecto de The one thing that Houston had in hisBELOW: Santa Anna by K&C is flanked Cos, arrived at the Mexican encampment favor was that his troops were now fiercelyby a Marx officer and a Jean Hoefler figure with 400 seasoned troops. Santa Anna angered by the earlier defeats and the(from left). now had approximately 1,200 men humiliating retreat. They were anxious to under his command while Houston had have revenge on Santa Anna.Buonaparte Lamar. The artillery was two somewhat less than 1,000.small fieldpieces given to the Texians by citizens of Cincinnati, Ohio, and The two forces facing each other werechristened as the “Twin Sisters.” The two almost polar opposites. The Mexican SEDUCTIVE SIESTA“regular” regiments (in reality, companies troops were battle-seasoned veterans stillof 50 to 60 men), were the 1st, organized As the Mexican soldiers marchedby Ed Burleson; and the 2nd, composed of eastward, they plundered homesteads60 Kentucky riflemen raised and brought and settlements for supplies. They alsoto the fight by Col. Sidney Sherman. appropriated some of the colonists’ slaves who had not managed to escape. Both armies tested each other April 20.Mexican artillery lobbed a few shells at the One of these was a mulatto woman,Texian camp, resulting in a few wounded, Emily West, who was born a free woman ofbut no major casualties. Later that sameday, Sherman and Lamar were scouting theMexican camp with a small cavalry forceand became engaged with some Mexican RIGHT: Santa Anna figure by W. Britain. TOY SOLDIER & MODEL FIGURE 21
History & collectingABOVE: Britains Deetail recasts by DSG war” while on campaign. SURPRISE ATTACKPlastic Toy Soldiers are combined with On April 21, Santa Anna’s army hadMarx figures to re-create a clash between At approximately 3 p.m. April 21,Texian cavalrymen and Mexican infantry. the Texians at bay, Cos’ troops needed rest Houston formed his infantry into skirmish after their march and the climactic battle lines. Lamar’s cavalry was positioned onBELOW: Book recounting one of the could wait at least one more day. According the right flank and the Twin Sisters in thefictionalized versions of the Emily Morgan to legend, Santa Anna decided to rest his center, where one gun could support eachlegend. troops for another day, and on that fateful wing of the Texian line. afternoon he was entertaining pretty EmilyBELOW RIGHT: Yellow roses surround Morgan in his tent during siesta time. Juan Seguin’s Tejanos, whose firsta statue portraying Emily Morgan in West language was Spanish, wore playing cardsHouston. Houston, on the other hand, had done tucked into their caps and hatbands so everything he could to bring his troops they would not be mistaken for Mexicancolor in Connecticut. At age 19 or 20, she to the ultimate fighting pitch. His scouts combatants in the heat of battle.had been indentured to James Morgan, who had given him warning of Cos’ approach.captained a schooner trading between the Houston could have attacked the main The Texian military “band” was composedUnited States and the Texian plantations Mexican camp that morning before the of a fifer, a drummer and probably two otheralong the coast of the Gulf of Mexico. enemy reinforcements arrived, but he soldiers who could play some instruments. demurred. An elderly friend of mine, with ancestry Taking Morgan’s surname, as was the reaching back to Austin’s colony, alwayscustom for slaves and indentured servants, At noon, he met with his officers and claimed that an ancestor had “played theEmily was employed as a housekeeper in proposed an attack on the following day. fiddle” at the battle.The only tune all thea hotel at New Washington. Along with But the troops voted and demanded to musicians knew was a music hall version ofother servants, she was swept up by the be allowed to fight immediately. Houston the Irish tune “Come to the Bower,” so thatMexican forces when they pursued the seized the moment and agreed. He also was what announced the Texians’ approachTexian army through the town. took one further step to make sure that his to the Mexican lines. army stood on what the Chinese Gen. Sun There is no corroborating evidence that Tzu called “death ground.” Houston cut Santa Anna, with his customarySanta Anna “dallied” with Emily Morgan. off the Texian line of retreat by sending arrogance, had not ordered the placing ofBut like many soldiers before and after his chief scout, Erasmus “Deaf ” Smith, to advance pickets nor posted scouts to keephim, he was known to enjoy the “spoils of demolish Vince’s Bridge. an eye on the Texian camp. There were a few sentries at a barricade in front of the Mexican camp formed by the baggage train. By the time they raised the alarm, the Twin Sisters had been wheeled forward so they could blast a hole in the barricade. The Texian frontal attack was virtually a complete surprise. As Mexican troops seized their muskets and attempted to form ranks, the Texians swept over them and the battle quickly degenerated into a melee. Col. Sherman is credited with first raising the battle cries of “Remember the Alamo” and “Remember Goliad!” Santa Anna was reportedly roused from a siesta with Emily Morgan, who became known as the “Yellow Rose of Texas,” and tried briefly to form up his troops, as did22 TOY SOLDIER & MODEL FIGURE
History & collecting“There is no corroborating evidence that Santa ABOVE LEFT: Mexican dragoon armedAnna ‘dallied’ with Emily Morgan. But like many with a lance by K&C.soldiers before and after him, he was known toenjoy the ‘spoils of war’ while on campaign.” ABOVE: Texians seek retribution for Santa Anna’s “no quarter” policy. Figures byseveral other officers. However, he and than an hour.There is no absolute record K&C, Marx, BMC and CTS.Cos probably fled to the rear of the camp of casualties, but it was a stunning victory.shortly after the battle began. Nearly half of the Mexican combatants BELOW LEFT: Emily Morgan raises the were killed and nearly all the rest were taken alarm at Santa Anna’s tent. The woman is Other Mexican officers were not so prisoner.Two Texians were killed during the a CTS figure, the unpainted ones are fromfortunate. For example, Gen. Manuel battle and six or seven died of wounds. Only BMC and the officer is by Airfix.Fernandez Castrillon was attempting to about 20 others were wounded. One of therally his men when he was shot and killed. casualties was Houston, who had an ankle BELOW RIGHT: Actor Dennis QuaidTwenty or more other commissioned broken by a musket ball. portrayed Sam Houston at San Jacintoofficers were also slain. in the 2004 movie “The Alamo.” (Lance Staedler/Touchstone Pictures) Col. Juan Almonte managed to get histroops into battle order. But then realizing CLASH’S AFTERMATH addressed as “El Presidente.” The patrolthat the cause was hopeless, he ordered had captured Santa Anna.them to down arms and surrendered. The day after the battle, Texian patrols swept the vicinity’s tall grass and woods Wisely, Houston did not permit Unfortunately, many Mexican soldiers looking for Mexican soldiers who had Santa Anna’s execution. Instead Houstonwere killed trying to surrender. Santa fled. Among those captured was a promised to return him and Cos to Mexico,Anna’s “no quarter” policy at the Alamo man wearing a silk shirt and a private provided that he agreed to immediatelyand Goliad was exacting a terrible soldier’s gray uniform trousers. When cease hostilities, never again take up armsvengeance on his own troops. he was placed among the other common against Texas, order all Mexican military prisoners, they deferred to him and he was forces to withdraw below the Rio Grande The Battle of San Jacinto lasted less and release any American prisoners held TOY SOLDIER & MODEL FIGURE 23
History & collectingby the Mexican government. Santa Anna LEFT: is owned by U.K.-based Kenningtonsigned treaties guaranteeing his life and W. Britain Miniatures, and Robert Roussell of Paris.recognizing Texas’ independence. set of Texian To the best of my knowledge, the Roussell volunteers. figures are long out of production. And what became of Emily Morgan?Most probably she returned to Morgan’s the South’s use of the historical term Mars Toy Soldiers of HoustonPoint along the shores of Galveston Bay “high yellow” to describe light skin among produced painted metal 54-mm Texianin Texas, but there is no further record. people of color. Probably the following and Mexican figures during the 1970s andAlthough a fairly rich fund of legends and version of the lyrics is the best known: 1980s. Most recently K&C has led thefictional accounts has grown up around way with an almost encyclopedic series ofher, she disappeared from history. Texas Revolution figures in 1:30 scale. There’s a yellow rose in Texas, I once worked in an office complex As I surveyed these figures, it occurredin West Houston composed of three that I am going to see. to me that there is plenty of room for abuildings that were surrounded by rose No other fellow knows her, nobody, only me. series of San Jacinto character figures.gardens full of hundreds of yellow rose You may talk about your Clementinebushes. The garden’s centerpiece was a On the Texian side, there are alreadybronze statue of Emily Morgan looking and sing of Rosalie, Gen. Houston figures in production. Butover her shoulder as though leaving one But the Yellow Rose of Texas what about Deaf Smith, Juan Seguin,life for another. Certainly she achieved Sidney Sherman and M.B. Lamar?immortality in “The Yellow Rose of Texas,” is the only girl for me.a traditional folk song. The song refers to On the Mexican side, figures of Santaher as the “yellow” rose in keeping with TOY FIGURES Anna abound. But it would be great to have personality figures of Gens. Cos, Urrea, SesmaBELOW: Mexican Cazadore from a Toy soldiers depicting the Texas and Castrillon as well as Col. Almonte.series of Texas Revolution figures produced Revolution period generally fall into threeby K&C. classes: Alamo plastic playset figures by Certainly, an Emily Morgan figure Marx, BMC, Classic Toy Soldiers (CTS) would be a terrific collector’s item. I wouldRIGHT: Sam Houston leads Texans made and others; painted metal figures of the be first in line to buy a “Yellow Rose.” nby Edmund’s Traditional Toy Soldiers. past 20 years by King & Country Ltd. and a few other makers such as Edmund’s about the writer Traditional Toy Soldiers and W. Britain; and one-off or limited editions made Steve Rhea began buying toy soldiers by individual craftsmen or small shops, in five-and-ten stores in Beaumont, generally outside the United States. Texas, USA, in 1954. He is semiretired from working as a petroleum I am grateful to Tom Morrison for geoscientist for 41 years and is supplying photos of some Mexican troops enjoying a second childhood as a of the period by New Hope Design, which collector. Steve’s primary interests are metal toy soldiers portraying the post- Waterloo to pre-World War I period, pirates, and pre-1960s spacemen and aliens. He has contributed more than 20 articles to TS&MF and other hobby publications. He lives in Houston, Texas, and loves visiting his in-laws in England and Ireland.24 TOY SOLDIER & MODEL FIGURE
Sierra Toy Soldier Company This Spring come visit us Online or in our Store, you will be most welcome!Tof rToiompes MMiliiltiatarryyMMiinniiaattuurreess •• LLiimmitieteddEEdidtiiotinoPnrPinrtisn•tsM•ilMitairliitaaria Visit Our store, In person Or Online 16106022CCooppeellaanndd SStt..J•a3c8k1so-n6v8i2ll8e,•FwLw• w90.t4r-o38o1p-s6o8f2t8ime.com For The Largest Selection Of Toy Soldiers! SwMatouwnrddwaayy.–t1Fr1r:oi0d0oay-p140s::0o300f-•t5Ti:3um0e•sedSa.ayctu-ordFmaryi:dBayy A1p0p:3o0in-tm5e:n30t 29 N. Santa Cruz Avenue, Los Gatos, CA 95030 Toll Free (866) 869-7653 International (408) 395-3000 Fax (408) 395-3006 www.sierratoysoldier.com Peter Nathan Toy Soldiers Currently carrying the following lines • K ing & Country • Figarti • First Legion • Britains We offer the widest variety of elite military miniatures, • Thomas Gunn Miniatures • J ohn Jenkins Designs toy soldiers and diorama accessories available for your • Collectors Showcase • Build A Rama • Del Prado • JG Miniatures • Kronprinz • Frontline visual hobby. Peter Nathan Toy Soldiers has been in business over 20 years and all the products displayed 35 Pilgrim Village Road, Unit 902, Taunton MA 02780 tel: 617-462-5431 email: [email protected] in our new store are available online. Shop 18, level 2, Queen Victoria Building, www.mmtoysoldiers.com455 George Street, Sydney, Australia. Tel: (+612) 9267 5591 TOY SOLDIER & MODEL FIGURE 25 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 5pm
Creating military miniaturesPrussian ArmyBand ProjectMusic-minded Max Hundleby recounts the creation of a19th-century military band to march out in his collectionText and Photos: Max Hundleby and service in the Royal Air Force. learned to play the piano and later took I joined the British Model Soldier up the clarinet. I played on and off forMy interest in model soldiers was Society in 1966. As I began to collect, some years before forming a band at my kindled before World War II with convert and make figures, my main local Air Training Corps. After a number some Britains and Johillco figures interest became the Prussian military. of years, we were capable of leading thefrom a Woolworth’s store. parade on Remembrance Sunday. I now My family were all musical, so I duly play in a small orchestra. There was the usual lapse as I grew upand discovered girls, followed by university Naturally all those elements came together and I have made and painted several Prussian bands through the years. It was the discovery of a German army “hundpauker” (dog drummer) in 1930s Hausser-Elastolin catalogs which set me off in conducting research from a variety of sources for this latest project. DOG DRUMMER Inspiration for my band comes from the Austro-Prussian War of 1866. The seven- week conflict resulted in the Austrian Empire’s defeat and asserted Prussian dominance over the German states, LEFT: Max Hundleby’s band of the Prussian 43rd Infantry Regiment on parade. BELOW: Metal, resin, paper and wood elements were combined to create the 10-cm figures.26 TOY SOLDIER & MODEL FIGURE
Creating military miniaturesleading to unification in 1871. in regular use. ABOVE LEFT: Bandsman with a During the course of the war, the There is photographic evidence of homemade glockenspiel. Note the decorative red and white musicians’ wings.Prussian 43rd Infantry Regiment entered the hundpauker’s use in the 1930s, but it the Austrian village of Rosberitz and could not be found following the end of ABOVE: Four musicians play oversizefound a dead St. Bernard. The dog was WWII in 1945. It would seem possible instruments originally intended forlying between the shafts of a small cart that it vanished in the Allied bombing of dollhouse hobby enthusiasts.bearing an enormous drum. Both drum Germany or other wartime violence. BELOW: A Prussian musician plays askins were punctured, but the regiment serpent made from wire and resin.took everything back to Prussia. MODELING FIGURES BELOW LEFT: The band’s varied instrumentation includes a handmade The drum was repaired and a new My friend Dave Hall is an excellent jingling Johnny.St. Bernard trained to pull the cart. sculptor. One figure he makes is a 10-cmThe first time out was a disaster as the Prussian soldier posed marching, whichdog bolted and the whole thing rolled was perfect for my re-creation of a 19th-down an embankment. Things seemed century band of the 43rd Regiment.to have improved after that. Eventuallytwo dogs named Sultan and Pasha were Using it as a basis, I cast bodies and legs. Backpacks were made from resin filler produced for auto body repairs. I also made wooden bases for the band members and a colour party. All this saved on weight and expensive metal. Dave cast the rest in metal. Two heads were available: one in a pickelhaube and the other with the addition of a TOY SOLDIER & MODEL FIGURE 27
Creating military miniaturesTOP: Band members play a wooden parade plume. little ingenuity, they could be adapted asdrum as well as dollhouse trumpets and a Using a standardized figure with the follows:straight saxophone. • Small Trumpet: This could be usedABOVE: The drum major, bandmaster plume, it was possible to start on theand drum section lead the band. bandsmen. I found that a number of unaltered, even though it was a littleBELOW: Max Hundleby crafted two gold-colored instruments are available oversize.types of bassoons, cymbals and a miniature from dollhouse hobby suppliers in scales • Large Trumpet: The mouthpiece wasversion of his own instrument: the clarinet. of 1:16 and 1:12. These are a bit too big removed from the original piece and compared to the approximately 1:25-scale it was placed at a 90-degree angle to size needed for my musicians. But with a represent a horn. • Alto Saxophone: This component was used as is to depict a larger tenor saxophone. • French Horn: It was a little oversize, but used as is because it is such an attractive instrument. • Euphonium: The dollhouse-sized version was used as is to represent a larger bass tuba. THE MODIFICATIONS • Drum Major: He was equipped with a mace crafted from a stick with a filled resin head and bound with gold cotton. • Bandmaster: My left-handed bandmaster only required the addition of a wire to represent a baton. • Schellenbaum: The “schellenbaum,” also known as a bell tree or jingling Johnny, was made from welding rod. Its crescent was carved from wood. The big bell was made from wood turned on a lathe. Cotton was used to replicate a pair of horsetail plumes. • Glockenspiel: The glockenspiel, or lyre, and its small keys were made from wood. Hanging plumes made from cotton completed the percussion instrument. • Serpent: I wanted to include an eye- catching serpent in the band. I bent the main backbone from thin welding rod, then put it in resin to mold the shape just before it set firmly. As with all these figures, the serpent player’s arms were positioned by altering their angles at the shoulders and cutting into the elbows where necessary. • Cymbals: Circles of tin were beaten into dishes to create cymbals, then they were attached to a Prussian’s hands. • Bassoons: Two types of bassoons were made from wood in accordance with drawings I have. One was normal and the other was a much older design. I find old instruments to be fascinating. • Bombardon: The bombardon, a tuba- like brass instrument, was probably the least successful of the models. I rolled some resin into a taper, then curved it around the figure. A piece of wire was used to represent the mouthpiece. • Clarinet: The clarinet was carved from wood. A punch was used to cut out small plastic disks. Thin wire was used for the rods.28 TOY SOLDIER & MODEL FIGURE
Creating military miniaturesABOVE: The model of the captured up. Then Dave was kind enough to make Making the body of the cart was ahundpauker bears the double-headed one for me. It seems a bit big, so either fairly simple job to solder up from tin andAustrian eagle. Dave or I were a bit over keen! wire. I mostly use welding rod because it is strong and solders well. The completedABOVE RIGHT: A colour party featuring The drum itself was made from wood cart was painted gray like the Hausserthe 43rd’s regimental standard finished off turned on a lathe. Then it was bound version.the display. with paper like the smaller drums. To add realistic detail, I used string to represent A bass drum was made in the same wayBELOW: Replicating the hundpauker pulled rope tensioners. My hundpauker carries as the larger hundpauker, complete withby a St. Bernard was the biggest challenge. the double-headed Austrian eagle like string representing rope tensioners. the original one captured by the PrussianEXTRA PRODUCTIONS 43rd Regiment in 1866. COLOUR PARTYAt this point, I prevailed on Dave to make I made a jig to create the wheels of I also made a standard-bearer to lead thedrummer arms with decorative musicians’ the cart. To replicate rims, strips of paper parade. This entailed replacing a soldier’swings (“schwalbennester” or swallows’ were wound around the wooden blanks. rifle with a tin flag hung on a pole madenests). These had been made for the other Once the glue dried, each was placed on from welding rod.bandsmen from filled resin. the jig. There was a wire in the center and on this was placed a length of brass Two normal Prussian figures with Wooden drums were made on a lathe. tube with paper rolled around it. Wooden rifles were recruited as escorts. Since thesePaper was placed around their tops and spokes were glued between this rolled soldiers are not bandsmen, they don’tbottoms to form the edges. paper tube and the rim to make a strong wear black plumes nor are their uniforms’ joint. Then things were arranged so all adorned by swallows’ nests. Replicating a hundpauker was the the spokes touched one another in thebiggest job. I made a drawing of the center to make the joint even stronger. The colour party helped finish off myHausser composition St. Bernard scaled music-minded display while serving to further identify the 43rd Regiment. n about the writer Longtime hobbyist and British Model Soldier Society member Maxwell A. Hundleby writes from Chorley in Lancashire, England. Max has teamed up with Rainer Strasheim to coauthor two books, 1990’s “The German A7V Tank and the Captured British Mark IV Tanks of World War I” and 2010’s “Sturmpanzer A7V: First of the Panzers.” He was also involved in a project to build a full- size, working replica of an A7V tank. It made its debut at the 2009 Tankfest at The Tank Museum, Bovington, Dorset, England. In addition, Max chronicled that project in the book “A New A7V,” published in 2009. TOY SOLDIER & MODEL FIGURE 29
History & collecting toy soldiers BELOW: No. 440 -- Dowager Empress Cixi of China & Retinue 1900.Hocker’s BoxerRebellion RangeEditor Stuart A. Hessney examines how a Chinese uprising against ‘foreign devils’ has inspireda new range by Wm. Hocker Toy SoldiersText: Stuart A. Hessney Photos: William HockerAn unprecedented international Soldier Show. gloss reads like a collector’s dream list alliance, colorful combatants The American’s enterprise is formally of “what if ” sets that Britains has never and a dogged defense against gotten around to making.overwhelming odds make the Boxer known as The Toy Soldiers of Wm.Rebellion a fascinating subject for toy Hocker, Proprietor, and it’s celebrating its When Bill makes up his inventive mindsoldier collectors interested in pre-World 30th anniversary in 2013. Bill has become to tackle a particular subject, he dives inWar I armies and their uniforms. renowned for capturing the spirit of old with both feet. For proof, look no further Britains by punctuating his 54-mm figures than the fact that he has already laid plans The uprising took place in China from “toy” charms. His ambitious and varied for an impressive total of 18 sets based on1898 to 1901. It erupted at the same roster of products painted in traditional the Boxer Rebellion.time Imperial Britain was still fightingthe Boers in South Africa and was soon ABOVE: No. 443 – Imperial Chinese Artillery 1900.followed by the Russo-Japanese War, soperhaps the Boxer Rebellion has beensomewhat overlooked by makers ofpainted metal toy figures. Still several manufacturers haveissued figures suitable for re-creating theanti-foreigner and nationalist movementthrough the years. One of the first wasBritains, which began making toy troops120 years ago. Its products includedgawky, Boxer-like figures in set No. 241– Chinese Infantry issued from 1925 to1940. The latest is William Hocker,who unveiled both Boxer Rebellionand Pancho Villa Expedition rangesat the 2012 OTSN Inc. Chicago Toy30 TOY SOLDIER & MODEL FIGURE
History & collecting toy soldiers BELOW: No. 441– Chinese ImperialInfantry 1900.HARMONIOUS FISTS failed, sprouting famine. A plague of locusts added to the misery, which wasThe origin of the Chinese secret society “I compounded by the Yellow River flooding CHRISTIANS ATTACKEDHo Ch’uan” (Righteous Harmonious Fists), hundreds of villages. The Chinese peopleor Boxers as they were called by Westerners, couldn’t do much about natural disasters. The crisis really started to come to a headis shrouded in myth and legend, according But they thought they could take action in 1899 as Boxers began attacking Chineseto Lynn E. Bodin, author of “The Boxer against hated foreigners’ encroachments Christians. The Rev. S.M. Brooks, aRebellion,” a book first released by Osprey by joining secret societies, especially the British missionary, became the first whitePublishing in 1979 and reprinted several chauvinistic Boxers. They began emerging Christian to be killed Dec. 30, 1899.times. They must have existed at least as from their clandestine meeting rooms infar back as the 18th century because Boxer 1898. Officially, the Chinese government tookinfluence led to some Catholic Jesuits being measures to suppress the Boxer movement.thrown out of China in 1747. The Boxers’ Superstitions and magical rituals were Unofficially, the Boxers received supportgoal became extermination or expulsion of part of the Boxer movement. Its growth and sympathy from conservativesall “foreign devils.” was propelled by recruiting efforts and in the Imperial Court, most notably printed propaganda. Boxers advocated Dowager Empress Cixi, also known as Causes of grievances included the two use of traditional Chinese weapons and Tzu-hsi. The former concubine’s nephewOpium Wars pitting the British Empire martial arts while falsely preaching that and adopted son, Kuang-hsu, ascendedagainst China’s ruling Qing Dynasty “true believers” would be immune to to the throne in 1889. However, theduring the 1800s, foreign powers carving Western weaponry. Guangxu Emperor was kept in seclusionout spheres of influence in China and and not permitted to meet with foreignzealous Christian missionary evangelism. Bodin wrote, “To the Boxers, their diplomats. The Dowager Empress was theWestern Powers and Japan imposed enemies were `devils’; all foreigners were real power.economic, political and military sanctions `first-class devils,’ Chinese Christianon China that aroused resentment about converts were `second-class devils’ and She issued an Imperial edict Jan. 11,loss of sovereignty. those who worked for foreigners were 1900, declaring that secret societies were `third-class devils.’” part of Chinese life and their peaceful In addition, two straight harvests members should not be considered hostile to Christians and whites simply because they banded together to practice martialBELOW: No. 442– Chinese KansuBraves. TOY SOLDIER & MODEL FIGURE 31
History & collecting toy soldiersBELOW: No. 444– Chinese Boxers 1900.arts for self-defense. Three other decrees “Apparently the manipulative Dowager Empresswarned a provincial governor against using viewed the Boxers as a means of getting rid of themilitary force against the Boxers. Foreign irksome foreigners without resorting to Imperialdiplomats’ protests fell on deaf ears. intervention. She did all that she could short of overtly backing the movement.” Apparently the manipulative DowagerEmpress viewed the Boxers as a means senior member of the diplomatic corps, Foreigners and Christians wereof getting rid of the irksome foreigners immediately wired Royal Navy Vice Adm. compelled to take refuge in either thewithout resorting to Imperial intervention. Edward Seymour at Taku to advance by Legation Quarter or the Catholic PeiShe did all that she could short of overtly train with a relief force. T’ang (Northern) Cathedral by June 16.backing the movement. That same day Boxers set fire to a large Two days later Japanese diplomat part of the city, destroying about 4,000 The death toll rose as the rebellion Mr. Sugiyama was murdered while en businesses targeted for dealing withspiraled out of control by the spring of route to the railway station to greet the foreigners.1900. Emboldened Boxer forces converged anticipated relief force. Imperial troopson the capital city of Beijing (Peking) in were involved in the slaying, but the International naval forces attackedJune 1900. Chinese government tried to cover up its China’s Taku Forts June 17. This complicity. irrevocably tilted the Imperial government ULTIMATUM IGNOREDThe Racecourse was burned down June9 in the first Boxer attack on foreignproperty. Sir Claude MacDonald, theBritish minister in Beijing and the ABOVE: No. 447 – U.S. Marines 1900.32 TOY SOLDIER & MODEL FIGURE
History & collecting toy soldiersBELOW: No. 448 – BritishMarines in China 1900.toward backing the Boxers and going to Legation Quarter to spread the news. Great Britain, 82; Italy, 29; Japan, 25;war against the foreign powers. Early that same afternoon the Chinese Russia, 81; and the United States, 56. This was the sparkplug for the remarkable After receiving news of the military sent a note asking the foreign ministers Eight-Nation Alliance arrayed againstaction June 19, the “Tsungli Yamen” to reconsider the evacuation ultimatum, China.(Chinese Foreign Office) issued an edict which they ignored. At 4 p.m., thestating that all foreigners had to evacuate Chinese opened fire on the Legation For artillery support, there was anBeijing within 24 hours or their safety Quarter, triggering a 55-day siege. Austrian Maxim gun, a British four-couldn’t be guaranteed any longer. They barreled Nordenfeldt gun, an Italianwere assured that if they were ready to 1-pounder quick-firing gun and andepart the morning of June 20, they would American Colt machine gun. In addition,be given safe conduct to Tientsin. FOREIGNERS BESIEGED an old muzzle-loading cannon became known as the “International Gun” because The foreign diplomats unanimously The Pei T’ang Cathedral was defended the barrel was British, the carriage Italianagreed to stay put and tried to stall for by only 43 French and Italian sailors, but and the usual crew American.time by requesting an audience with the they miraculously managed to hold out.Tsungli Yamen June 20. No reply was Their charges included 33 foreign priests Collectively the 407 soldiers, sailors andreceived, so impatient German minister and nuns and an estimated 3,200 Chinese marines had to defend nearly 500 foreignBaron Klemens Freiheer von Ketteler and Catholics. civilians and an estimated 2,700 Chinesehis translator set out in two sedan chairs Christians. The troops were joined at theat 9 a.m. After traveling a short distance, Located south of the Forbidden barricades by 75 volunteers with previousvon Kettler was shot dead by an Imperial City, the Legation Quarter was home to military experience. Another 50 civilianssoldier. His translator retreated to the diplomatic compounds of the following armed with an assortment of hunting countries listed with their total number of military personnel on hand: Austria- Hungary, 35; France, 48; Germany, 51;BELOW: No. 449– French & Italian Navy 1900. TOY SOLDIER & MODEL FIGURE 33
History & collecting toy soldiersBELOW: No. 450 – JapaneseInfantry & Marines 1900.rifles and sporting guns called themselves “At a glance, this latest photo shoot set is a“Thornhill’s Roughs.” They also became brilliant snapshot of Bill’s entire Boxer Rebellionknown as the “Carving Knife Brigade” series due to its shorthand encapsulation of thebecause they lashed butcher knives to their extraordinary international coalition fieldedrifles as bayonets. against China.” Boxers and Chinese soldiers set fire TARTAR WALL KEY “The men all feel they are in a trapto areas north and west of the British and simply await the hour of execution,”Legation June 22 and 23. They failed to The tension rose as the Chinese besiegers U.S. Marine Corps Capt. John T. Myersburn out their foes. However, the nearby employed an anaconda-like strategy observed.Hanlin Academy, which housed “the oldest advancing their barricades brick by brickand richest library in the world,” caught fire while forcing the defenders to withdraw a The Chinese forced the Germansand its irreplaceable books were destroyed. few feet at a time. Snipers took a toll. The off the wall June 30. Faced with defenders were also subjected to nightly either abandoning his position or Because of infighting, the Chinese fusillades of bullets, artillery fire and counterattacking, Myers led 56 American,never attempted a direct assault on the firecrackers, but the damage they caused British and Russian soldiers in an assaultbesieged Legation Quarter, despite having was minimal. on the Chinese barricade on the wall at 2vastly overwhelming numerical superiority. a.m. July 3. Caught sleeping, 20 ChineseManchu Gen. Ronglu refused to press The Tartar Wall, which stood 45 feet were killed and the rest evicted fromhome an attack because he reckoned high and 40 feet wide, was regarded as the the wall. They did not try to move theirit would be futile to try to fight all the key defensive position. American barricades barricades forward on the Tartar Wall forforeign powers at the same time. He faced west atop the wall while German the rest of the siege.blocked pleas for artillery to use against defenders faced east as the Chinesethe embassies, sent food to the foreigners gradually advanced on their positions. July 13 was characterized as the “mostand his Manchu Bannermen attackedbesieging Boxers and Muslim KansuBraves led by Gen. Dong Fuxiang. ABOVE: No. 451 – Russian Infantry & Navy 1900.34 TOY SOLDIER & MODEL FIGURE
History & collecting toy soldiersABOVE: No. 452 – heaviest fusillade of the entire siege. TheLegation International Gun. next afternoon the first British troops arrived to lift the siege of the Legationharassing day” of the siege by MacDonald. RETRIBUTION LOOMS Quarter. Japanese soldiers were actuallyJapanese and Italians troops were pushed the first to relieve the Pei T’ang Cathedralback to their last defensive line. Meanwhile, The Chinese change of heart was Aug. 16, though officially the honor wasthe Chinese detonated a mine beneath the probably motivated by the knowledge given to the French.French Legation, compelling its French and that retribution was coming soon. AfterAustrian defenders to withdraw. the first relief attempt was turned back, Claiming it was a “tour of inspection,” the Eight-Nation Alliance landed 20,000 not an exodus, the Dowager Empress An estimated 40 percent of the troops. They steadily advanced on Beijing donned peasant dress and escaped with theLegation Quarter’s defenders were killed despite opposition from the Chinese Emperor and a small retinue hidden underor wounded by July 17, when the Chinese Imperial army. blankets in three oxcarts during the earlygovernment agreed to an armistice after hours of Aug. 15, while allied relief forcesbeing contacted by U.S. Minister Edwin In Beijing, the truce lapsed a few times were still pouring into Beijing. They sackedHurd Conger. but mostly held until Aug. 13, when the the city and surrounding countryside. Legation Quarter was subjected to the Suspected Boxers were summarily executed. Some of her advisers wanted to keep fighting, but Cixi was a practical woman. After she received assurances that she could continue to reign and China wouldn’t have to cede any territory, the Qing Dynasty signed the Boxer Protocol Sept. 7, 1901. The peace accord’s terms called for the executions of 10 high-ranking officials linked to the uprising along with others implicated in the deaths of foreigners. China was given 39 years to pay reparations totaling 450 million taels of fine silver. The sum, which exceeded the government’s annual tax revenue, was calculated based on one tael for each of China’s estimated 450 LEFT: No. 454 – Austrian Navy & German Seebataillon. BELOW: No. 453 – British Navy 1900. TOY SOLDIER & MODEL FIGURE 35
History & collecting toy soldiersBELOW: No. 455– HM 1st ChineseRegiment.million people at the time. Gun comes with a five-figure crew and series due to its shorthand encapsulation Hollywood dramatized the siege of multicolored sandbags. It sells for $170, as of the extraordinary international coalition does the similarly configured set No. 443 – fielded against China.the Legation Quarter in the 1963 film Imperial Chinese Artillery.“55 Days at Peking,” starring Charlton At least three more sets are in theHeston, Ava Gardner and David Niven. Just like old Britains at their peak, eight works for possible future release: No. 445 figures on foot come in Bill’s standard – Chinese Missionaries & Christians, No. sets. Examples priced at $170 apiece in 446 – Legation Civilians in China, and this series include sets No. 441 – Chinese No. 456 – Sikh Infantry Advancing.HISTORY IN MINIATURE Imperial Infantry, No. 442 – Chinese Kansu Braves, No. 448 – British Marines, As a whole, the subject matter,Bill Hocker’s expansive new “Types of the No. 449 – French & Italian Navy, No. creativity demonstrated and qualityBoxer Rebellion” series tells the dramatic 450 – Japanese Infantry & Marines, No. achieved add up to make these figures withstory of the besieged Legation Quarter 451 – Russian Infantry & Navy, No. 453 – rosy cheeks instant classics. They managewith colorful figures in action poses. British Navy, No. 454 – Austrian Navy & to be faithful to the Boxer Rebellion’sThey are modeled in authentically styled German Seebataillon, and No. 455 – HM history while remaining imbued withmilitary uniforms and Chinese dress. 1st Chinese Regiment. toy-style charm. By emulating and in some ways exceeding old Britains, they put an Twenty pieces make up the largest display The essence of this excellent range exclamation point on the superb work thatset: No. 440 – Dowager Empress Cixi of is captured by the $200 set No. 457 has been turned out by the Wm. HockerChina & Retinue. Priced at $400 U.S., – Types of the Allied Force in China Toy Soldiers team since 1983! nthis group portrays her majestically sitting 1900. This 10-piece set is composedin a sedan chair accompanied by silk-clad of a photographer using his camera to get in touchattendants.This dazzling Imperial set echoes shoot military men standing at attentionthe visual glory previously achieved in Wm. representing the entire Eight-Nation Wm. Hocker Toy SoldiersHocker Toy Soldiers’ 48-piece set No. 266 – Alliance. Bill has used photographers 1605 Arch St.Chinese Wedding Procession. as a storytelling device before. He has Berkeley, CA 94709 USA even produced a circa 1915 silent movie Email: [email protected] A red banner, a melange of weaponry crew filming a Western. But at a glance, Web: wmhocker.comand a head stuck on a pike enlivens the this latest photo shoot set is a brilliant16-piece set No. 444 – Chinese Boxers. snapshot of Bill’s entire Boxer RebellionIt costs $340, as does the 16-piece setNo. 447 – U.S. Marines, complete with amachine gunner. Set No. 452 – Legation InternationalABOVE: No. 457 – Types of the Allied Force in China 1900.36 TOY SOLDIER & MODEL FIGURE
(Photos Courtesy of Andy C. Neilson, King & Country Ltd.) 17938 TOY SOLDIER & MODEL FIGURE
GALLERY OF DIORAMAS created by Gordon C. Neilson for King & Country Ltd. Clockwise from top left, the subjects includethe World War I Australian Light Horse attacking a Turkish encampment and three World War II scenes: the aftermath of bridgesabotage in Axis Italy, refugees streaming past a petrol station in France and American GIs advancing on Nazi Germany.--Stuart A. Hessney TOY SOLDIER & MODEL FIGURE 39
NEW METAL n Editor Stuart A. HessneySHOWCASE reviews some of the latest items from around the globe to land in the marketplace.THE LATEST TOY SOLDIERS MARCH IN REVIEW120TH ANNIVERSARY BRITISH LIFE GUARDSBY W. BRITAINReviewed by: Stuart A. Hessney point prior to the mid-1800s.The earliest article about the first Life Guard for record of his business dates to 1845, when an upcoming edition of the W. Britain he made and distributed toys from his home Collectors Club Standard and is workingWilliam Britain Jr. revolutionized the in Lambton Road, Hornsey Rise, North on the forthcoming book \"The Historytoy soldier industry by creating a hollow- London, according to Peter Johnson, author and Handbook of Britains Toy Soldiers.\"cast British Life Guard in 1893. In 2013, of the enthralling 1981 book “Toy Armies.”W. Britain is commemorating its 120th The founder’s first-born was hisanniversary by issuing replicas of that very “In the course of his life and his chosen daughter Emily. The eldest son wasfirst figure. trade he was blessed with two assets – William Britain Jr., whose own son the name of Britain, a trump card in the Dennis would become the last family Richard Walker heads today’s chauvinistic Victorian commercial game, member to run the firm. Junior’s brothersincarnation of W. Britain, which is and a good-sized, talented and hard- in order were Alfred, Fred, Frank andowned by U.S.-based First Gear. The working family of boys and girls who Edward, and there was another sister,general manager has unveiled faithful inherited his enthusiasm for ingenious Annie. In the early days, they all workedreproductions of the “1893 Life Guards toys,” Johnson wrote. for the family business sewing, assembling,Trooper” (ref. 49033) and the “1893 Life painting – whatever needed to be done.Guards Officer” (ref. 49032), with the Britain is believed to have created thelatter’s only distinction being a gold sash first British toy that operated on a friction The enterprise enjoyed some success,painted across his cuirass. process still in use. His products included a but its prospects were dimming by the Chinese coolie pulling a rickshaw, a kilted early 1890s. Alfred, who became the These are limited editions of 500 and Scotsman drinking a bottle of whisky, business and production brains behind the300 sets, respectively. They are a tip of the walking bears and a man riding a penny- company, once recalled:hat to a groundbreaking heritage of toy farthing bicycle.making that dates back much farther than “The mechanical toys were expensive,the debut of the company’s first painted Though the 1893 Life Guard represents running up to 5 guineas. The sale, ofmetal toy soldier. a seminal moment in the history of the course, was limited, and there came a company and our hobby, it was not the time when we were in a difficult position. family’s first soldier model per se. It is not known which came first, but earlierFAMILY BUSINESS military-themed mechanical items included “The General,” a hobby horse-Mechanical tin toy maker William Britain like push-a-long toy; and “The Waltzers,”Sr., who lived from 1826 to 1906, moved a flywheel-powered toy that depicted onefrom the Midlands to London at some of its dancers as a soldier. This information was gleaned from research conducted by collector, auction house appraiser and author James Opie, who has penned an LEFT: An example of the \"Germanic Life Guard\" first produced by Britains in 1893. (Photo Courtesy of James Opie) RIGHT: Commemorative “1893 Life Guards Trooper” (ref. 49033).40 TOY SOLDIER & MODEL FIGURE
Something had to be done, and I had had tin sword placed in the right hand. The ABOVE: Paint-chipped old and shiny new versionsa sort of hankering after the lead soldier cuirass was bare metal. The addition of a of Life Guards.trade for some time.” gold sash represented an officer. BELOW: Issued in 1894, the second version of At this point in time, the U.K. toy The Britain brothers did the metal set No. 1 featured an officer on a rearing horse,soldier trade was virtually 100 percent casting and trimming. Their sisters painted enhanced painting and a more intricate boxbased on foreign imports. the figures -- complete with mustaches label. (Photo Courtesy of James Opie) and rosy cheeks -- then packed them five The Britain family’s breakthrough came to a set cushioned in brown paper in red Gamages soon devoted an entirein late 1892, when the inventive William boxes they had made. department to Britains toy soldiers. TheJr., then 32, cooked up hollow-cast soldiers Life Guards were promptly followed byfrom bubbling pots of metal in the family’s The family’s marketing attempts fell on sets No. 2 – Royal Horse Guards and No.backyard. After crafting a master model, deaf ears at conservative-minded British 3 – 5th Dragoons, which were all the samehe produced a plaster mold and then came stores at first. Their toy soldiers did not casting painted regimentally by Emily andthe final step of a brass mold made up make a breakthrough until Fred, who had Annie, and then gilt versions during thatof two halves that created an entry spout a flair for salesmanship, convinced the vast first year of commercial production.when clamped together. Gamages department store in Holborn, London, into stocking set No. 1. Because Britains’ first Life Guard was “crude Continental makers such as CBG hollow-casting resulted in savings on raw compared with later models, butMignot of France and Germany’s Georg materials and shipping costs, a set of these devastatingly light, lethally economic onHeyde were using similar techniques British-made Life Guards could be sold metal, and destined to become a world-to produce their popular, solid-cast toy for 5 shillings, half the price of comparable beater,” Johnson recounted. It turned outsoldiers. Junior’s genius was to pour German competitors. They became a hit to be the “advance guard of the largest toymolten metal into the mold, then quickly and sold out! army the world has even known,” as he sotip some out to leave the remainder to setlike an eggshell. This is why old Britainshave small holes in horses’ tails and the topof foot figures’ heads. Junior has been credited with inventinghollow-casting, though some Germansproduced hollow metal toys using a similarmethod, so it's debatable. The point is thathe perfected the technique by getting thetemperatures of the metal and mold justright before the quick pouring and a flickof a wrist. BREAKTHROUGHOnce Junior became satisfied with theresults of his experiments in 1893, thefamily chose to make a Life Guard ofQueen Victoria’s Household Cavalry astheir first toy soldier. W. Britain’s newcommemorative figures replicate this first52-mm cavalryman, which has becomeknown as the “Germanic Life Guard”among collectors due to its styling. Thefigure had fixed arms with a rather wide TOY SOLDIER & MODEL FIGURE 41
ABOVE: The 120th anniversary “1893 Life Guards NEW LIGHT SHED ON HOBBY LOREOfficer” (ref. 49032) is differentiated from the trooperby his gold sash. New light has been shed on the story behind a commemorative figure of Dennis Britain and the little Life Guard he holds.BELOW: The new Life Guards trooper (ref.49033) celebrates W. Britain's 120th year of toy As recounted by Dr. William C. McDade in TS&MF 129, he attended the 1993soldier production. Centenary Dinner hosted by Britains at The Guards Museum, Birdcage Walk, near Buckingham Palace in London. The 100 guests were asked to refrain from taking photos. However, the U.S. collector was so excited to meet Dennis Britain, the retired head of Britains Ltd., that Bill took a photo of him holding a figure created by his father, William Britain Jr. The physician became “pen pals” with Dennis, who was in his 90s at the time. Eventually the photo Bill snapped became the basis of a special W. Britain Collectors Club figure of Dennis issued in 1996, the same year he died. A number of Britains experts have realized that Dennis didn’t bring the earliest Life Guard mold and an example dating to 1893 as he believed and shared with the dinner audience, according to author James Opie. A figure from the first version of set No. 1, which became known as the “Germanic Life Guard,” would have been a 52-mm horseman with a fixed arm. In the 1894 second version of the set, Britains painted crossbelts on the figures and added an officer on a rearing horse. To replace the Germanic Life Guard, William Britain Jr. designed an improved version with molded aiguillettes introduced in 1897 for the Queen Victoria’s Diamond Jubilee souvenir set No. 72. Essentially, it became the blueprint for Britains 54-mm Life Guards until the end of hollow-cast production in 1966. Opie has observed that it was an example of the 1897 figure that Dennis was so fondly holding in the photo, and thus with the commemorative figure of himself. --Stuart A. Hessney LEFT: Photo of Dennis Britain snapped by Bill McDade at the 1993 Britains Centenary Dinner in London. BELOW: The W. Britain Collectors Club’s 1996 figure of Dennis Britain was based on a photo taken by Bill McDade.aptly put it. like its ancestor rather than being what shillings for entire set of five). But what In 1894, a new officer on a rearing later became Britains' standard 54-mm a wonderful tribute they make to the one scale. Walker noted glare from lighting figure that revolutionized the toy soldierhorse and improved painting that included when the new figures were photographed market and the family who marched it out.crossbelts injected the second version of might make them appear “hyper-glossy” These new versions of the very first Lifeset No. 1 with more detail and energy. here, but they are being painted in the Guard deserve a place in the collections ofThree years later the “Germanic” horseman original eggshell finish. all enthusiasts who enjoy documenting thewas retired in favor of a new model history of our hobby with figures.introduced in conjunction with Queen Made in China and priced at £40.99Victoria’s Diamond Jubilee. U.K./$50 U.S. apiece, these 2013 I salute everyone who has played a role commemorative figures cast from white in Britains’ heritage of toy soldier making Global demand for Britains toy soldiers metal are a far cry from the originals in and keeps making hobby history. They areskyrocketed. The rest, as they say, is terms of time (120 years), distance (made to be congratulated on the occasion of thishistory. The Britains brand name became in England), material (lead) and cost (5 120th anniversary milestone. nsynonymous with toy soldiers. WONDERFUL TRIBUTEThe rare original figure's mold was lostlong ago. As a result, U.S. Britains expertRon Ruddell of London Bridge Collector’sToys in Emmaus, Pa., has collaborated withWalker to re-create the very first Life Guard. The 21st-century version is undersized42 TOY SOLDIER & MODEL FIGURE
FRENCH 54TH LINE INFANTRY REGIMENT AT WATERLOOBY THE COLLECTORS SHOWCASEReviewed by: Stuart A. Hessney Targeting La Haye Sainte as his ABOVE: TCS tableau depicting the French 54th primary objective, Napoleon struck at 1 Regiment assaulting La Haye Sainte.La Haye Sainte is a privately owned p.m., when the French Grand Batteryfamily home today. In 1815, however, started laying down a barrage as a prelude BELOW: French 54th Regiment “Command Set”the walled farmhouse compound to an attack launched by the 15,000- (ref. CS00662). Scenery is not included.became a hotly contested island on theWaterloo battlefield. Now it has inspiredeight French infantry figures from TheCollectors Showcase (TCS). The Belgian farm’s location at the footof an escarpment along the Charleroi-Brussels road made it a key to the battleJune 18, 1815. The road runs betweenthe sites of French Emperor NapoleonI’s headquarters at La Belle Alliance,the center of the French front line and“The opposing commandersboth realized La HayeSainte was the linchpin ofWellington’s position.”a crossroads atop the escarpment. It wasbehind the latter ridge that Britain’s Dukeof Wellington placed most of his alliedforces to keep them out of sight of Frenchartillery. The opposing commanders bothrealized La Haye Sainte was the linchpinof Wellington’s position. During themorning of the battle, the Duke deployedelements of the King’s German Legion(KGL) and Nassau Regiment to hold it.Most of them were armed with Bakerrifles. They had to hastily fortify thefarmhouse because the main door to itscourtyard had been used for firewoodovernight. TOY SOLDIER & MODEL FIGURE 43
man 1st Corps of Marshal Jean-BaptisteDrouet, comte d’Erlon. The French spearhead was the 54th and55th Line Infantry Regiments advancingin columns. The 54th is the subject ofthese 1:30-scale figures modeled on basescovered with battle debris and terrain.FARM UNDER FIRE took La Haye Sainte. Despite receiving ABOVE: French 54th Regiment “Prone” some support from British 95th Rifles (ref. CS00668).The French assaulted the center left of firing from a nearby sandpit, the KGL Wellington’s line and surrounded La and company were ejected after suffering BELOW: LEFT French 54th Regiment “Reloading”Haye Sainte. It became vulnerable as numerous casualties and running out of set (ref. CS00663). the allied center began showing signs of ammunition. buckling. Wellington responded with a BELOW RIGHT: French 54th Regiment “Attacking”counterattack by the heavy cavalry of the Capturing La Haye Sainte enabled (ref. CS00669).British Union Brigade. Their charge was Napoleon to launch his vaunted Imperialcostly, but it relieved some of the pressure Guard against allied troops on the Brussels on the fortified farm. side of the ridge. However, this final attack failed and turned into a rout as the French VIGOROUS POSES Napoleon ordered Marshal Michel Ney became aware that Napoleon’s climacticto capture La Haye Sainte twice. First, defeat was a certainty due to the arrival of The 54th Regiment’s origins date to 1657.Ney led as many as 9,000 cavalrymen in Prussians from the east. While it was still known as the Royalvaliant charges that were unsupported Roussillon, its first battalion fought in theby infantry and artillery. The horsemen’s French and Indian War in battles rangingefforts proved to be all in vain as they from Fort William Henry to Quebec’sfoundered against 20 defensive squares Plains of Abraham.formed by allied infantry. After the French Revolution began, the Ordered to try again, Ney took personal regiment became known as the 54th. Itcommand of an infantry regiment and fought in many battles, including Valmya company of engineers, which received in 1792, Austerlitz in 1805, Friedland insome cavalry and artillery support. This 1807, Wagram in 1809 and Barossa intime the French forces’ fierce assault 1811. TCS's lively figures are modeled in shakos with pom poms, dark blue44 TOY SOLDIER & MODEL FIGURE
LEFT: French 54th Regiment “Advancing” set (ref. CS00664). BELOW LEFT: French 54th Regiment “Sapeur” (ref. CS00665). BELOW CENTER: French 54th Regiment “Blowing Cornet” (ref. CS00666). BELOW RGHT: French 54th Regiment “Firing” (ref. CS00667). “Nice detailing and vigorous poses enhanced by matt painting should make these figures appeal to any collector interested in re-creating the fighting over La Haye Sainte where Napoleon met his Waterloo.”coats with red facings, white undercoats up of an officer, standard-bearer and CS00665) in the customary bearskin andand white trousers. A few wear green drummer. apron of a pioneer. But instead of hisepaulettes, which I think makes them traditional ax, he is using a brace of pistolscenter company members. The presence Kneeling and standing soldiers come in to blast away at the enemy.of an Eagle standard should signify that the “Reloading” set (ref. CS00663). A pairthis group is part of the regiment’s 1st of varied poses animates the “Advancing” “Blowing Cornet” (ref. CS00666) is aBattalion. set (ref. CS00664). Either two-figure set Frenchman signaling an order. This 54th costs $67.50. group is rounded out by a “Prone” casualty Priced at $99 U.S., TCS’s stirring (ref. CS00668) and standing soldiers posed“Command Set” (ref. CS00662) is made Figures sold singly for $33.90 are “Firing” (ref. CS00667) or “Attacking” (ref. highlighted by a bearded “Sapeur” (ref. CS00669) by using his musket as a club. Nice detailing and vigorous poses enhanced by matt painting should make these French foot soldiers appeal to any collector interested in re-creating the fighting over La Haye Sainte during the day Napoleon met his Waterloo. n TOY SOLDIER & MODEL FIGURE 45
Crimean War Crimean War Crimean WarBritish “Officer British “Bugler” British items includeWith Pistol & (ref. CR013). “The Rescue”Sword” (ref. (ref. CR012).CR001).MILITARY MEN, VEHICLES & MORE being carried by a young officer wearing a shako. He is complemented by a Colt-BY KING & COUNTRY LTD. carrying officer known as the “Regimental Standard-Bearer” (ref. CR014). I find theReviewed by: Stuart A. Hessney This figure holds an American-made latter banner to be quite intriguing with its Colt revolver and a sword. facsimiles of battle honours because these Brits are supposed to be \"generic,\" not aColorful toy soldier items ranging from “The Bugler” (ref. CR013) blows his particular regiment. These advancing flagBritish standard-bearers of the Crimean horn with one hand and holds a short fellows are priced at £59.95/$59 apiece.War to Italian Askaris of World War sword in the other to help rally the troops.II compose a batch of 29 new releases Like the officer, the bugler retails for unveiled by King & Country Ltd. £44.95 U.K./$45 U.S. CUSTER’S COMMAND Made in China, these 1:30-scale items “The Rescue” (ref. CR012) is an evocativeare painted in matt colors with nuanced and eye-catching set depicting a loyal soldier TS&MF issue 177 brought news of a newshading, weathering and highlights. who has slung a wounded officer over Custer’s Last Stand range from K&C. his shoulders to carry him to safety.This Now the Hong Kong-based maker is skillfully sculpted set sells for £84.95/$84. already bouncing back with a second batch of seven figures depicting the U.S. 7thCRIMEAN WAR “Sublatern With the Queen’s Colour” Cavalry fighting to the death against the (ref. CR002) portrays the Union JackLast month I took at look at K&C’s inaugural U.S. 7th Cavalry trooperbatch of “generic”British line infantry of Crimean War British self-administering “Firstthe Crimean War in pillbox caps and scarlet “Sublatern With thetunics. Now five more items modeled in Queen’s Colour” Aid” (ref. TRW0027).sweat, dirt and torn uniforms have become (ref. CR002).available to form a command group. Leadership is supplied by the bearded“Officer With Pistol & Sword” (ref.CR001) striking a rather dramatic pose. Crimean War British “Regimental Standard- Bearer” (ref. CR014). U.S. 7th Cavalry trooper “Kneeling Ready” (ref. TRW026). 46 TOY SOLDIER & MODEL FIGURE
U.S. 7th Cavalry U.S. 7th trooper “Standing Cavalry trooper Loading Carbine” “Clearing a (ref. TRW028). Blockage” (ref. TRW033) from his carbine with a knife.The U.S.7th Cavalry’s“LieutenantCooke” (ref.TRW021).Sioux and their Indian allies in 1876. great feedback about U.S. 7th Cavalry trooper “Lying Lt. William W. Cooke’s straw hat, long this Custer’s Last Stand Firing Carbine” (ref. TRW032). series, and I’ve beenside whiskers and buckskins would have hearing a buzz from WWII German Afrika Korpsmade him easily recognizable, according fellow collectors too. So folks “FlaK Gun Crew” (ref. AK096).to K&C cofounder and Creative Director hang on to your hats and dig outAndy C. Neilson. So naturally the latest your wallets because 14 foot and WWII “Italianadditions to this “Real West” series include mounted Sioux and Cheyenne are Officer ofa “Lieutenant Cooke” (ref. TRW021). The coming soon! Askaris” (ref.figure is dramatically posed wounded at IF030).least twice, but still on his feet and about AFRIKA KORPSto fire a round from his revolver. Moving the hands of time forward, Troopers are posed “Kneeling Ready” K&C is also unleashing German Afrika(ref. TRW026) and kneeling while self- Korps reinforcements and Italian forcesadministering “First Aid” (ref. TRW0027) for fighting in the desert sands of Northby bandaging an arm. Others are “Standing Africa during WWII.Loading Carbine” (ref. TRW028) or “LyingFiring Carbine” (ref. TRW032). “Desert Fox” Erwin Rommel’s command is being bolstered by the arrival One cavalryman is desperately “Clearing of the German “Sd.Kfz.222 Armoureda Blockage” (ref. TRW033) from his Car” (ref. AK092) armed with a cannonoverheated carbine by using a knife. This and machine gun. This is the maker’spiece had to be somewhat intricate to bring third version of this reconnaissanceto market and it looks quite arresting. vehicle, which would have been manned by a crew of three. This detailed model “The Trapped Horseman” (ref. made of polystone and metal retails forTRW029) is a melodramatic depiction £152.95/$155.of a doomed trooper who has becomepinned under his downed mount. But Collectors can combine it with thehe is still defiantly firing his pistol at new “Sd.Kfz.251 Halftrack” (ref. AK093)oncoming waves of overwhelming to re-create a German column on thenumbers of warriors. This great piece move. It comes with a removable MG34costs £101.95/$102 while the rest of the machine gun as well as a driver. Pleasecavalrymen sell singly for £41.95/$42. plan on shelling out £194.95/$195 for this Andy tells me that he’s been getting U.S. 7th Cavalry items include “The Trapped Horseman” (ref. TRW029). TOY SOLDIER & MODEL FIGURE 47
WWII German Afrika Korps WWII Italian “Sd.Kfz.222 Armoured Car” (ref. AK092). Askari “Flag Bearer Sergeant” (ref. IF031).WWII German Afrika Crew” (ref. AK096) made up of a spotter Somalia and led by Italian officers. UntilKorps “2-cm FlaK 38 and loader goes for £84.95/$85. the end of WWII in Africa, they wereGun” (ref. AK095). grouped in the “Regio Corpo Truppe Coloniali” (Royal Corps of Colonialiconic halftrack, and expect at least two Troops).more variants later in 2013. ITALIAN FORCES The K&C contingent is led by a white Both of these vehicles achieve a Andy noted that K&C releases WWII “Italian Officer of Askaris” (ref. IF030)sense of realism due to their battle-worn Italian-themed figures and vehicles at least with a pith helmet on his head and hisappearance right down to chipped paint. once per year. They are aimed primarily hands on his hips. His command isStill, oh the horrors! Can you imagine at collectors in Italy, but have turned out composed of black troops in red fezzes,glossy toy soldier collectors ever regarding to have more far-flung appeal. This batch tropical uniforms and puttees.chipped paint as a desirable attribute of a brings colorful models of some of thebrand new item? No, of course not! African soldiers who fought for Italy's An impressive NCO with a beard Fascist dictator Benito Mussolini and the hailing from Eritrea and carrying the 8th For some firepower to fend off Allied Axis Powers. Battalion’s banner along with his rifle andaircraft, the miniature Afrika Korps is pistol has been cataloged as the “Flaggetting the “2-cm FlaK 38 Gun” (ref. These native troops were primarily Bearer Sergeant” (ref. IF031). The “Avanti!”AK095) with an aimer in the hot seat. raised in Ethiopia, Eritrea, Libya and figure (ref. IF039) is a corporal shouting atThe 20-mm antiaircraft gun set costs the men to move “Forward!”£74.95/$75 while an add-on “FlaK Gun Additional Askari poses include WWII German Afrika “Charging No. 1 (ref. IF032) and No. 2 Korps “Sd.Kfz.251 (ref. IF033), “Crouching” (ref. IF034), Halftrack” (ref. AK093). “Kneeling Firing” (ref. IF035), “Sitting Firing” (ref. IF036), “Lying Prone” (ref. WWII Italian Askaris “Scouting for the Enemy” (ref. IF038).48 TOY SOLDIER & MODEL FIGURE
A WWII Italian WWII Italian Askari WWII ItalianAskari corporal “Charging No. 2 Askari “Standingshouts, “Avanti!” (ref. IF033). Firing Rifle”(ref. IF039). (ref. IF040).WWII Italian Askari WWII Italian Askari WWII Italian“Crouching” (ref. “Charging No. 1 “CarabinieriIF034). (ref. IF032). Motorcycle Set” (ref. IF028).IF037), and “Standing Firing Rifle” apiece. Keeping in mind that these Askaris (ref. IF040). are an inaugural group, K&C is kicking things off with an exceptional variety of NORMANDY BUILDING All of them are fantastic figures. But exciting and animated poses.the very best of the bunch is “Scouting Last, but not least, the manufacturerfor the Enemy” (ref. IF038) depicting an In an Italian-related vein, K&C is also has taken the wraps off the “Café deNCO having climbed onto the shoulders issuing the “Carabinieri Motorcycle Set” Normandie” (ref. SP054).This is a larger andof one of his soldiers to get a better view (ref. IF028). Priced at £99.95/$99, this more detailed version of a previously releasedof the landscape. gem is a stylish portrayal of an Italian façade.This is designed to be useful in a military policeman astride a motorbike to variety of settings, whether as a stand-alone The \"Scouting\" duplex costs reinforce previously released Carabinieri or in combination with other structures.£82.95/$83, the standard-bearer figures. Expect to pay £178.95/$179 for the café. n£45.95/$45 and the rest £41.95/$42 RIGHT: The new “Café de Normandie” (ref. SP054) is larger and more detailed than a previous version. WWII Italian Askari LEFT: WWII Italian “Sitting Firing” Askari “Lying Prone” (ref. IF036). (ref. IF037). WWII Italian Askari “Kneeling Firing” (ref. IF035).
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