The Ed Ruby Collection, May 2012 (1 Viewer)

[Mitch]

that is simply a stunning collection and, particularly like the model of the cruiser. Thanks for posting
Mitch

 

[ucla1967]

Marytn and Mitch thank you for your comments. It is one heck of a collection and you couldn't meet a nicer man.

 

[ucla1967]

The first two photos are from his home office while the next three are Mignots in the guest bedroom.

 

[Al Fisher]

I thought Ed sold his nost of collection several years ago. If this is so, can you imagine what it was like before he sold it? Another nice set of photos, Mike.

Bosun Al

 

[ucla1967]

I thought Ed sold his nost of collection several years ago. If this is so, can you imagine what it was like before he sold it? Another nice set of photos, Mike.

Bosun Al

Hi Al,

You are right, he did sell his old Britains collection years ago. I was told what he got for it and I can assure you that it was more than the net worth of most collectors I know. If you want to see it , at least in part, you can look through "The Great Book of Britains" which is full of photographs of his former collection. The book's publisher sent out a photographic team to Ed's house and spent a week photographing his sets for use in the book. I asked Ed why he had sold such a magnificent collection that took him decades to assemble. He replied that the hunt for missing sets was the fun in it and once he had completed it, he wanted to move on. You may have noticed that he now has a fairly large number of new Britains in his current collection.

I wish I had been able to see it before he sold it. To be able to see a collection like that would be a once in a lifetime occurence. Thanks for the compliment re the photos.

 

[johnnybach]

There's a really nice picture of Ed, as a younger man, sat in front of some of his cabinets which are full of his old Britains collection - in James Opie's book - "Collecting Toy Soldiers" published in the 1980's. It show Ed rather wistfully looking at one of the last of Britains older hollowcast figures ( A Knight of Agincourt). This at least gives you a tiny glimpse of what his collection looked like and how it was arranged at that time. If you have a copy - well worth a look.

I must admit - that picture - and that book - had a profound influence on what I like - and now collect - even though I like to mostly paint my own ( most in THAT style) now. JB

 

[ucla1967]

There's a really nice picture of Ed, as a younger man, sat in front of some of his cabinets which are full of his old Britains collection - in James Opie's book - "Collecting Toy Soldiers" published in the 1980's. It show Ed rather wistfully looking at one of the last of Britains older hollowcast figures ( A Knight of Agincourt). This at least gives you a tiny glimpse of what his collection looked like and how it was arranged at that time. If you have a copy - well worth a look.

I must admit - that picture - and that book - had a profound influence on what I like - and now collect - even though I like to mostly paint my own ( most in THAT style) now. JB

I don't have that book. If possible, could you post the picture here for us to see? Thanks.

 

[ucla1967]

Continuing. There is something charming about the multi-tiered Mignot displays.

 

[johnnybach]

I don't have that book. If possible, could you post the picture here for us to see? Thanks.

Sorry Mike - I'm currently away from my library for a few months - so can't scan and show the page. This is the book though - so anyone looking in who has a copy might just do it for us? jb Come to think of it - I think Arnhem Jim has a copy - maybe ask him - I KNOW he's a nice guy - and sure to oblige

 

[ucla1967]

Thanks JB.

 

[ucla1967]

Still more.

 

[ucla1967]

Here are some of the collectors who attended Ed's collection showing on Saturday.

In the first photo, on the left is Greg, who is a friend of Eds, but doesn't collect toy soldiers. Next is Bill Connolly, who like Ed, is a World War II veteran. He was a ball turret gunner in a B17 and flew out of England. Bill owned and operated the Toy Soldier Exchange shop in Pasadena for many years. He was instrumental in getting David Cowie of Imperial Productions to start selling in the US. Behind Bill (with his back to the camera) is Harmon Ward, who is a war gammer, with his wife and grandson.

In the second photo is Bob Walker and Gary Fournier. Bob, of course, I have mentioned many times and have posted photos of his 20,000 figure collection. Gary, who is a veteran of the Viet Nam War, makes many of the buildings for Toy Soldiers of San Diego.

In the third photo is Fred Stecher, a relatively new collector, who collects Britains and Hiriart among others. The first time I met him a year ago he bought 13 Hiriart sets on the spot; the second time, a few months later, he bought 18 sets. Now there is a man who doesn't mess around.

In the final photo is Ed's wife, Fay, with the spread she prepared for us.

 

[Leadmen]

Thanks Mike for giving us a view of Ed Ruby's collection and thanks to Ed for showing us the collection which is very well known. I enjoyed the pictures. John

 

[ucla1967]

Thanks Mike for giving us a view of Ed Ruby's collection and thanks to Ed for showing us the collection which is very well known. I enjoyed the pictures. John

You are welcome John. I am glad you enjoyed them.

 

[The Lt.]

Thanks Mike for bringing me to the homes of both Ed and Bob's via your photos and words. The time an effort you spent to share both evets is ever so much appreciated. Once again thank you Mike for a wonderful vist to the world of toy soldiers..............Joe

 

[4th Hussar]

My wife and I were at the Westcoaster a few years ago and Met Ed. He invited us to come out and visit his collection on the Saturday before the show. He picked five of us up and transported us out to Tustin. It was a fantastic afternoon, Ed and his lovely wife were excellent hosts. This was an afternoon I will remember for years to come.

 

[ucla1967]

Thanks Mike for bringing me to the homes of both Ed and Bob's via your photos and words. The time an effort you spent to share both evets is ever so much appreciated. Once again thank you Mike for a wonderful vist to the world of toy soldiers..............Joe

Joe,

I am glad you enjoyed these vicarious visits to Ed and Bob's homes and their fabulous collections. It was my pleasure to share this with you and other Forum members.

 

[ucla1967]

My wife and I were at the Westcoaster a few years ago and Met Ed. He invited us to come out and visit his collection on the Saturday before the show. He picked five of us up and transported us out to Tustin. It was a fantastic afternoon, Ed and his lovely wife were excellent hosts. This was an afternoon I will remember for years to come.

They are gracious hosts to be sure. I hope that my photos help bring back memories of that day.

 

[The Military Workshop]

Wow !!

That is a very impressive collection. Great variety and colour. You think you have stopped posting photos and then there are even more.

Thanks for posting.

Brett

 

[marco55]

What a beautiful collection.When did Mr. Ruby start collecting?
Mark