1950's - early 1960's Britains GIs (1 Viewer)

[ketelone]

I purchased three seated/squatting/kneeling GIs or sailors. Two could be sailors because they have gray helmets. One is kneeling and eating with one hand and holding a cup in the other. One is kneeling with a blanket on his lap and the third one is seated and washing something in a bucket. The question I have is whether I would be foolish to paint them with more accurate colors. They do not have a matte finish. I would appreciate your advice.

 

[bromhead]

whatever you want,,if they have very poor paint,,having restored hundreds I would do the old figures in gloss,,im not familiar with the poses you have

 

[DMNamiot]

I agree with the advice of repainting them if they are really played with. Please try and post a photo of them so we can try and sort out what they are. They arent figures I know by your description.

Dave

 

[ketelone]

I don't know how to post a photo. I tried googling my figures and I came up empty. When I purchased them I was told they are highly sought by British collectors. I know there are books dedicated to old Wm. Britains figures. I wish I had one of those books now.

 

[thebritfarmer]

Are they marked Britains? They sound like the could be TIMPO to me.

 

[ketelone]

The guy from whom I purchased them said they were Britains. This guy is quite knowledgeable. He's always at the Toy Soldier Show in Chicago.

 

[ketelone]

They are not marked...

 

[thebritfarmer]

They should be marked if they are Britains. Do any of them have a moveable arm?

 

[johnnybach]

Hi Ketelone - They certainly sound like Timpo rather than Britains - and if you follow Mike's advice - then you will see them for sure.

As this is a VERY visual hobby (tactile too) then it will help enormously for identification - and your fun too - if you learn how to post a picture. To do this, go to the "How To" section and have a look through the posts - then click on How to Post a Picture - and just follow the instructions there. If you're like me - you will make mistakes{eek3} - BUT - Don't give up - but persevere. I am hopeless with a camera - but persevered and can now post a picture via Photobucket - and its FREE. My pictures are still rubbish - but the more you do it - the better you will get at it - and when you can - it's pretty cool.^&cool, and we will all be able to see what you are writing about. So do have a go. johnnybach^&grin

 

[ketelone]

JohnnyBach, I'll try. Mike, thanks. They are Timpo. Not Britains. Tennants site shows the three kneeling, squatting, sitting figures I purchased.

 

[ketelone]

Mike, I acquire pieces for my enjoyment and not for profit. If I do proceed with painting them it will not be my attempt to increase the value of the figures but rather to enhance my GIs.

 

[johnnybach]

Hi again Ketelone - Mike referred to a book by Steven Rose (see below) which you might be interested in - and indeed shows your Timpo soldiers on one of its pages. It shows literally thousands of pictures in actual size of many makes of TS - and not just Britains. It's one of the first books I bought - and has become almost my Bible for identification use. And get this - there are used examples on Amazon Books right now for 65 pence - which I think is about a Buck (US). Invest now - and you will get a real education in identifying pieces - and simply hours, if not a life-time, of enjoyment.

I also share your attitude to painting and enjoying your pieces. I'll let someone else worry about the value of my soldiers - I don't want scruffy bits of metal ( or plastic), on show in my cabinet! Good Luck with your painting- this book will show you the right colours to use. johnnybach

 

[ketelone]

I'm really torn now as to whether to paint them. Everybody has made great points. Thanks to all for the help and the advice.