Yo Troopers, just had a look at their site, not much to see which was disappointing, I wanted to compare their 90mm of today against the great Chas stadden 90mm of yesteryear. Its a very interesting site was particularly interested in how they do their photo's, which was very informative. Anyway did email Tor to ask if he thought if his models had surpassed the Chas Stadden models with more modern technology available today. If he does answer will let you know his thoughts on the subject.
Bernard.
Yo Troopers, had a nice & honest reply to my question from Nikki & Tor Johnson as follows, also posted the photo's they sent of their 90mm. The only point I would argue on is the faces. I dont think anyone has matched the facial skills of Chas Stadden thats MHO.
Bernard.
Our few remaining 90mm figures are not pictured on our web site. I’ve attached sample photos, but not the exact pieces in stock today. You may recall from our discussion that it is rare to have exact duplication of each 90mm figure. If you have interest in purchasing, we can set a time for you to come to our annex facility where the miniature soldier figures are housed. Just let me know in email what weekday or mid-day Saturday you would like to come to the annex.
You asked an interesting question: Who do I think has produced better 90mm figures, Stadden or The St. Petersburg Collection. (Note that The St. Petersburg Collection is not an organization or company in Russia. It is a development by my company AeroArt International).
I certainly share your enthusiasm for the wonderful figures crafter by Charles Stadden, especially his larger scale items, which were probably his best. Stadden’s fame rests, I believe, on his knowledge and presentation of regimental uniforms and the fact that his pieces are now semi-antiques and are closely identified with a time period when Stadden was making perhaps the best soldiers then available.
However, a major change occurred with the collapse of the Soviet Union and the arrival of miniatures made in Russia. These figures would affect the entire soldier-making industry. The quality of Russian imports, the sculpting and painting, induced a Renaissance in the toy soldier business. Every soldier-maker had to improve quality to meet these super newcomers.
Figures in The St. Petersburg Collection were the equal of, at minimum, the best kit figures – although painted. Figures were now available to collectors who had previously been the purview of the few collectors who could afford tailor-made, connoisseur figures.
Back to your question of our 90mm figures vs Stadden, ours are clearly better from an artistic standpoint. Painting standards and techniques were not as highly advanced when Stadden’s were at their peak. Additionally, our figures have unique and real faces vs adequate but mannequin-like features. Further, each of the small number of 90mm figures we produced were originally produced as one-of-a-kind figures for competition at international locations such as: Paris, Valley Forge, Chicago, Washington or the international Expo. When we elected to make some of these special 90mms available to collectors, it was never an simple process. Being competition figures, they were not always easy to produce in multiples. Many molds were necessary for the extensive details, and assembly was often quite complex. Only the very best painters were awarded these assignments. Finally, very few pieces have been produced; many of our 90s were produced in single digit quantities.
In summary, yes, I believe our 90mm figures are better; however, if my interests in collecting were focused more on military units of 19th and 20th centuries, I would be looking for Stadden’s.
Hope this is helpful to your understanding.
Regards,
Nikki
Thor & Nikki Johnson
AeroArt International
"The St. Petersburg Collection"
www.aeroartinc.com
Ph: 703-406-4376
FAX: 703-406-4377
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
