Britains catalogue numbers ? (1 Viewer)

[Tory]

I have just joined this list as I am now retired and have time to return to my Britian's and other vintage toy soldiers (over 700). First I am trying to catalog them and attempting to reconstruct how they were orginally purchased and in what sets. I have a late 1950s Britian's product list with numbers. As a kid I did not save the boxes, but did save some of the end flap with catalog numbers. There appears to be two series. The first series starts with #1 and goes thru the 2000s. The other starts with the #9. Does anyone have a full listing of these product numbers they are willing to share?

 

[thebritfarmer]

Re: 1950's - early 1960's Britains GIs

First welcome to Treefrog,

The Britains list is vast, to provide such a list may well be impossible.

I think the early series comprised of 8 standing figures or 5 mounted figures.

When they moved to the 9000 series I think it was dropped to 4 mounted figures and 6 walking figures.

 

[thebritfarmer]

FYI :- I have split this thread to it's own topic.

 

[johnnybach]

Hi Tory - Welcome to the Forum.

I would just like to suggest a couple of very reasonably priced used books for you to consider buying - which might also help you out with your project.

The first is James Opie's "Phillips Collectors Guide to Toy Soldiers" - which has an excellent Chapter on Britains Hollowcast numbering system - which will help you understand them better, I'm sure. Available on Amazon right now (used) from just one penny - plus postage.

The second is " Andrew Rose's "The Collectors All Colour Guide to Toy Soldiers", which as the name suggests, shows full sized examples of hundreds of Britains ( and others) with Numbers. Again, used copies available from Amazon from 65 pence.

Mike's suggestion of using the realtoysoldiers web-site is a solid one - and these two books might also help you out.

Last suggestion - as I'm no Britains expert - is - learn how to post pictures on this Forum, from the How To section. Then, if you get stuck, post a pic of your problem - and then some REAL experts on here may help with identification.

Good luck - and happy hunting.......johnnybach

 

[Arnhemjim]

Hello Tory - Welcome,
In regard to possible additional helpful references, you may want to glance at the following article on my blog page; http://arnhemjim.blogspot.com/p/britains-minatures.html. There is a fairly reasonable bibliography of toy soldier collecting books. Both Joe Wallis and James Opie are extremely knowledgeable, and have authored outstanding books.
Regards,
Arnhem Jim
Arizona Territory

 

[johnnybach]

And a very good listing it is Jim. I was aiming toward the lower priced end of the spectrum than some of those however.

But if money is no object .................... then this one would probably be MY best choice......... Only one snag $$$ Ouch!

 

[Tory]

Thanks all very much for all the information and suggestions. It will take me a little time to check it all out, but I am very appreciative. When I get a minute (only those of you who are retired will know busy you can become), I will scan a copy of the list that I have from the 1960s if there is interest. warm regards, tory