Britains U.S. Civil War lead soldiers: how old? (1 Viewer)

[emass]

I received 3 Britains LTD. U.S. Civil War soldiers and a cannon as a Christmas gift from someone who did not know anything about them. They are made of hollow cast lead and they have one moving arm. I am totally new to collecting, and I would love to know the age of these soldiers since I am considering starting a collection. My research turned up empty with estimates from 1930s to 1960s. Does anyone know how old these items are? Any information at all or resources or value would be much appreciated! Thanks!
Emass

 

[Napoleon1er]

The cannon was not just Civil War. It was used again and again by Britains. I frankly have no idea about the date, though. Sorry

 

[Napoleon1er]

But welcome to the forum, and to the world of collecting. If you want to get into newer Britains, you should join the club:
http://www.wbritaincollectorsclub.com/
This could be helpful for old ones too though. I recommend you survey the different manufacturers and lines. If Civil War is your think, check out:
WBriatins
King & Country
Frontline
Collectors' Showcase
And many more...
Welcome,
Sandor

 

[emass]

Thanks Sandor, thats a start for me. Much to learn,
Emass

 

[lancer]

Hi Emass and welcome to the forum. There are many Britains experts on here that can help you when they read this thread. I am not an expert but I can tell you that you have elements of two sets, Union Cavalry and Union Infantry. The cavalrymen you have are an officer and trooper. Depending on when they were made there would have been an officer, buglar, and two or three troopers in the set. You also have the officer from the infantry set that would have included several other figures such as a kneeling rifleman, a flagman, buglar, and different position standing riflemen. Not sure of the actual numbers in the infantry sets. Be patient and someone will be able to ID them further. -- Al

 

[thebritfarmer]

It may be hard to give an exact date as to manufacture as they enjoyed such a long life. 1966 saw the end of lead toy soldier production in the UK. I would say these could be post war as the reigns on the horses are not painted a different colour. Some pre-war figures and really early figures had orange reigns.

 

[Boyer PFC]

emass - welcome to the forum. These Britains were first made in 1951 with production ending in 1966. No american civil war figures were made by Britains pre-war (WWII). Confederate and Union Cavalry, Artillery and Infantry figures were all introduced in 1951. The reference bible on Britains is James Opie's "The Great Book of Britains" these are shown on page 405. More specifically, you have (1) a Union officer with sword, long frock coat, and Kepis hat; riding a white horse used from an Indian Army Cavary figure, (2) a trooper with slouch hate carrying a long carbine (3) a Union Infantry Officer, (4) an artillery piece not being the civil war issue cannon. I own a few and if I recall correctly it is the medium royal artillery gun made from 1962-1966. Hope that answers your question, enjoy the start of your collection. BOYER

 

[jazzeum]

But welcome to the forum, and to the world of collecting. If you want to get into newer Britains, you should join the club:
http://www.wbritaincollectorsclub.com/
This could be helpful for old ones too though. I recommend you survey the different manufacturers and lines. If Civil War is your think, check out:
WBriatins
King & Country
Frontline
Collectors' Showcase
And many more...
Welcome,
Sandor

Sandor forgot to mention First Legion for Civil War. Although they are a liitle more expensive, they are the best made Civil War soldiers out there.

Regards,

 

[DocB]

embass... Union cavalry used standing infantry officer firing pistol and holding drawn sword..set 2140 made 1957-59, or set 2059, also in catalog 1951-66. Worth about 8.00-10.00 each if you can find a buyer.
Doc B

 

[The Lt.]

Sandor forgot to mention First Legion for Civil War. Although they are a liitle more expensive, they are the best made Civil War soldiers out there.

Regards,

Let us no forget Conte http://www.contecostore.com/Civil_War.html