Delhi Durbar/Indian Army various makes (3 Viewers)

[kilted vampire]

Hi Vamp,

The elephant on the far right is W. Britains Set #08956 - Duke and Duchess of Connaught on State Elephant. It is nice, isn't it?

Now, about the Gaekwar. "Gaekwar" is the hereditary title of the ruling princes of Baroda. Baroda is a city in the southeastern part of the Indian state of Gujarat. Now you know!

I am soooo envious of your acquisition of the Amphitheater and the Hocker Elephant set! You have done very well in expanding your Durbar collection! In spite of my envy, let me communicate my compliments for your good fortune!

Warmest personal regards,

Pat

Pat you are a gentleman and a scholar. I am looking for that elephant. Got beat out on ebay I blame Dave for the amphitheater. Both of you guys are gaekwars in my book

 

[Sreeks]

Does anyone have any tips for stableizing top-heavy pieces when displaying? One of my oxen from the Britain's Silver Gun of Baroda often falls over for no apparent reason.

Thank you,

Jae

 

[kilted vampire]

Museum wax on the feet should go a long way towards keeping the hoof side down
Oooorr You could box it up and sell it to meeeeee.PUHleeeeaseeeee (said with long pleading Golum voice)

 

[Sreeks]

Museum wax on the feet should go a long way towards keeping the hoof side down
Oooorr You could box it up and sell it to meeeeee.PUHleeeeaseeeee (said with long pleading Golum voice)

Thank you, Vamp. I thought about modeling clay but didn't want to damage the piece (I'm no chemist). And I'm sorry. You did ask nicely but I think I'll keep it.

Thanks again,

Jae

 

[kilted vampire]

Thank you, Vamp. I thought about modeling clay but didn't want to damage the piece (I'm no chemist). And I'm sorry. You did ask nicely but I think I'll keep it.

Thanks again,

Jae

AWwww Nuts! Museum wax aka Tacky wax

 

[DMNamiot]

Hi KV

Do you happen to have a source for the tacky wax? I've been looking locally to no avail. Any ideas?

Dave

 

[Steven Chong]

Hi KV

Do you happen to have a source for the tacky wax? I've been looking locally to no avail. Any ideas?

Dave

Michigan Toy Soldier has it on their website under the category "Collecting Toy Soldier Supplies" under "Paint and Supplies"

 

[DMNamiot]

Hi Steven,

Thanks I will pop over there this weekend and order some.

All the best

Dave

 

[Wraith]

Also right here under Diorama accessories.

 

[maddadicus]

Dave, I think Dept.56 has it also, if you have a gift store or christmas store local........Michael

 

[ROAN]

Hi Guys,

I found a little more information on Shamus Wade and it seems there maybe more out there so I will keep working on it. This should help clear up some of the questions, the Welsh firm of Blenheim also produced for Shamus Wade of Nostalgia Figures of West London a range of figures from some of the more exotic armies of the world. I am still sifting through information so I will let you all know what I dig up.

Dave

You're right about Shamus Wade. He founded Nostalgia and had an agreement with the Blenheim people(Frank and Jan Scroby) that did the actual figure production; painting etc.(Blenheim became Marlborough at one point).

People like Shamus Wade, Ged Haley, Ed Ruby, James Opie were pioneers in lead Britains collecting. They went to the first(ever) toy soldier auctions which were held by Phillips in 1970. They and a few others would buy literally thousands of figures and divide them up between them.

Shamus Wade once told a well known story about those days-he or one of the other above bought the gigantic and very rare Britains set 130 in its original box. Because the box was too large for the taxi-he just tossed it into the trash and put the soldiers in a valise he carried! But remember folks, this was in the very early seventies.

Shamus Wade for awhile had a stall on Portobello Road. Then he became a mail order dealer and also founded the Nostalgia line(I’ve got a Nostalgia catalog that was at one time placed inside an OTSN issue). In the mid-eighties he stopped dealing toy soldiers. I’m not sure if Mr. Wade is still alive-but if so he’s probably quite elderly by now.

Interestingly, with the last toy soldier list Wade sent out he included a letter where he complained about the rampant repainting and embellishing that was going on in the hobby(see my post about this over in the Britains discussions)-mostly undetected because it was done so well(I guess black lights weren’t so prevalent then). In the letter he offered to send a list of the names of dealers who he felt were completely honest and did not sell the “tainted” figures.

 

[kilted vampire]

Hi KV

Do you happen to have a source for the tacky wax? I've been looking locally to no avail. Any ideas?

Dave

Sierra Toy Soldier has plenty. Art supply shops should have it in your area as well

 

[Louis Badolato]

Pat,

That is an amazing Dehli Durbar collection! Really fantastic stuff. I couldn't agree with your comments about Hocker's figures more. They are among the best glossy true toy soldiers around right now, right up there with Beau Geste and Little Legion (now that, sadly, both Trophy and Imperial have gone the way of the dodo). As much as I try to focus on K&C, I couldn't resist buying a Hocker set of the Highland Games, and one of these days I am going to give in and get myself Hocker's set of a Tiger Hunt from elephant back.

If you really want to see some beyond amazing Dehli Durbar stuff, you have to take a trip to Jim Hillestad's Toy Soldier Museum in the Pocanos. Its an entire house full of Toy Soldiers and other amazing military and British royal family collectibles, literally twice as big as my museum, with at least 20-30 incredible dioramas on just about every subject, with just about every toy soldier company represented.

You also have to see the collection of the newest sponsor of the New York Symposium, Mark Hoffman. If you want to see gun teams, pulled by everything from Elephants, Camels, Oxen, Bullocks, Horses, heck I think even Royal Navy Sailors, his is the collection to see. He has three (3) amazing Boer War Armored Trains by 3 different makers, one of which is the second of 2 produced. You have to see his stuff to believe it!

 

[kilted vampire]

Roan Welcome to our asylum. Thank you for the info about the early collectors .

 

[DMNamiot]

"

You're right about Shamus Wade. He founded Nostalgia and had an agreement with the Blenheim people(Frank and Jan Scroby) that did the actual figure production; painting etc.(Blenheim became Marlborough at one point)... Shamus Wade for awhile had a stall on Portobello Road. Then he became a mail order dealer and also founded the Nostalgia line(I’ve got a Nostalgia catalog that was at one time placed inside an OTSN issue). In the mid-eighties he stopped dealing toy soldiers."

Hi Roan,

I was wondering if you would be willing to make a copy of the catalog you have or rather any portions dealing with the Indian Army or British Army in India. I have been trying to build a data base on the various companies who have produced Indian Army Figures that are compatible or will display well in a Durbar display. I have 3 Shamus Wade figures and some unknowns that fit in well with my Durbar display but can always use more information. You can PM me and I will send you my email or snail mail if you are willing to make copies. Thanks

All the best

Dave

 

[ROAN]

"

You're right about Shamus Wade. He founded Nostalgia and had an agreement with the Blenheim people(Frank and Jan Scroby) that did the actual figure production; painting etc.(Blenheim became Marlborough at one point)... Shamus Wade for awhile had a stall on Portobello Road. Then he became a mail order dealer and also founded the Nostalgia line(I’ve got a Nostalgia catalog that was at one time placed inside an OTSN issue). In the mid-eighties he stopped dealing toy soldiers."

Hi Roan,

I was wondering if you would be willing to make a copy of the catalog you have or rather any portions dealing with the Indian Army or British Army in India. I have been trying to build a data base on the various companies who have produced Indian Army Figures that are compatible or will display well in a Durbar display. I have 3 Shamus Wade figures and some unknowns that fit in well with my Durbar display but can always use more information. You can PM me and I will send you my email or snail mail if you are willing to make copies. Thanks

All the best

Dave

Just did a quick look see and couldn’t locate it but will keep digging and let you know. From what I remember it’s more like a flyer so it will be easy to copy. I will let you know about the details via a PM

I had a feeling that someone would want a copy of the catalog. I posted a very early(first?) K&C flyer that listed all their sets(glossy, traditional style in those days) circa mid-80s on the ToySoldierchat forum and sent Jazzeum on this forum the original.

But what I’d really like to locate is the list of all the participants of the 1911 Delhi Durbar-the British, Indian Army regiments were listed in order of precedence, and the various Indian royalty that showed up. I faxed this list to a man that belonged to a toy soldier club in S. Carolina that was building a huge Delhi Durbar diorama and wanted everything as accurate as possible. But after I faxed it, I “put it away” somewhere and haven’t been able to locate it since. But when I do, will post it on here. Makes fascinating reading.

 

[wadepat]

Pat,

That is an amazing Dehli Durbar collection! Really fantastic stuff. I couldn't agree with your comments about Hocker's figures more. They are among the best glossy true toy soldiers around right now, right up there with Beau Geste and Little Legion (now that, sadly, both Trophy and Imperial have gone the way of the dodo). As much as I try to focus on K&C, I couldn't resist buying a Hocker set of the Highland Games, and one of these days I am going to give in and get myself Hocker's set of a Tiger Hunt from elephant back.

If you really want to see some beyond amazing Dehli Durbar stuff, you have to take a trip to Jim Hillestad's Toy Soldier Museum in the Pocanos. Its an entire house full of Toy Soldiers and other amazing military and British royal family collectibles, literally twice as big as my museum, with at least 20-30 incredible dioramas on just about every subject, with just about every toy soldier company represented.

You also have to see the collection of the newest sponsor of the New York Symposium, Mark Hoffman. If you want to see gun teams, pulled by everything from Elephants, Camels, Oxen, Bullocks, Horses, heck I think even Royal Navy Sailors, his is the collection to see. He has three (3) amazing Boer War Armored Trains by 3 different makers, one of which is the second of 2 produced. You have to see his stuff to believe it!

Hi Louis,

Thanks for your comments regarding my Durbar collection. I am very proud of it and it is still growing.

I would love to see Jim Hillestad's and Mark Hoffman's collections. Maybe some day, I can make it to your part of the world and see the wonderful things you and others have collected. Until then, well, just post more pictures!

Again, thanks for your comments. They mean a great deal coming from you.

Warmest personal regards,

Pat

 

[Sreeks]

Hey, Dave,
I have just finished reading some of the other pages of this thread and I've enjoyed viewing the pics posted by various collectors. This collection - from any of the brands - is just so beautiful.

I was also looking at your impressive list of Indian Army units and it made me wonder. Do you have a list of required reading on this subject? Are there some books on the history of the Durbar or British occupation of India that can still be found that you think are good?

I think I speak for everyone when saying, THANK YOU for all your research and information. It makes the hobby that much more enjoyable.

My best,

Jae

 

[DMNamiot]

Hi Jae,

First I am glad to see your interest in this really amazing event. For books there are some that are still in print that would be atainable and there are some that are priced very high and are very very rare. I will do a detailed list that will give you an idea of what is available. So give me a few hours to put my notes together and I will post a list here.

For general reading on the Brish Army in India I have two that are still available fairly readily:

Armies of the Raj. From the Great Indian Mutiney to Independence: 1858 -1947. By Ron Farwell, 1989, ISBN 0-393-02679-5 I picked my copy up in 89 but I know its still available because I saw several on ebay and Abe books webstes.

Sword of the Raj The British Army in India 1747-1947 By Roger Beaumont 1977 ISBN 0-672-52136-9.

Just found this a few months ago on ebay. Also available through my public library.

Ones that cover the Durbar only are getting really pricey but I will post a list and try and give locations where you can find them.

All the best

Dave

 

[DMNamiot]

Hi Guys

Here are some more books in no particular order: I will say the The book by Stephen Wheeler and Mortimer Menpes are the ones that best cover the 1903 Durbar. I will do some more research and find some titles for the 1877 Durbar. Anyway enjoy.

All the best

Dave

Stories From The Raj: Sahibs, Memsahibs And Others
Pran Nevile ISBN:8187981644
This volume takes one into the lives of Sahibs and Memsahibs, and offers an array of entertaining tales about their interests and lifestyles- from the Sahib's enthusiasm for nautch parties and pig stickling, to the first Imperial Durbar in Delhi, to intriguing stories about Brahmin astrologers. Nevile's prose has the relaxed, easy familiarity of a veteran dinner-table raconteur, and the narrative, interspersed with period paintings and photographs, transports the reader to another era-the Raj, and its set of cultural idiosyncrasies.

A Season in India: Letters of Ruby Madden. Experiences of an Australian Girl at The Great Coronation, Durbar, Delhi, 1903.MADDEN, Ruby. Edited by Helen Rutledge.

An American Girl at the Durbar
Bradley, Shelland 1911 Durbar for George and Mary

Lives of a Bangal Lancer
Yeats-Brown, F.

1931 HARDCOVER. Pages toned, heavy dust jacket edge wear, dust jacket toned. CONTENTS: New Year's Eve, 1905; Durbar and a Dog Fight; Masheen of the Mirrored Thumbs; The Delhi Road; The King Coba and the Herald of the Star; Polo; Pig-Sticking; Men and Mud Turtles; Benares; Death of The Devil; Beauty and Boredom; In the Air; The Long Descent of Wasted Days; Christmas, 1918; The End of Sport and Soldiering; The Festival of the Fish-eyed Goddess; Juggernaut, Lord of the World; The Temple of the Undistracted Mind; Appendix


History of the Delhi Coronation Durbar Held on the First of January 1903 to Celebrate the Coronation of His Majesty King Edward VII, Emperor of India
S Wheeler Bibliographic Details
ISBN: 8185318565
Publication Date: 1991



OLD SOLDIER SAHIBFrank Richards DCM MM

2003 N & M Press reprint SB. 341ppPublished Price £11.50 Frank Richards is well known for his Old Soldiers Never Die, probably the best account of the Great War as seen through the eyes of a private soldier. Richards served in the trenches from August 1914 to the end in the 2nd Battalion Royal Welch Fusiliers (RWF). Born in 1884 he enlisted in the RWF at Brecon in April 1901, just three months after the death of Queen Victoria. Richards served eight years with the colours, nearly all of them in India and Burma, and in those eight years he grew three inches in height and put on three stone in weight. As a reservist he was recalled to the Colours in August 1914 and in the war that followed he was awarded the DCM and MM. This is a superb book!.


Curzon In India: Achievement (Vol. I)
Curzon In India: Frustration (Vol. II)DILKS, David 1969
Volume 1. 296 pages including Chapter Notes and Index.
Volume 2. 307 pages including Chapter Notes, Bibliography, and Index.


Delhi and the Durbar - Peeps at Great Cities
Finnemore, John
Publisher: Black, London
Publication Date: 1912
Binding: Hard Cover
Illustrator: Menpes

AN INDIAN SKETCH-BOOK - IMPRESSIONS OF THE EAST AND THE GREAT DURBARRaven-Hill, L.

Publisher: (Punch Office, 1903)
Publication Date: 1903
Binding: Hardcover


LADY CURZON'S INDIA. (LETTERS OF A VICEREINE).
Bradley, John. 1985
This book contains the letters of a Vicereine. These letters are fresh, colourful, describing often with humour, the durbars, levees, dances and receptions as well as the physical discomforts and gruelling journeys the author underwent as Vicereine.

THE DURBARMenpes, Mortimer & Dorothy
Publisher: Adam & Charles Black, London
Publication Date: 1903
The first Durbar was held in 1877 to proclaim Queen Victoria as Empress of India. This is the second Durbar to proclaim Edward VII as king, in 1902 but was not attended by the King either. It was not until the 1911 Durbar, when George V and Queen Mary went to India, was the Emperor and his Empress proclaimed in person to the people of India. Our authors stayed in Camp Number One called "The Millionaires' Camp." in Delhi. With an ALS from Menpes tipped in at the back (INDIA) First Trade edition. Small 4to. 100 Plates. The illustrations have been engraved and printed at the Menpes Press under Mr. Menpes's direction. 210 pp.