Hi Dave,
Your question regarding what drew us to the Durbar is quite an interesting one and I have had to think about it for a while. In my case, it was a combination of factors. I have listed them below:
1.) Before I began collecting the Durbar, I had focused on the ACW and Rorke's Drift as ranges to collect. After developing a fair collection of these figures, I wanted to expand my collection into other areas. In short, I was primed for something new and different.
2.) Secondly, I stumbled across a series of photos of a large collection of Durbar figures. The figures were different, exciting, and colorful. Consequently, I began to search for more information regarding the 1903 Durbar.
3.) Thirdly, as I acquired and digested information, I became significantly impressed with the magnitude of the event, the huge numbers of miltary units involved and the incredible organization required to actually impliment the event.
4.) Armed with some basic information and much curiosity, I began to explore the Durbar figures produced by a variety of manufacturers. Quickly, this exploration took me to the Britains line of glossy figures.
5.) About this time, a certain collector friend of mine
, who just happened to be a very enthusiastic Durbar collector, encouraged me to start collecting the Durbar. He told me of a Britains Durbar set that was currently in auction on eBay and I soon purchased it. At this point, I was hooked on the Britains Glossy Durbar line and I wanted to own the complete series.
6.) The adventure continued when I first viewed one of the Beau Geste Durbar Elephants at OTSN. The sculpting, the painting, and the colors were astounding! Even though I was pursuing the Britains glossy Durbar line, it was clear to me that I had to add Beau Geste figures to my collection. I have been doing so ever since!
7.) Another friend of mine owned some Hocker Durbar sets and he wanted to sell them. Hence, the beginning of my Hocker 1877 Durbar collection.
8.) And, then I discovered how wonderfully the Marlborough Durbar figures blended with the Britains glossy figures...and on the story goes.
In short, I was ready for a change in what I was collecting, and I became interested in the Durbar events. Soon, I became enchanted with the wonderful figures, the variety of military, civilian, and animal figures available, the endless brilliant colors displayed, and how wonderfully the figures could represent the splendour of the event. The rest is history.
I am not sure if I have answered your question, but your question has certainly made me think!
Give me a break before you ask any further thought provoking questions!
Warmest personal regards,
Pat
