Durbar Collection (1 Viewer)

[wadepat]

Hi Pat,
You wrote, Unfortunately I won't. I really enjoyed meeting you, Konrad, John (Leadmen) and others. I will be attending a wedding in France. I know, I know, life is rough. I hope the wine will be good though.
I keep looking at my collection and realize that there is no getting around it. I really like the traditional glossy toy soldier. I enjoyed Leadmen's thread on his WWI glossy collection.
I also remember being tempted by one of Britain's Durbar elephants. The shaded platform above the elephant and the large blanket were a kind of mustard yellow. Do you have that piece?

Hi Russell,

I believe the Durbar Elephant you are referencing is W. Britains Set #40186, State Elephant of the Nizam of Hyderabad. If I have correctly identified the elephant, then the answer is yes. I am very fortunate to own all four of the Britains glossy Durbar series elephants, including the Hyderabad Elephant. I have posted a few photos of my Hyderabad Elephant below for your examination. Obviously, the Hyderabad elephant in the photos is the one with the mustard yellow drape and the covered howdah.

I regret I will not see you in Chicago, but a trip to France sounds wonderful! Enjoy a glass of wine for me! On second thought, enjoy the wine for your own pleasure. It is not every day a fellow gets to go to France.

Let me know if I have correctly identified the elephant in question.

Warmest personal regards,

Pat

 

[Russell]

Good morning, It's good to say hello. I had a good time last year and there is no doubt that meeting other members was the highlight.

Yes that is the elephant and it does look good. Also in the third photo from the top, the elephant with the red black and green blanket is new to me. It might have come out when I was just beginning to collect. It also looks good.

Wishing you a nice day.

 

[thebritfarmer]

Hi Scott,

If you are getting a lot of the route liners they had set amounts of space between them depending on the area and crowds. The average space between was about 6 feet and in areas of higher congestion they were as close as 2-3 feet apart. The wheeler book has details on this so you can get the right number of troops.

Dave

Hi Dave,

Thanks for the info. I think it is more of a case of how many can I afford I think I will have to try an strike a happy medium with a representation of the street liners. (don't want to block the view of what they are standing in front of )

Scott

 

[wadepat]

Good morning, It's good to say hello. I had a good time last year and there is no doubt that meeting other members was the highlight.

Yes that is the elephant and it does look good. Also in the third photo from the top, the elephant with the red black and green blanket is new to me. It might have come out when I was just beginning to collect. It also looks good.

Wishing you a nice day.

Hi Russell,

The Elephant with the red, black, and green tapistry is the Baroda Elephant with Standard from the William Hocker collection of the Imperial Durbar, set #141. The set includes a Baroda Band dressed in colors to match the tapistry worn by the elephant. In order for you to get a closer look at the set, I have posted a few photos of this elephant and the accompanying band below. As with all my Durbar figures and sets, I am proud to include this one in my collection. I hope you enjoy viewing it.

Warmest personal regards,

Pat

 

[thebritfarmer]

Very nice Pat !!!

 

[aujj65]

Pat,

Nice indeed! You can't go wrong with elephants..

Jeff

 

[Russell]

Good morning Pat,
This is a very nice elephant with a good group accompanying it. Looking at the photos I said to myself, "I think this is the one I like the best." And then I read that it was Bill Hocker's. I'm pleased, I like the man and the whole way he has managed his product: toy soldiers, boxes, themes, internet site. One day I'd like to get his American West stage coach set. I believe Konrad got it last year. I think you also got a Hocker set in Chicago. Is it a secret or can we know which set it was?

 

[Andanna]

Hi Russell,

The Elephant with the red, black, and green tapistry is the Baroda Elephant with Standard from the William Hocker collection of the Imperial Durbar, set #141.

This is an outstanding model. Very different of course from Beau Geste. The lines are admirably clean and pure. i really admire this model.

 

[wadepat]

Good morning Pat,
This is a very nice elephant with a good group accompanying it. Looking at the photos I said to myself, "I think this is the one I like the best." And then I read that it was Bill Hocker's. I'm pleased, I like the man and the whole way he has managed his product: toy soldiers, boxes, themes, internet site. One day I'd like to get his American West stage coach set. I believe Konrad got it last year. I think you also got a Hocker set in Chicago. Is it a secret or can we know which set it was?

Hi Russell,

Yes, I purchased a Hocker set in Chicago last year. Mr. Hocker was busily showcasing his new American West line of figures. Consequently, he did not bring any of his Imperial Durbar figures with him. Since I could not purchase an Imperial Durbar set from him at the show, I purchased a set of figures from his Indian Army range. Specifically, I purchased his Set #65, the Band of the 11th Bengal Lancers. I have posted a few photographs of this set below so you might enjoy seeing it.

Warmest personal regards,

Pat

 

[thebritfarmer]

Beautiful Pat, and set that features animals is a great set imo Do you display them as part of your Durbar parade though?

 

[Russell]

Thanks Pat,
This morning I turned on the computer, sat, and sipped my coffee clicking my way to the forum. And there, I saw, you'd taken the time to post these photos. The set looks great and I suspect it will go nicely with the rest of your Durbar Collection.

Also Andanna, in referring to the elephant, wrote,

The lines are admirably clean and pure. i really admire this model.

He put it well. I like it less when the wrinkled skin is too emphasized or when they add the rough hair in spots on the camels.

 

[thebritfarmer]

Hi Pat,

Just a quick favour. You posted a picture of a Beau Geste, William Britain & a William Hocker side by side for comparison. I have notice a difference in the size of the elephants with the Beau Geste appearing the largest. If this is the case can I ask how the Beau Geste elephants appear next to the matte Jaipur elephant by William Britains.

My plan maybe a little crazy but if the Elephant Band of Orchha, Retainers Review looks okay sizewise against the Jaipur elephant, I could spray it with a matte varnish as I really love this set and am doubtful Britains would ever make one.

Regards
Scott

 

[wadepat]

Beautiful Pat, and set that features animals is a great set imo Do you display them as part of your Durbar parade though?

Hi Scott,

No, I do not display the set with my Durbar figures, although I have been tempted to do so. I display it separately with some other Hocker mounted sets.

Warmest personal regards,

Pat

 

[wadepat]

Hi Pat,

Just a quick favour. You posted a picture of a Beau Geste, William Britain & a William Hocker side by side for comparison. I have notice a difference in the size of the elephants with the Beau Geste appearing the largest. If this is the case can I ask how the Beau Geste elephants appear next to the matte Jaipur elephant by William Britains.

My plan maybe a little crazy but if the Elephant Band of Orchha, Retainers Review looks okay sizewise against the Jaipur elephant, I could spray it with a matte varnish as I really love this set and am doubtful Britains would ever make one.

Regards
Scott

Hi Scott,

I have not placed any Beau Geste Elephants next to the Britains matte elephant. I have them housed in two separate displays as I do not think the matte figures blend that well with the glossy ones. However, after a quick glance, I have the following impressions:

1.) The skin on the Beau Geste Elephants is clearly much smoother than the skin on the matte Britains elephant. The difference is very noticable and would continue to be noticable if both figures were presented in a matte finish.

2.) The size (diameter) of the legs is also very noticably different between the two figures.

3.) The Beau Geste Elephant looks "bulkier" to me than the Britains model, but until I place them side by side, I am uncertain if this is truly the case.

4.) I perceive a size difference between the Durbar human figures presented by the two manufacturers. The Britains figures are taller and slightly more massive than those in the Beau Geste sets.

Overall, my impression is the two sets of figures are not really compatible, but until I have the opportunity to place them side by side, I am unable to render an opinion about which I feel totally confident. When I have the time, I will remove the two elephants from my respective curios and take a few photographs for you. You might also keep in mind that humans and elephants do differ in size and, given that fact, they might blend together enough to make a pleasing display.

I hope my impressions are helpful to you. I will take a closer look when my time permits.

Warmest personal regards,

Pat

 

[thebritfarmer]

Hi Scott,

I have not placed any Beau Geste Elephants next to the Britains matte elephant. I have them housed in two separate displays as I do not think the matte figures blend that well with the glossy ones. However, after a quick glance, I have the following impressions:

1.) The skin on the Beau Geste Elephants is clearly much smoother than the skin on the matte Britains elephant. The difference is very noticable and would continue to be noticable if both figures were presented in a matte finish.

2.) The size (diameter) of the legs is also very noticably different between the two figures.

3.) The Beau Geste Elephant looks "bulkier" to me than the Britains model, but until I place them side by side, I am uncertain if this is truly the case.

4.) I perceive a size difference between the Durbar human figures presented by the two manufacturers. The Britains figures are taller and slightly more massive than those in the Beau Geste sets.

Overall, my impression is the two sets of figures are not really compatible, but until I have the opportunity to place them side by side, I am unable to render an opinion about which I feel totally confident. When I have the time, I will remove the two elephants from my respective curios and take a few photographs for you. You might also keep in mind that humans and elephants do differ in size and, given that fact, they might blend together enough to make a pleasing display.

I hope my impressions are helpful to you. I will take a closer look when my time permits.

Warmest personal regards,

Pat

Thanks very much Pat, of course when ever time permits.

Scott

 

[theweinz]

Pat,
Beautiful elephant. Love the coloration, very unusual. Thanks for the photos. I am still awaiting my first BG Elephant! Cannot wait to add it to my collection.
JW

 

[wadepat]

Pat,
Beautiful elephant. Love the coloration, very unusual. Thanks for the photos. I am still awaiting my first BG Elephant! Cannot wait to add it to my collection.
JW

Hi JW,

You will love your BG Elephant! In my opinion, they just do not get any better than Beau Geste. What BG Elephant are you acquiring as your first one?

Warmest personal regards,

Pat

 

[kilted vampire]

Pat,
You are a fortunate man to have so many wonderful elephants and very considerate to post the pictures and share them with us. I may have to get mine out and try and fix them.

 

[wadepat]

Pat,
You are a fortunate man to have so many wonderful elephants and very considerate to post the pictures and share them with us. I may have to get mine out and try and fix them.

Hi Michael,

Thanks for your kind comment. I very much enjoy sharing my Durbar collection with other interested collectors. I am glad you view the photos favorably.

You have a damaged elephant? Oh, my! I hope you are able to repair it without difficulty. Elephants need all the tender loving care one can provide! When you feel it is appropriate, I would most certainly enjoy seeing it on the forum.

Warmest personal regards,

Pat

 

[W T Allison II]

Road to the Durbar.