Durbar (2 Viewers)

[TheDurbarMan]

Hi All,

I hope you keeping well. I’ve just discovered this great Forum. I’m a Durbar collector. Here’s a photo of part of my collection. Would be interested to hear from other Durbar collectors and share ideas for displaying our collections.

Best wishes,

TheDurbarMan

 

[MLH13]

Welcome to the forum! You have a beautiful collection.

Mark

 

[villagehorse]

Certainly a colourful series and produces a fantastic parade. Good to have you aboard. Robin.

 

[Andanna]

Welcome to the Forum. The display that got me into collecting the Delhi Durbar was that of Jim Hillestad at the Toy Soldier Museum.

 

[TheDurbarMan]

Thank you for you kind messages. I have added some more photos of my collection to my album. Best wishes.

 

[TheDurbarMan]

Welcome to the Forum. The display that got me into collecting the Delhi Durbar was that of Jim Hillestad at the Toy Soldier Museum.

Thank you Ana! That is one amazing collection! I love Jim’s buildings and especially the arches. I have to admit I had a very modest collection until I discovered all the wonderful sets you make!

 

[TheDurbarMan]

One of my favorite photos from my collection showing the great Alwar elephant by Beau Geste

 

[TheDurbarMan]

Hi, does anyone know the name of the person/company that made the building facades that feature in Jim Hillestad‘s Durbar diorama?

Best wishes

 

[DMNamiot]

Hi Durbarman

Your collection looks pretty amazing! I have a lot of the Marlborough figures but not any of the sets you are seeking. Can only advise you keep a sharp eye on eBay and various auction sites. I’m trying to find the sets you mentioned as well as several others so best of luck in the hunt.

If you have the opportunity please post some more photos of your display.

Dave

 

[TheDurbarMan]

Hi Dave

Thank you for your kind words. I will keep an eye out on eBay.

Over the years I have acquired perhaps too many of the same sets - partly because I feel you need a dozen of everything to make a good display(!) but partly as a result of buying some other collectors’ collections to get a few sets missing from my collection and then not getting round to selling the duplicates. As a result I have ended up perhaps with too many duplicates and now a few of my displays look more like shop inventory rather than dioramas! I’ve attached a few photos to illustrate my point.

This summer I am planning to spend a bit of time sorting out my collection to make space. If there’s anything in particular you are after then please let me know set number and I can check if I have extras.

Best wishes

 

[Andanna]

I knew there were collectors way more dedicated to the Durbar than I was, but this is on a whole different level. This is amazing. You are apparently very focused in your collective habits.

 

[TheDurbarMan]

I knew there were collectors way more dedicated to the Durbar than I was, but this is on a whole different level. This is amazing. You are apparently very focused in your collective habits.

Hi thanks for your message. I’ve seen pictures of your excellent collection and displays - very nice indeed!

I attach a few more pictures. I was fortunate enough to get a number of Durbar building facades over the years - some are similar in style to the backdrops to Jim Hellstead’s amazing Durbar display. If you or anyone else happens to know which company/person made those facades please let me know.

Best wishes

 

[Andanna]

I admire your background buildings. Who made those and are they available?

i do not know who made Jim’s Delhi Durbar background buildings, but I am pretty certain Jim made them himself as he creates many dioramas himself.

 

[TheDurbarMan]

Hi thank you for your message. My background buildings comprise of: 1) plastic buildings including the Ganesh Gate all by Marlborough - all of which occasionally come up for sale on secondary market; 2) some plaster JG bazaar buildings which are still available direct from manufacturer; 3) some wooden block buildings from WM Hocker - retired sets; and 4) some plaster palace, temple and mosque facades by unknown maker but all similar to Jim Hillstead’s buildings - unlikely to still be in production.

 

[TheDurbarMan]

Part of my tiger hunt diorama using figures by Marlborough.