Embarrassed about Collecting Toy Soldiers? (1 Viewer)

[The General]

Might be nice if more women were interested, but such is life.

Exactly. I mean it's so time consuming having to dust all my figures myself.

 

[HistoryfortheAges]

Well, I don't go out and broadcast it... but, at the same time, I don't really care what other people think either... If people do find out, they are more likely than not impressed with the displays. I also find that a lot of people don't even know that these miniature works of art are available to collect! A lot of times I hear, "Did you make all these yourself?". Most people are very curious about the cost, although they are not likely to start collecting with so many other responsibilities to contend with these days... This is an eclectic hobby, afterall...

 

[Spitfrnd]

Originally Posted by The General
Further to this, the reason for the accompanying poll was that I found it interesting to note that not every forum member had elected to display their age or date of birth.

You may actually be surprised by the age of some of your fellow collectors.

I think that's the explanation Spitfrnd that you were after.

Yes thank you. Ah yes, I get it now. Of course some of us just chose not to give this information. I would just say I am quite old for flower but just getting started for a mountain. Of course I assume we are talking chronological age.

 

[4th Hussar]

[Of course I assume we are talking chronological age.[/QUOTE]

Since we all are still playing with toys I think Bromhead was the only one that responded to the question correctly

 

[bromhead]

Many thanks Sarn Major,,for the cost of my fence stain I could invest in a bn of upscale plastics w vehicles to game-play with,plus the upcoming aniv. bio of charles the 5th and his recovery from madness.

 

[Combat]

I've met a lot of people who are totally uninterested in toy soldiers, but never had any reason to feel embarrassed about collecting them. Many collectors are educated, over-40 professionals who are well off enough to afford them. My guess is that only those who don't have a clue at the cost and artistic merit could believe this is a childish hobby. The only aside I can think of is the issue of collecting and displaying WWII nazis. Some, including many collectors, believe this is akin to glorifying them. That does give me a little pause when I see someone giving my WWII collection the once over. I'll leave that issue to previous forum discussions though.

 

[Louis Badolato]

Frankly, with the exception of a couple of bad apples, the vast majority of toy soldier collectors strike me as well read, interesting, and often very successful people. Among the collectors I call close friends are the owner of the highest rated Chinese Restaurant in NYC, a vice president of a major international company, a man who is both a medical doctor and a barrister, a retired bank V.P., the head of a publically traded electronics company, and a number of active service and retired military officers. I also have a collector friend who is a lobbyist, but no one is perfect (just kidding Ron, don't have a cow).

I am proud to count myself a member of this fraternity of collectors, and when I was a junior partner and full partner in lawfirms (before I opened my own practice) a good portion of my collection was on display in my office. Virtually every day someone visiting the firm would poke their head in to comment on my collection, and the comments were universally positive, sometimes downright envious.

 

[maddadicus]

Frankly, with the exception of a couple of bad apples, the vast majority of toy soldier collectors strike me as well read, interesting, and often very successful people. Among the collectors I call close friends are the owner of the highest rated Chinese Restaurant in NYC, a vice president of a major international company, a man who is both a medical doctor and a barrister, a retired bank V.P., the head of a publically traded electronics company, and a number of active service and retired military officers. I also have a collector friend who is a lobbyist, but no one is perfect (just kidding Ron, don't have a cow).

I am proud to count myself a member of this fraternity of collectors, and when I was a junior partner and full partner in lawfirms (before I opened my own practice) a good portion of my collection was on display in my office. Virtually every day someone visiting the firm would poke their head in to comment on my collection, and the comments were universally positive, sometimes downright envious.

Now, you did it....JUST WHO ARE THE BAD APPLES? Michael

 

[1879fanatic]

It looks like the young men in my 40-49 age group are kicking major butt on this poll. Congrats guys ,(on getting older) Looks like we have enough to take on all the other age groups at the same time. Bring it on!
Shirts & Skins tackle football in the snow!
Mike

 

[bromhead]

Now, you did it....JUST WHO ARE THE BAD APPLES? Michael

After a twinge of concern I suggest a poll

 

[4th Hussar]

It looks like the young men in my 40-49 age group are kicking major butt on this poll. Congrats guys ,(on getting older) Looks like we have enough to take on all the other age groups at the same time. Bring it on!
Shirts & Skins tackle football in the snow!
Mike

We seniors use well developed wisdom, superior skills and fight dirty. Bring your football we will bring our 12 guages

 

[1879fanatic]

We seniors use well developed wisdom, superior skills and fight dirty. Bring your football we will bring our 12 guages

Shoulder pads for the 12s? I miss the days of going through 3-400rnds, 100 of which were slug!
Mike

 

[Spitfrnd]

...I am proud to count myself a member of this fraternity of collectors, and when I was a junior partner and full partner in lawfirms (before I opened my own practice) a good portion of my collection was on display in my office. Virtually every day someone visiting the firm would poke their head in to comment on my collection, and the comments were universally positive, sometimes downright envious.

I am no doubt of that Louis. I know I am envious of what you have posted here.

 

[4th Hussar]

Shoulder pads for the 12s? I miss the days of going through 3-400rnds, 100 of which were slug!
Mike

But what will we do after lunch ?

 

[lancer]

Just remember youngsters, old age and treachery will overcome youth and enthusiasm every time. -- lancer

 

[Oldboy]

Now, you did it....JUST WHO ARE THE BAD APPLES? Michael

And are you quite certain that there're only two of us ? oldboy

 

[1879fanatic]

Just remember youngsters, old age and treachery will overcome youth and enthusiasm every time. -- lancer

We'll keep that in mind for the future!
Mike

 

[Davout71]

I don't know anybody who collects toy soldiers. When I was around 11-12 I had a friend who collected and painted plastics but that's it. I suppose I am a little embarassed and don't ever mention it to people at work etc. I am sure they would think I am some kind of geek. My wife finds it pretty bizarre.
On the other hand anyone who has seen my small collection have been impressed as I was when I first came across these works of art on the internet. While NZ is the home of Imperial minatures this is a very obscure hobby in this part of the world.

 

[Captain]

I kept it under wraps that I was buying toy soldiers from time to time. Then when I got into painting them and buiding dios I was very proud of what I was creating. I built a Confederate Artillery diorama in 1/72 scale and took it to an SCV (Sons of Confederate Veterans) picnic and displayed it and the interest was amazing. Lots of questions and real interest. It made me feel great and I dont keep it under wraps anymore.

 

[Ragnar]

Im not Embarrassed about my hobby at all and don't mind pulling out a few figs when family&Friends drop by.
I have a hobby that i like and thats what matters.
most people would rather rot in front of the t.v then take up a hobby .