Help ID'ing glossy maker and subject, please? (1 Viewer)

[sarge]

I bought this set on a whim, as the price was certainly attractive. I have only an educated guess as to the subject, but would love to hear if someone truly knows for sure.

The other question is, of course, the maker. Whilst the tag said "Britains", they don't seem to follow my (admittedly limited) memory as being such. The lovely red box is, of course, quite unmarked in any respect. These appear lead, glossy finish, flat bases painted tan/brown. No marks under the bases.

Would someone have some wisdom they'd like to share?

 

[thebritfarmer]

They certainly have a Britains look to them. What does it say underneath the bases?

 

[4th Hussar]

Kings African Rifles. Pre war they came in a set of 8 without an officer. If Britains they should be marked on the base.

 

[theBaron]

I just saw the same figures in an eBay auction, identified as Britains. I didn't pull up the full listing, however, so I don't know if the identification includes having an original box and confirming the mark on the bases.

Prost!
Brad

 

[sarge]

Gents:

Why so they do! Why didn't I see that?

(First line) "copyright"
(Second) "Britains LTD"

Next in two lines, but inverted "Made in England"

Last line "Proprietors"

Eight guys, no officer.

Does this detail help date the set?

If so, an idea of the value would be nice, just to have a bit of fun with my wife who understands this obsession of mine, yet was looking somewhat amused at my pleasure of coming across these in and among all the fleas at the market we were attending.

Thanks so much for your help!

 

[thebritfarmer]

As you don't have the original box you basically have eight foot soldiers. They could have been collected together over a period of time so may not have left the William Britain factory at the same time. That said I would say they have to be worth at least $20 - $30 a piece perhaps more.

 

[sarge]

Thanks so much for the education. I truly value the information.

What would the original box have looked like (this one being plain red with the figures laced in the insert with a thick black thread all in one loop, decidedly modern in material and finish)?

Actually, this is quite good for me as I'm not risking some value by taking them out of the box for display in a case. My wife, of course, is much more amused now.

 

[thebritfarmer]

This site may help

http://www.realtoysoldiers.com/toia.html

The box could have looked similar to one of these.

http://www.realtoysoldiers.com/PrewarBoxLabels.htm

 

[sarge]

Thanks for the link, the help, and the collective wisdom.

Our little friends are now marching into eternity in one of the cases here, one of those occasional pleasant finds that turn a good day out into a Grand Day Out.

Thanks again to all!

Sarge

 

[DocB]

Briains set 225, manufactured 1946-59 and reissued for one year in 66..Worth about 10.00 a fig if you can get that. Britains are no big, big sellers anymore.
The KAR were big players in Africa in WWI, much less in WWII.
Mores the pity because I have a ton of them I collected as a kid.
No way to tell year of manufacture. Enjoy.
Doc B