How does one purchase imperials--at this point? (1 Viewer)

[Stavrogin]

So,

I didn't discover Imperial until their hiatus had already begun (a couple of years ago, serious newcomer) and have some questions about how things stand at present.

All the Imperial that I've ever acquired has been existing stock from a few shops, from a dealer or two, and the hit or miss ebay thrill ride.

I had understood this is where we were at as far as Imperial goes.

Occasionally however I see references on this forum to placing orders with Mr. Cowe. For sets still in production. I'm primarily interested in Napoleonics--which, I believe, is the main focus of the reduced Imperial production line.

Is any of this true? If it is possible, how would one place an order? What kind of timeline are they on? Etc.

Thanks in advance.

 

[Drum]

Imperial is still producing most if not all of their Napoleonic range, for the time being at least.

Try emailing them at imperial.productions@xtra.co.nz

But be patient. Their computer is in an entirely different location than they are and it takes sometimes several days or a week before they pick up their email.

Additionally, be prepared for a pretty significant lag time between the acknowledgment of your email and the completion of your order. If you have seen some of the shop pics posted here, then you can see that their shop is pretty tiny and they do not have much in the way of "stock" that can simply be pulled from the shelves and sent off to you.

Consequently, you are essentially asking them to make you a fresh set of whatever you want to order. So, be prepared to wait a while for them to cast, clean, paint and package your troops.

Imperial is now a strictly family run business and alas, there are not enough Cowes to produce the number of sets that they could sell.

So, in case you missed it... patience is the key.


All that said, the very best way to purchase Imperials is from Ebay and Craigslist and various other online ad forums.

Cheers and good luck,
D

 

[Nathan]

Further to what Drum stated, None of the Napoleonics have been discontinued at this stage.

There are still several Sudan sets available for purchase as well as several Crimean War sets available.

There is an extensive range of town and around for ready purchase, as well as the 'Te Maori' and New Zealanders at war series featuring small New Zealand contingents who played their part in Egypt, Palestine, France, etc. during the first and second world wars.

 

[4th Hussar]

London Bridge Toy Soldiers in Pennsylvania still lists them on their web page

 

[Stavrogin]

Gentlemen,

Thank you all. I'll be test-driving your advice soon enough.

Best.

 

[Drum]

For what it's worth, the London Bridge stock has dwindled to a few sets of Town and Around. Last I spoke to Ron, they had no military sets in stock.

Basically, if you call London Bridge, they will just be placing an order for you with Imperial.

Good luck,
D

 

[Gideon]

Truly sad. They were/are one of my all time favorite producers.

I suppose they really can't hire help to produce as there's no substitute for the family. The training and learning curve would be difficult for many who take the jobs and producing in China, I think, is very counter to what Mr Cowe wants for his company.

It would be great if he were more computer savvy and could post here from time to time.

 

[dkelly]

I think David would like to be doing more. I wish he could/would. I just don't think they have the resources and you're right that he would never outsource the work. That said, if you're patient, he will make the sets you want. He has been incredibly generous with his time in producing sets for me during the last year. In fact, I'm still stunned that they cranked out all those Nap sets for me. They are worth every cent - and more. I, along with others, have told David he should raise his prices given the high quality of the figures.

I agree it would be neat if he posted on the website. However, you can always give him a ring. He is a real pleasure to talk to. Often, we don't even talk about toy soldiers. He is a great guy.

DK

 

[kilted vampire]

In the latest issue of TS&MF there is a press release stating going back into production.????????

 

[vandilay]

In the latest issue of TS&MF there is a press release stating going back into production.????????

KV does the press release say anything else? The shop is actually closed
at present until febuary acording to the note on the door to allow them to catch up on past orders and restock the shop.
I,d be very suprised if they rampt up production again , I have always got the firm impression that just was not on the cards. [maybe someone else in
the family is coiming back into the buisness full time ?]

 

[Nathan]

KV does the press release say anything else? The shop is actually closed
at present until febuary acording to the note on the door to allow them to catch up on past orders and restock the shop.
I,d be very suprised if they rampt up production again , I have always got the firm impression that just was not on the cards. [maybe someone else in
the family is coiming back into the buisness full time ?]

Hey Guys,

I spoke to David yesterday and can confirm that he has closed the door until stocks are back up.

Imperial is in a very small New Zealand town called Greytown, it has become increasingly popular with Sunday drivers and tourists alike over the last few years. David expressed to me how he felt embarrassed people would make a trip out to see him, and he would quite literally only have a handful of sets in stock.

The shop is a 3 person team. David sculpts casts and primes the figures, His Wife Kay then paints the figures and is at times assisted by their daughter who also packages the items.

In this way, Imperial are a truly unique store - And it is my belief that this uniquity must be held somewhat sacred to the collectors.

From my understanding, David has little to no use of a computer and joked if he did use computers regularly he wouldn't have time to produce toy soldiers with all the questions he receives.

David is kept aware of the forums, his products on Ebay and collectors thoughts on his products, to which he was humbled by the kind comments received.

That said, He has indicated that it is his desire to sculpt some very exciting sets; obviously at a time when the stocks are replenished.

Also so Imperial general knowledge: Did you realise David actually designs and paints all of the labels on the Imperial Sets? The Thin Red Line, Rorkes Drift, The Heirloom Series and all of the "Imperial Collectors Figures" labels are his handwork!

Keep up the Imperial love

Nathan

 

[kilted vampire]

KV does the press release say anything else? The shop is actually closed
at present until febuary acording to the note on the door to allow them to catch up on past orders and restock the shop.
I,d be very suprised if they rampt up production again , I have always got the firm impression that just was not on the cards. [maybe someone else in
the family is coiming back into the buisness full time ?]

I am sorry Rob. It was pickelhaube and wilson edward toy soldiers. Wishful thinking on my part.

 

[vandilay]

I am sorry Rob. It was pickelhaube and wilson edward toy soldiers. Wishful thinking on my part.

That’s a company I havent heard off , I saw my first ever copy of TS@MF magazine at Borders in wellington the other day , but at $21 for a copy I remained a tyre kicker .