How Many Collect Old Britains (1 Viewer)

[Leadmen]

Thanks Tom for the information. My Godfather (uncle) passed away but I will give the information to my aunt. They attended many years of reunions with the Division and maybe she knows this lady. I read all the Division's newsletters and stuff she saved along with my uncle's medals. He was a combat engineer and booby trap dismantling was his work. I have great respect for General Fred Walker of the 36th. None for Mark Clark. I did get the book Texas Division from Austun Tx. John

 

[W T Allison II]

For those of you who are interested, my three albums just posted or the third link below may be of interest as to old and new Britains.

 

[kreddy]

By the way, maybe you should clarify what is meant by "old" in the future?
What may seem "old" to someone who's been collecting for many years / is more advanced in years (I'll be kind and not state an age for being "old") may mean something different to someone who hasn't been collecting as long / is younger (oh, maybe closer to 20 than 50?).
To some people, "old" may only go back as far as the time before Britains were put out through RC Ertl, while others may feel anything made in the 1970's are too recent to be considered "old Britains".

 

[dchard48]

By the way, maybe you should clarify what is meant by "old" in the future?
What may seem "old" to someone who's been collecting for many years / is more advanced in years (I'll be kind and not state an age for being "old") may mean something different to someone who hasn't been collecting as long / is younger (oh, maybe closer to 20 than 50?).
To some people, "old" may only go back as far as the time before Britains were put out through RC Ertl, while others may feel anything made in the 1970's are too recent to be considered "old Britains".

I think that "vintage" might be a better description than old, but either term means figures produced from the 1890s until the British law banning lead from toys stopped production for several years beginning in 1967. These figures, in dozens of sets, have, for the most part, a consistent style and size that is immediately recognizable to collectors. I began collecting vintage Britains in 1964 (before they were vintage) in London, began again in about 1980. I have many sets, but I specialize in the cavalry figures, which, even so, means several dozen sets, plus variations over the years, usually divided before and after World War II, although most sets that were made for decades were subject to small changes that collectors relish discovering. It is true that these figures are not as good for a battle display as modern figures, but for me their "toy" nature is endearing. They are expensive and harde to find, and condition is important, but when I recently found a figure made only in the 1890s, I was ecstatic. dchard48

 

[Arnhemjim]

Hi dechard48,
Please include me as a member of the forum who collects 'Old Britains'. Unfortunately I missed balloting in your initial poll. Personally I define 'Old Britains' as from 1893-1966 (per Joe Wallis). I started collecting in 1948. My total collection is about a Parachute Brigade Group in strength (~2,325), and is principally comprised of 166 sets of Old Britains and 16 sets of New Britains, the majority of which are boxed sets. 71 sets are at a rarity index (James Opie) of 40 or higher. The collection was started in 1948 (Some sets are pre-WWII). The Britains are principally reinforced by Greenwood & Ball, William Hocker, Imperial, King & Country, Steadfast and All the Queen's Men.

As of 2009, due to a combination of the decline in the international economy, exorbitant bids, and the precipitous decline in both the quality and quantity of available items at auction, particularly on e-Bay, I have become extremely cautious in acquiring any additions to the collection.

Arnhemjim
Arizona Territory

 

[johnnybach]

Hi - I haven't voted in the poll - bacause my reply wouldn't fit there. I, like a few others, pick them up as individual pieces, where I can. They are sometimes bent, broken, unloved and uncared for - and in with other junk! Some other sellers also seem to think that the name "Hollowcast Britains" means they, have found the Holy Grail and can ask a fortune for them.

I'll go with the others who collect them in ones or twos, and where necessary, restore, repaint etc, - and don't give two hoots about resale value. I ain't gonna sell the few I own. Incidentally, this may be why they are getting harder and harder to find. People love 'em, and don't want to part with them. Isn't this one of the things you would like to find out?

I do like them all, especially older hollowcasts - BUT I won't pay a fortune for them - they are toys, made to play with - and I do that. They live with all of my other soldiers too - and are not kept in a vault!

Just a few thoughts to add here. When conducting a survey, please be inclusive - and think about what kinds of collectors are out there - what and how they collect - and maybe also, Why? The most usual mistake in writing a questionairre, is to think that everyone collects in the same way as the writer(s) of the thing. Thus, if the writer collects just sets, he/she assumes everyone else does too. Now, I am not intending to sound negative here - but I think the low turnout of repliers to the poll could be improved by including some of the suggestions posted by some of the others above.

Now, which box would you like me to tick?

Hope this helps, 'cos I would be interested in the results too. Best of luck with it. regards, johnnybach

 

[ozziep9]

Re-release old Britians Picture Packs & Paris Office figures!

I collect old hollowcast Britains too. I only wish the current Britains company (are all the their products made in China now?) would release more of their classic old hollowcast soldiers perhaps in single "Picture Pack" format esp. the figures from the Paris Office line circa 1905 - 1923. The original French Infantry Officer (wearing blanket roll over torso) and French Zouave Officer's on foot were great pieces (take a look at Andrew Rose's all color toy soldier book for further reference) The current solid-cast 4-pack sets being released by Britains are pretty good but are solid-cast reproduction. Actually, I think the two Britains Paris Office figures and all the original "Picture Pack" figures Britains offered for sale in the 1950's should be re-released again. I'm sure this would be a big hit with old Britains toy soldier collectors.

 

[thebritfarmer]

Re: Re-release old Britians Picture Packs & Paris Office figures!

I collect old hollowcast Britains too. I only wish the current Britains company (are all the their products made in China now?) would release more of their classic old hollowcast soldiers perhaps in single "Picture Pack" format esp. the figures from the Paris Office line circa 1905 - 1923. The original French Infantry Officer (wearing blanket roll over torso) and French Zouave Officer's on foot were great pieces (take a look at Andrew Rose's all color toy soldier book for further reference) The current solid-cast 4-pack sets being released by Britains are pretty good but are solid-cast reproduction. Actually, I think the two Britains Paris Office figures and all the original "Picture Pack" figures Britains offered for sale in the 1950's should be re-released again. I'm sure this would be a big hit with old Britains toy soldier collectors.

They are releasing single figures (solid cast from hollowcast moulds) I believe I read somewhere that (believe it or not) the hollowcast process was not cost effective (ie they have to be poured by hand)so that is why they are not made like that anymore.

 

[sarge]

It's been a while since I've posted last, for several things have gotten away with my time. It is nice to be back and reading the various postings again.

Many of you know already, I collect old Britains, although they aren't the only glossies I collect. I tend to purchase those that appeal and fit into the theme of the collection. With a little care as to whom they might be stood next to in the parade, they display well enough, and always a good find makes for a good hunt.

I do like the notion of repairing, repainting and restoring older figures; hour of pleasure in the doing and quite a bit of pride in the showing.

Great fun!

Cheers,
Sarge

 

[W T Allison II]

For those of you that collect old Britains, look at Brunton's Barracks website for a great selection of sets for sale including the original Bahamas Police Band.

 

[Fort-Stamford]

I collected old Britains, but sold the bulk of the rarer sets a few years ago (thankfully before the recession). They all sold at prices well above (40 to 90%) original purchase price a few years prior. Still have maybe around 18 or 19 boxed sets left (I am including boxed artillery pieces in the mix). If in excellent condition, they are still an investment vehicle. But I feel the margin for profit is now less with this sluggish economy. As a retiree, I now focus on eye appeal and subject matter for my various dioramas and displays.