Member needs help (1 Viewer)

[DocB]

As a child, I collected W. Britains for some time but I have questions about their "Limited Edition" sets.
I have the original one of the Cameron Highlanders issued in 1982 and have several other ones which are giving me headaches.
What, if any, is the difference between "Special Limited Edition" and "Limited Edition"? Both contain 10 figures, mine are Royal Marines and the other the Seaforth Highlanders.
I also have been told that W. Britains "watered down" the idea of Limited Editions by making more sets that were originally planned for or marketed.
Any answers and/or comments to these questions are much appreciated.
Thank you in advance,
Terry L. Barton, former USMC and USN, now retired and lovin' it!

 

[DMNamiot]

Hi Terry,

Do you have them boxed? If so please tell me the set number on them and I can give you an idea of numbers produced and a possible value if you want. If you dont have the boxes and can post a photo I can help ID them for you that way. Looking forward to helping you here.

Dave

 

[DocB]

Yo...Royal Marines: "Limited Edition" #002661, Saforth Highlanders:"Special Lilited Edition" #004411 and Cameron Highlanders: 0983
Thanks,
Terry

 

[DMNamiot]

Ok with the names and numbers you provided here is the information I can give you:

The Cameron Highlanders set number 5183 Limited edition of 3000 sets issued in 1983 of which yours is number 983. If in excellent condition and still in the box would go for as much as $500 dollars, its less if they are damaged.

The Royal Marines Limited Edition set number 5289 was issued in 1989 and was limited to 7000 sets goes for $200 in excellent condition your set appears to be number 2661 of 7000.

The Seaforth Highlanders Special Limited Edition was set number 5188 and was issued in 1988. Again limited to 7000 sets and yours is number 4411 of the 7000 issued. Worth about $300.

The limited edition sets were also only produced for 1 year or at least offered for only one year by the company. Not totally sure what the difference is between a limited edition and a special limited edition, will of course keep digging in my references and see if I can find an explaination of the different terminology.

Hope this information is helpful

Dave

 

[thebritfarmer]

Regarding the Limited Edition vs. Special Limited Edition, they probably just changed it over the years or it was renamed as the owners took it over. I know at one point the dropped New Metal Models from the description and then later added it back so I suspect there is no difference.
Be interesting to see who the owners were as Special Limited Editions and just Limited Additions.

 

[DocB]

Thank you both for your insights. The "changing of the guard" in regards to ownership may very well explain the "special' in limited editions. The prices are also a great help.
Thanks again.
Terry

 

[thebritfarmer]

From what I can see in my Glossy Britains book by Norman Joplin is that the 5188 Seaforth Highlanders Colonial Dress is the only one that was labelled Special Limited Edition. The only thing I can see that would make it this way is that

A) I can't see any use of this mould in any other set (and as you know Britains used the muolds for different regiments whenever possible)

B) There is no mention of a Seaforth piper in the individual figures catalogue

C) Perhaps it was to distinguish it from the 1985 release of the regular Seaforth Highlanders.

 

[DocB]

Thanks for your input on the Seaorth. Another knot is untied!
Terry