Mike Tarantino's Toy Soldier Collection (1 Viewer)

[DMNamiot]

As a Glossy guy I certainly love seeing something a little different especially the vehicles and other WWII figures and personalities like Rommel in Glossy very cool!

Dave

 

[johnnybach]

On this Forum, I have seen comments to the effect that while some collectors like some glossy painted toy soldiers, they believe that World War II toy soldiers look best in matte. I would probably agree with this if we are talking about 60mm matte figures in individual non-marching poses used in dioramas; however, I hope that my previous post which displayed glossy, classic, 54mm figures marching (for the most part) demonstrates that this can make an interesting and colorful display. In fact, I believe the display looks better in glossy than it would in matte. Given that these 54mm glossy toy soldiers cost about one-third or one-fourth as much as the 60mm matte figures, this is also really a no brainer for the collector who wants to amass a large display.

ABSOLUTELY AGREE Mike. I think that the current "fashion" and popularity for Matte Toy Soldiers is fine for those that like them that way - but maybe this will swing back again one day - as economic forces continue to escalate prices. Who knows?

I just know what I like - and will continue collecting mine - the way that I like them - which just happens to be Glossy too - though I prefer to paint my own. BUT - each to his own - and if a collector wants to continue collecting his/her figures in matte - and wishes to continue paying up handsomely for the privilege, that's okay by me too! Here's an example of one of my WW2 "action" glossies. (It's a re-painted Dinkey Jeep that cost me under £5, by the way).jb

 

[ucla1967]

ABSOLUTELY AGREE Mike. I think that the current "fashion" and popularity for Matte Toy Soldiers is fine for those that like them that way - but maybe this will swing back again one day - as economic forces continue to escalate prices. Who knows?

I just know what I like - and will continue collecting mine - the way that I like them - which just happens to be Glossy too - though I prefer to paint my own. BUT - each to his own - and if a collector wants to continue collecting his/her figures in matte - and wishes to continue paying up handsomely for the privilege, that's okay by me too! Here's an example of one of my WW2 "action" glossies. (It's a re-painted Dinkey Jeep that cost me under £5, by the way).jb

Although matte collectors seem to be a distinct majority on this Forum, there is a hard core minority of us that continues to collect glossies. However, the matte revolution started by Andy Nielson and joined by Britains, Collectors Showcase, Figarti, John Jenkins, et al, is clearly the direction the hobby is going, especially with younger collectors. I am continually amazed at the prices matte figures command and wonder how long it can continue without matte collectors cutting back on their purchases or just dropping out of the hobby.

JB your WWII glossies in action look great! They are a perfect example of how attractive glossy figures, whether marching or in action, can be.

Mike

 

[johnnybach]

Although matte collectors seem to be a distinct majority on this Forum, there is a hard core minority of us that continues to collect glossies. However, the matte revolution started by Andy Nielson and joined by Britains, Collectors Showcase, Figarti, John Jenkins, et al, is clearly the direction the hobby is going, especially with younger collectors. I am continually amazed at the prices matte figures command and wonder how long it can continue without matte collectors cutting back on their purchases or just dropping out of the hobby.

JB your WWII glossies in action look great! They are a perfect example of how attractive glossy figures, whether marching or in action, can be.

Mike

Cheers Mike! I couldn't agree more with everything you write here.

Those re-cast Timpo GI's cost me £4 each (around US$6.50) as castings. Maybe another Buck each for paint . I'm with you in looking with amazement at what some folks are willing to pay for figures! You don't really need a calculator to figure out how many of ones like mine you could get for the price of ONE of the most popular marques in Matte. In addition to the cash savings in painting up castings ( or repainting older figures), a big PLUS for me, is also the sheer enjoyment there is to be had in bringing them to life with a splash or two of paint - which you just can't put a price on.

As to where the future goes - who knows? Cost is but one of the variables, I suppose - but when times get harder economically, somethings got to give, sooner or later. Whatever ................ I'm keeping 'em shiny - just like you. jb

 

[DMNamiot]

Its also amazing to me when I look at the prices the matte figures seem to command on the 2ndary market as well. I will say that it makes things easier for me when I pick up big lots of old Britains. I just got a box of 35 various Scots for 35 bucks and 10 for the shipping so at less than 2 bucks a figure I am a very happy camper!

Dave

 

[ucla1967]

I have gone ahead, without the 3 inch high tier, and added more sets to my Hiriart Italian Military display. Since this shelf is a little lower, the back row looks fine to me without it.

Photo one: back row sets 1228 Lancieri Italiani, 1891 and 1227 Dragoni Italiani, 1891.

Photo two: back row sets 1230 Cavalleria Coloniale Italiani, 1891 and 1269 Bersaglieri Coloniale, 1896.

Photo three: far right front set 1088 Academia Militare di Modena, Italia. You can also get a better look at the three trumpeters and officer from set 1193 Bersaglieri, 1900 in this photo.

 

[ucla1967]

I have added five more sets to my Hiriart World War II Germans display since my last post on this display. This display is on a higher shelf, so, in the future, I will need to add a three-inch raised tier at the back of the shelf to display additional sets, otherwise you won't be able to see them very well.

Photo one: sets 1045 Waffen-SS and 1046 Liebstandarte Adolph Hitler in greatcoats.

Photo two: a close-up of set 1046 LSAH in greatcoats.

Photo three: sets 1147 Totenkopf-SS special paint in winter camouflage and 1190 Deutsches Motorrad sidecars with MG42 machine guns.

Photo four: a non-catalog set of World War II Kuban Cossacks in German Service.

Photo five: a non-catalog set of World War II German Cavalry.

 

[Buster]

Mike, it's nice to see you get your wonderful Hiriart collection back on display again, glad to hear that the earthquake damage wasn't anywhere near as bad as it first might have appeared. :smile2:

B.

 

[ucla1967]

Mike, it's nice to see you get your wonderful Hiriart collection back on display again, glad to hear that the earthquake damage wasn't anywhere near as bad as it first might have appeared. :smile2:

B.

Thanks Buster. The Hiriart damage was manageable, but it remains to be seen regarding my Frontline Figures Napoleonics.

 

[ucla1967]

I just received a Ducal set of the Grenadier Guards from Joe Saine via eBay which enabled me to complete my British foot guards display. Previously, this was the one regiment I did not have. Every glossy toy soldier collector should have a similar display as a core component of their collection, in my opinion. The figures are now tacky waxed in place after the March earthquake knocked most of them over.

 

[DMNamiot]

Totally agree about having a good display of guards! But I also have to say that those Kuban Cossacks are very cool!

DAve

 

[lancer]

Hi Mike. Just curious, in the 1st picture below of your Grenadier Guards, the bottom of the picture shows part of the lower shelf which appears to have French Zouaves on it. I was wondering what make they are and time period represented. Thanks. -- Al

 

[ucla1967]

Totally agree about having a good display of guards! But I also have to say that those Kuban Cossacks are very cool!

DAve

It is hard to beat the guards. I also really like the Kuban Cossacks, too.

Mike

 

[ucla1967]

Hi Mike. Just curious, in the 1st picture below of your Grenadier Guards, the bottom of the picture shows part of the lower shelf which appears to have French Zouaves on it. I was wondering what make they are and time period represented. Thanks. -- Al

Al,

They are Crimean War French Zouaves from Frontline Figures which were produced in 1996. Up to that time, Frontline had been producing only glossy figures. In fact, the other sets in the Crimean War series (i.e., British infantry & cavalry and Russian infantry, cavalry & artillery) had all been done in gloss. The Zouaves were done in matte and in a different sculpting style from the others to boot. So, these were the first matte figures that Frontline produced. In the display are two six figure sets, a three figure command set, and a two figure flag & NCO set.

Mike

 

[lancer]

Al,

They are Crimean War French Zouaves from Frontline Figures which were produced in 1996. Up to that time, Frontline had been producing only glossy figures. In fact, the other sets in the Crimean War series (i.e., British infantry & cavalry and Russian infantry, cavalry & artillery) had all been done in gloss. The Zouaves were done in matte and in a different sculpting style from the others to boot. So, these were the first matte figures that Frontline produced. In the display are two six figure sets, a three figure command set, and a two figure flag & NCO set.

Mike

Mike, thanks for posting the close-up shots. They are really nice figures. Sorry I missed out on these. I have some of the Frontline 11th Hussars from the Crimea. They are some of my favorite glossies, and a bargain for the price. -- Al

 

[ucla1967]

Mike, thanks for posting the close-up shots. They are really nice figures. Sorry I missed out on these. I have some of the Frontline 11th Hussars from the Crimea. They are some of my favorite glossies, and a bargain for the price. -- Al

Al,

You are welcome. The 11th Hussars are nice figures; I have seven of them in my Charge of the Light Brigade display.

Mike

 

[ucla1967]

On the shelf next to the Frontline Crimean War matte Zouaves, is a glossy Frontline set of the Highland Light Infantry Pipes and Drums. They are almost impossible to tell apart from King & Country's glossy figures during this time period since the late Howard Swales was the sculptor for both.

 

[ucla1967]

I finally got my Frontline Figures Napoleonic display set back up after the earthquake. Although many figures fell several feet to lower shelves, the typical damage was paint chipping; those are some tough toy soldiers. All these figures are now tacky waxed into place, so that, hopefully, they won't fall again in our next earthquake.

The top row shows Frontline's BAVARIAN ARMY 3rd Regiment, Prince Charles, Grenadier Company sets BIG.5 six advancing and BIG.4 Officer and Drummer. The middle row shows SAXON ARMY Rechten Regiment, Grenadier Company sets SAG.6 six advancing; SAG.4 Officer with Colour and NCO; and SAG.4 Officer and Drummer. Partially visible on the lower row are BAVARIAN ARMY 3rd Regiment, Prince Charles, Center Company sets BNI.2 six marching; BNI.4 Officer Regimental Colour and NCO; and BNI.5 Officer and Drummer.

The list price on these Frontline Napoleonics was a very reasonable (especially in light of today's prices from other manufacturers) $108 for six figures, $54 for a two-man colour party, and $36 for a two-man set (e.g. officer and drummer).

 

[ucla1967]

The front row shows Frontline's POLISH ARMY sets PPI.2 six Marching; PPI.4 Officer Regimental Colour and NCO; and PPI.5 Officer and Drummer. The middle row is SWISS ARMY Neuchatel Regiment, Center Company sets SNR.2 six Column Attack; SNR.4 Officer Emperor's Colours and two NCOs; and SNR.5 Officer and Drummer. Top row is SWISS ARMY Neuchatel Regiment, Voltigeur Company sets SNV.5 six Advancing and SNV. 4 Officer and Drummer.

 

[ucla1967]

Frontline Napoleonics continuing. IRISH ARMY sets IFF.2 six column attack; IFF.4 Officer Emperor's Colours and NCO; and IFF.5 Officer and Drummer.