Minimen question (1 Viewer)

[Peter Reuss]

I received this request and thought I would pass it along:

I have acquired several hundred lead soldiers manufactured under the name of Minimen by Jack B Updyke.
These soldiers are mostly of the Guards' regiments with a quantity of cavalry.
I am unable to obtain any information on this manufacturer and would appreciate any assistance or guidance you can provide in locating a source of information and the current value of the individual figures.
I thank you in advance for any assistance that you can provide which will be greatly appreciated.
William Smith

 

[theBaron]

I know of the brand, but never gave it more than a passing glance. I'll have to look at my references tonight, to get more info.

A quick web search on "minimen toy soldiers" returned a number of images, including some from completed auctions. These WWI Germans went for $70:

https://new.liveauctioneers.com/item/45164652

The set of WWI British sold on eBay for $60:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Minimens-Toy-Soldier-Series-World-War-I-British-6-Soldier-Set-/132097297237

My search also returned images from our own Zach Lang's collection, so hopefully Zach will see this thread and offer more details.

Hope that helps!

Prost!
Brad

 

[nysoldiers]

Minimen.....Jack Updyke......produced wonderful figures for "Custer"s Last Stand", "The Wild West", "Lewis and Clark", "Indians...Settlers and Roger's Rangers for Colonial America", "World War One and Two"........
I believe he also did special commissions. He may still produce but only in limited quantities and special orders.
His American Indians are excellent!

 

[zblang]

I don't have many, but I really like them.
I have mounted Indian chiefs and scouts as well as some individual indian figures.
Most of mine have been purchased at the Chicago show from "minimen" themselves.
The mounted figures new (over the past few years) were $130 and the individual figures were around $30.
They are made by Jack Updyke. He is a great older gentleman. As far as I know, he does it all himself and he is getting older so not sure how much longer they will be produced.
I don't have any pricing information from secondary market pieces and have never seen many figures other than at the shows that he attends.
Sorry I don't have any more information to share.

 

[theBaron]

From the photos you've shared, Zach, it looks to me like Mr. Updyke achieves a glazed finish, similar to John Firth's--and similar to what johnnybach does now, too.

As far as prices go, I'll see if any of my references include Minimen. I don't expect I'll find much in the way of prices, though. I think we'll have to rely on individual collector's info from their purchases, and any auction info available.

Prost!
Brad

 

[Mirof]

http://chicagotoysoldiershow.com/gallery11/82.html
who is who :tongue: