Mysterious Figurine (1 Viewer)

[chantella]

Would anyone happen to recognize this figurine? Date of manufacture, company, etc.
Any leads are appreciated! I found him in my backyard in San Francisco while digging for a garden.

 

[theBaron]

It was made by Barclay, between 1929 and 1934, it's B145 in their catalog, "soldier kneeling with anti-tank gun". Yours isn't really worth anything, given the condition. It could be a fun painting project, for someone who paints.

Prost!
Brad

 

[chantella]

Wow, thanks Brad for the quick reply! Very interesting and helpful, he shall remain in his current condition as a weathered relic on my bookshelf.

 

[theBaron]

Sure thing!

Barclay was one manufacturer of toy soldiers in a larger size, that you'll hear referred to as dimestore soldiers, because they were sold at "five and dime" stores back in the Thirties and Forties. Manoil was another maker. Finds such as yours are common, that is, someone was digging in a backyard and found a survivor of some boy's games years ago. You can also find a lot of them in bins on tables at the shows. It's become popular to refurbish them, or modify them, to make subjects that the makers didn't make, back then.

Prost!
Brad

 

[johnnybach]

Here's something for you to check out Chantella - it's a lot at an auction house. If you check out some of the pics, you will see your figure included. And if you change your mind about repainting him - you will get some idea on how he might appear from these pics. (just scroll down to the bottom - and click on the pics). jb

http://www.legendaryauctions.com/lot-41503.aspx

 

[Grognard]

Interesting find! There is actually one on Ebay for sale:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Barclay-Man...331712?hash=item1c612b9a00:g:gM4AAOSwuAVWuPvw