OLD Britains Antique & Battered (1 Viewer)

[Cardigan600]

Yo Troopers, think I must be missing something in Toy Soldiers. I had to learn the hard lesson over the years and a costly lesson sometimes IE: if your buying something classed as Antique you only buy it in good condition for obvious reasons, resale somewhere down the road. Just looked at ebay US site Highest prices pre 1970 Toy Soldiers. Could not believe my eyes the bids on some of the pre War Cavalry sets, damaged all lance tips broken off, loads of paint missing, so if you get them repaired your whacked down right away, the box in tatters not a lot you can do with that, so what happened to my hard earned lesson's about buying the best am I missing the plot here somewhere.
Bernard.

 

[4th Hussar]

battered and busted no but sometimes a slightly worn set of troops is better than no troops. It all depends on the price and how bad you want the set.......................

 

[Dickbuttons]

Bernard -- your theory is still the best. Buy an excellent set, and you will always be happy with it in your own collection. And, if the day should come that you wish to sell it, it will command a much better price.

Soldier on!

Dick

 

[DMNamiot]

Hi Bernard,

Interesting point. I would point out one thing that I use as a guide for when I purchase the vintage sets or figures. I cant justify the kinds of costs the mint in the box figures bring just not going to happen because one set would bust my collecting budget for an entire year. I would also have to justify it to my wife and call me a coward but I am not going there unless its a Durbar Elephant that I cant live with out

I have several sets of older Britains Lancers and some singles from various cavalry and RHA sets. I some are a little battered but for the most part because they werent boxed I paid far less for them then some of the new in box sets I have picked up in recent years. Blind luck for the most part but because I limit my spending per set or figure so I can get the most bang for my buck I tend to not mind a few bumps and dents. I also dont plan to have any of them repainted I am thinking of getting a few of the broken limbs re attached but I havent committed to that yet. So I guess it really boils down to what you like, do they have to be totally pristine or are a few well earned play marks ok. If its pristne with the box then my friend be prepared to pay a lot of money. If not then just get what you can afford and enjoy having them, thats what I do.

All the best

Dave

 

[Cardigan600]

battered and busted no but sometimes a slightly worn set of troops is better than no troops. It all depends on the price and how bad you want the set.......................

Gads Sir, if I saw a set of Troops in that condition on parade, I would have them horse whipped Sergeant, don't ever let me see you turn out any of your Troops in that State, or your feet wont touch the ground until your in the Glasshouse. DO YOU GET MY MESSAGE SERGEANT. I spent £10,000 a year in the 1850s getting my Cherry Bums into the smartest Regiment in the British Army, and in 2008 they are turning the Lancers out like they just came back from the Charge, not good enough SERGEANT.
Cardigan.

 

[Cardigan600]

Hi Bernard,

Interesting point. I would point out one thing that I use as a guide for when I purchase the vintage sets or figures. I cant justify the kinds of costs the mint in the box figures bring just not going to happen because one set would bust my collecting budget for an entire year. I would also have to justify it to my wife and call me a coward but I am not going there unless its a Durbar Elephant that I cant live with out

I have several sets of older Britains Lancers and some singles from various cavalry and RHA sets. I some are a little battered but for the most part because they werent boxed I paid far less for them then some of the new in box sets I have picked up in recent years. Blind luck for the most part but because I limit my spending per set or figure so I can get the most bang for my buck I tend to not mind a few bumps and dents. I also dont plan to have any of them repainted I am thinking of getting a few of the broken limbs re attached but I havent committed to that yet. So I guess it really boils down to what you like, do they have to be totally pristine or are a few well earned play marks ok. If its pristne with the box then my friend be prepared to pay a lot of money. If not then just get what you can afford and enjoy having them, thats what I do.

All the best

Dave

Hi Dave I know what you are saying, but I hope Norman Joplin has a look at this when he pops in for a look now and then. I would love to hear his views on this subject, and unless I am way off the mark, I think he will say you dont pay out that money for sets in that condition, lets wait and see.
Bernard.

 

[4th Hussar]

Gads Sir, if I saw a set of Troops in that condition on parade, I would have them horse whipped Sergeant, don't ever let me see you turn out any of your Troops in that State, or your feet wont touch the ground until your in the Glasshouse. DO YOU GET MY MESSAGE SERGEANT. I spent £10,000 a year in the 1850s getting my Cherry Bums into the smartest Regiment in the British Army, and in 2008 they are turning the Lancers out like they just came back from the Charge, not good enough SERGEANT.
Cardigan.

Sir,
Spoken like a true 2nd LT

 

[thebritfarmer]

I don't mind a playworn set, but only if it is reasonably priced. I would never buy anything if it was damaged though, not matter how cheap. Some of my farm pieces have quite a few paint chips to them but they only cost me a couple of dollars so no big loss and I think it adds to the charm of them. As these were kids toys and were played with, I would be very wary of buying a MINT set unless it was from a reputable dealer that I had used before and trusted.

 

[bromhead]

I will take any battered,damaged ,shopworn britains,,cheaper in cost the better but holiday donations happily accepted.