I hear you Johnny- if there is more metal than paint I say paint it!! These figures aren't 'boot" sale items- but had been bought from a reputable dealer many years ago and displayed behind glass. I was in the right place at the right time, and paid a good price for them, from someone that just didn't need the money or want the soldiers either.
You should have seen the trains! if I knew anything about them I would have probably done well speculating on those.
Maybe I will hold off til Chicago or in the least call the local britains collectors.
Would love to get my money back, keep the band, and HRH, and do some catch up my WW1 and zulu collection, and or, start my Britans nile collection.
Grant