Polar Expedition Set (1 Viewer)

[RHRToland]

I’m a newbie, and wasn’t sure where to place this post and thought I ought to start in the Chat Lounge.

I’m trying to determine the maker of an Arctic/Anarctic expedition set of miniature painted, lead figures and related items; including a Fokker BA-1 airplane.

The set has come down to me from my late father; an American, who lived, in Sussex, England, as a child, during the 1930’s. I don’t know the scale (I’m a newbie) and I never thought to ask my father anything about the set.

The set appears to be R.E. Byrd’s, 1930, Antarctic base camp, "Little America"; and includes miniatures of: the Fokker airplane, ski men, scientists, geologists, radiomen [with radio & separate tower], dog sled drivers [w/ dog sled and sled dog team of 7, several polar animal types, hunters w/ rifles, etc. There are also several paper mache ice columns and an igloo, of the same scale.

I can provide pictures, but I feel it likely some member of this forum probably knows all about this particular set & subject.

Richard Toland

 

[DMNamiot]

Hi Richard,

I would need to see a photo of it to give you a definite ID but there was a set done by a French Company called CBG Mignot. They did some really cool big sets of figures with themes like this. So please post a photo.

Dave

 

[BLReed]

Here's one made by Heyde in 1935, 50 sets. Poor condition and a poor photograph. Sold in 2010 for about $2,500.
Doesn't give the scale.

http://www.bonhams.com/auctions/17972/lot/1253/

From the auction:
"It appears unlikely that all pieces, particularly the large scenic items, are intended to fit inside the box, hence the boxed set was enhanced by the purchase of additional accessories at the time when it was originally used as a toy.

Heyde No.2 size RARE U.S. Arctic Exploration Set------
with aeroplane with suspension loop on snow skids, kayak with explorer paddling, survey party, sled with four huskies, explorers with tools and supplies, radio operator with radio, national flag, signal flags, explorers on snow shoes, skis and on foot hunting two polar bears and fishing with harpoon, snow covered shrubs,two large background pieces with cave and water, and five ice covered rocks in original plain red box with interior fittings (G-F, one bear foot missing one paw mended, national flag P, aeroplane skids and propellor damaged, one ski damaged, box F, lid damaged) 1935 (50)"

 

[DMNamiot]

That Heyde Set is wicked! Would love to find even a portion of one. The figures look to be around 54mm but like you mentioned its hard to tell scale. The sets I mentioned from CBG was 54mm and had bears whales and other artic wild life. I have a photo of it somewhere and will see if I can find it.

Dave

 

[DMNamiot]

Here is a picture I took in Paris last year of the Artic set. This one was from 1911 and have an interesting mix of scenics etc.

Dave