Rare LUCOTTE Collection (1 Viewer)

[ucla1967]

Most collectors I know collect figures from the UK and China; relatively speaking, very few seem to collect figures from France, like Mignot or its sister company, Lucotte. Those who do, usually collect the less expensive Mignot figures. Personally, I could never get past the style of painting on the Mignot figure's faces which, to me, seem to be poorly done, kind of primative, compared to the rest of the figure. However, they have been around for 200 years, so who am I to judge them. Their longevity speaks for itself.

In any case, they are not inexpensive to acquire. I checked Jack Carleton's web site for Le Petit Soldat (he is the U.S. distibutor for Mignot and Lucotte) to see what the catalog prices are. Mignot sets were $275 for six cavalry while Lucotte sets were $629 or $735 for six. I am kind of glad I didn't get hooked on the Lucotte figures---they are way too expensive for me.

Many Lucotte sets represent Napoleonic period regiments. However, there is apparently a special, small product run available (price unknown) of Imperial German "minor" states. Here are some photographs of the sets from that special Imperial German production. One has to admit that they are very colorful.

 

[ucla1967]

Here are five more. No, I don't have any close-ups nor can I make the photos larger. Sorry.

 

[GICOP]

Great pictures Mike.

The Lucotte sets at $629 or $735 for six cavalry would be out of my price range too

Cheers

Martyn

 

[Roustam]

Great pictures Mike thanks for posting.

Lucottes are expensive and are very labor intensive to produce. Infantry figures have separate heads, one arm, scabbards, backpacks, and weapons, all soldered on. Reins on the horses are attached by a wire through the horse's mouth, then through the reins and hand twisted.

Fortunately for Lucotte collectors, the figures were brought back into production during the mid 1980's by Lynda Franceschi who owned the rights to the Lucotte molds. She partnered with Edouard Pemzec, who bought CBG Mignot. A Lucotte Collectors Club was started with sets being issued to members who suggested specific regiments to be made for the Club. Pemzec later bought out Madame Franceschi and now is the sole owner of the Lucotte brand.

I'd be happy to provide any further information regarding Lucotte to forum readers if there is an interest.

Russ

 

[nmrocks]

Mike,
Thank you again for another great thread, you've shown us more diversity of possibility in our hobby and I really enjoy the difference!
Ray

 

[Iron Brigade]

Most collectors I know collect figures from the UK and China; relatively speaking, very few seem to collect figures from France, like Mignot or its sister company, Lucotte. Those who do, usually collect the less expensive Mignot figures. Personally, I could never get past the style of painting on the Mignot figure's faces which, to me, seem to be poorly done, kind of primative, compared to the rest of the figure. However, they have been around for 200 years, so who am I to judge them. Their longevity speaks for itself.

In any case, they are not inexpensive to acquire. I checked Jack Carleton's web site for Le Petit Soldat (he is the U.S. distibutor for Mignot and Lucotte) to see what the catalog prices are. Mignot sets were $275 for six cavalry while Lucotte sets were $629 or $735 for six. I am kind of glad I didn't get hooked on the Lucotte figures---they are way too expensive for me.

Many Lucotte sets represent Napoleonic period regiments. However, there is apparently a special, small product run available (price unknown) of Imperial German "minor" states. Here are some photographs of the sets from that special Imperial German production. One has to admit that they are very colorful.

Dear "UCLA1967":

Thanks for posting the very colorful photos of the French made figures!

"Iron Brigade"

 

[Gideon]

I've had a number of original Lucottes come through my hands over the years. There is nothing like holding and admirining an 80-90 year old piece. They are very special.

 

[johnnybach]

I have just come across this thread - and very much enjoyed a rare treat. I spend a lot of time in France - and that's about the best collection I have seen outside of a museum. Thanks very much indeed for posting such a magnificent and rare spectacle. johnnybach

 

[Roustam]

johnnybach,
Next time you are in Paris, visit the shop Au Plat d'Etain. It is the shop that carries CBG Mignot and Lucotte. Sometimes the shop will have older Lucottes for sale. The address for Au Plat d'Etain is: 16 rue Gisarde, Paris 7006
You won't be disappointed.

Russ

 

[johnnybach]

Ok - willdo - but I'll make sure my bank manager doesn't find out! Good job I live at the other end of the country! - johnnybach

 

[theBaron]

Thanks for sharing the photos with us! Lucotte is an important maker, in the long history of toy soldiers.

Prost!
Brad

 

[jorgeoria]

I am new to this Forum and relatively new to collecting toy soldiers. Actually, I inherited part of my father's collection, together with my siblings. I have chosen to keep some "lines" of the collection that I could afford to purchase from the rest of the family, but the largest part of the collection will be auctioned out, unfortunately.

The most important part of the collection were my father's antique Lucottes. Over one thousand pre-war Napoleonic figures that will be auctioned at Bonhams (Oxford) this coming December 5. I believe the on-line catalogue is already out.

If any forum members are interested, I can provide detailed information on the origin of most sets, as my father kept extensive notes and has published articles on the subject.

Regards,

Jorge Oria

 

[DMNamiot]

Jorge

Upon looking over the catalogue for the auction your father must have had a massive collection! Were all of the Lucotte there from his collection? There are some amazing sets on display (like nearly all of the Grande Armee sets you could ever want!) and if Mr Opie says that they are rare I am pretty sure those sets will draw a good deal of action and the big guns will be out for them. Sorry to see a collection broken up. Best of luck to the bidders and your family Jorge!

Dave

 

[johnnybach]

Hi Jorge - and welcome to the forum. Like Dave, I just had a look at the On-line catalogue from Bonhams. Whilst I won't be a buyer - as most of those superb items are outside my more modest collecting pocket - I just wanted to thank you for letting us know about a rare opportunity to see so many Lucottes ( and other rareties) on display.

I was just amazed at the sheer numbers - as well as the quality of the items on show. It must have been an incredible collection to see - all in one place. I don't think that I have EVER seen so many top quality bands, for example. Your father must have been an incredible person to know - and amassed a truly exceptional collection.

Shame the collection has had to be split up - but that is just the way of things - and at least other collectors will now have the opportunity to own and see such wonderful pieces. Hope it all goes well - and thanks again for a unique opportunity to get a glimpse of them too.

Regards - johnnybach

 

[jorgeoria]

Thanks Johnnybach and Dave,

Yes, it was a great collection. My father started it in 1969 and kept on adding to it and perfecting it until 2010. He had some 7,500 figures + animals, plants, vehicles, etc. all antique. Most (though not all) the Lucotte sets are his, and also many of the Britains (I would say half the lots come from his collection). I am preparing a book about the collection, that will probably have a prologue by James Opie. It will also have a series of articles by my father telling the story of how he formed the collection, with color illustrations of the figures and sets, and a closing article that I am writing about all the preparations for the auction, the appraisal of the collection (by Norman Joplin), the auction itself. If I manage to get a hold of whoever buys an important number of lots, it would also be great to know and write about where the figures went.

It will be a private edition, for friends and family.

I've kept 1,000+ figures, mostly Argentine made, some Elastolin plaster figures and a beautiful and rare Heyde set of Kaiser Wilhelm's visit to London, reviewing the flags of the British regiments.

As you say, it is really sad to see it go, but it was impossible for us to keep it.

 

[DMNamiot]

Hi Jorge,

If you could please post a photo of the Heyde set of the Kaiser in London I would really appreciate it. I have never seen a photo of the complete set and to see that someone here has one is just wonderful! Thanks so very much for the heads up on the auction. I plan to send to Bonhams for the catalogue.

Dave

 

[theBaron]

If you could please post a photo of the Heyde set of the Kaiser in London I would really appreciate it. I have never seen a photo of the complete set and to see that someone here has one is just wonderful!

Second that, Dave! I'd appreciate seeing the full set, too.

Prost!
Brad