Re-introduction of a Vintage Toy Solider collector (1 Viewer)

[Mignot]

Dear Treeforgers,

It has been a long time since I last posted, so I thought I would re-introduce myself. My name is Cole and I am a vintage toy soldier collector. I know there are few on this forum who primarily collect the classic makers, but this hobby is so much more fun when it is shared, so I thought I would impose myself once more on your august company.


Although I have "toyed" around with most of the recent makers, my true passion has always been vintage CBG Mignot figures. I also collect old Lucotte, Ballada, Auger flag bearers, and Metayer figures. I don't collect any Mignot figures made after the company was purchased by Monsieur Pemzec in 1993, as they have a "reproduction" like quality to me.

Anyway, I just wanted to say hello, and I look forward to chatting with you in the future. I also hope to post some pictures of my collection if anyone is interested.

I would love to hear from others who collect Vintage figures, and I am always buying vintage French-made Napoleonic figures, so let me know if you have any for sale.


Best wishes,

Cole

 

[thebritfarmer]

Welcome back Cole,

I think I remember seeing posts of your collection on Treefrog. Looking forward to seeing more.

Regards
Scott

 

[johnnybach]

Hi - Mignot - yes please, I would love to see some of your vintage French figures. I spend a great deal of time in France - but hardly ever see some of their really good items. Would really appreciate a chance to see some that I have looked for - but seem unable to find - unless they are in a museum!
johnnybach

 

[theBaron]

Hi, Cole, welcome back! I'm very interested to see your collection, too. I have a small collection of Mignots in my collection, not collected according to any rhyme or reason, from new figures sold through the Smithsonian's gift catalog back in the early 80s, to some slightly older figures.

You're absolutely correct, it's more fun if you can share your collection with others, so what a great opportunity, do please put up some pics!

I do hope your opening was just a typo, though, and not a Freudian slip and shot at those of us who cast our own: "Dear Treeforgers"

Prost!
Brad

 

[Mignot]

Hello all,

Haha, sorry about the typo, I certainly was not trying to deride those of you who cast their own. Actually, I once had a set of Prince August molds and tried my hand at making a few myself. The castings were nice, my painting was not.

Here are a few pictures of my main display cabinet. More to follow.

Cheers,

Cole

PS--Baron, I would love to see images of your Mignot!

 

[Mignot]

Here are some more pictures of my soldier room...including many non-CBG mignot figures.

Cheers,

Cole

 

[Mignot]

couple more

 

[johnnybach]

I have had a look at your stunning photos - and am feeling slightly overwhelmed by the sheer volume and beauty of your collection.

Hopefully, you will show us some more detailed shots of some of your favourite figures in future instalments. I will certainly keep my eye open for more. It's beautiful - and beautifully displayed too. I feel privileged that you shared them with us.

Thank you - johnnybach

 

[thebritfarmer]

Ah yes I remember those white cabinets!!! Very nice indeed Cole and as johnny says looking forward to seeing close ups of favourite individuals.

 

[Mignot]

Many thanks! I will try to take some more detailed photos.

Cheers!

Cole

 

[kogu]

A beautiful collection and so well displayed.
Thank you for sharing them and like the others I am looking forward to some closeups
Konrad

 

[wadepat]

Hi Cole,

I want to echo Konrad's observations. Your collection is a wonder and the figures are displayed with the greatest of tastefulness. Like others, I very much look forward to seeing more of your collection.

Warmest personal regards,

Pat

 

[Mignot]

here are a few more!

 

[Mignot]

few more detailed shots

 

[johnnybach]

I'm glad to see that "The Emperor" hasn't taken over your life completely then!
It just gets better and better. I have a very small collection of Napoleonic French soldiers, by comparison.

Mine are from castings - bought from an English chap who casts them for a hobby. Can't paint - but just loves casting - so sells them to me for a song. It's an "ongoing" project for me - and I will be extending this part of my collection.
I do recognise some of the uniforms I have painted in your collection though.

The only really "French pieces" I have, are quite modern ones by Starlux. Picked them up in Paris in a flea-market. I did visit the Hopital - where they have just about the best display of Lucottes and Mignots I have ever seen though.

The figures standing in front - are Napoleon's bodyguard that accompanied him everywhere - but I don't need to tell you that. They are an unusually large size of 65mm.

The figures on horseback - well - I'm not even sure if they are on the "correct" horses - as they came out of a large jumble in a cardboard box!
I would appreciate your expertise in possible identification - if you can make them out.

Anyway - love your collection - keep posting - and I, (and many others) will keep watching. Thanks again for a rare opportunity. johnnybach

 

[beating retreat]

A beautiful collection and so well displayed.
Thank you for sharing them and like the others I am looking forward to some closeups
Konrad

I totally agree, thanks for letting us have the opportunity to see your amazing collection.

Regards John

 

[Leadmen]

Thank you Cole for posting photos of your great Mignot collection. I enjoy viewing the figures. John

 

[Mignot]

Dear Johnny and forum,

Thanks for showing off your collection! The painting looks really great. Well done!

As for the Starlux figures, those too are great. You did reverse the horses on the dragoon trumpeter and the Polish Lancer. The trumpeter on the right should be on the white horse in the middle, and the Polish lancer should be on his horse. The Marshal on the left is on the correct horse.

Glad everyone likes my collection! I hope to keep growing it. Today, sadly, I opened a box of figures I ordered only to discover that they were of far more recent vintage than advertised. So they will have to go back. I only collect the vintage figures, especially pre-WWII make.

Let me know if y'all want to see more, or have any particular figures you are intereseted in.

Best,

Cole

 

[johnnybach]

Hi Cole - Your Bands please. I can see them on the shelves - and have seen them in books - but never managed a really good close up shot or two of the real thing - except at a distance.

As you may have noticed, my Prince August derived castings have had a few instruments added by conversion. I would LOVE to see the authentic figures of the Imperial Guards band that you have. I am particularly interested in finding out (a) if the band had a lyre harp - and if it did (b) what that version looks like.

Secondly - do you have a Dragoons band at all? I don't know if Lucotte or Mignot did one or not??

If you do - I might do a version of the harp for my own band.

This is such a rare treat - I don't actually mind what you show us though. You ARE SUCH a pal for showing them. johnnybach

 

[johnnybach]

Hi Cole - yes of course - the colour of the shabraque was the give-away. You will be pleased to know that the riders are now seated correctly!. I swear they said "Merci" when I moved them. Regards - johnnybach