Retired First Legion (2 Viewers)

[Alexander the Great]

If I may offer another suggestion for tracking down retired pieces, it's that you should cultivate relationships with dealers, too. If you have dealt with a seller long enough, you could always let him know what you're looking for, and come to some arrangement about contacting you, if he finds what you're looking for.

Prost!
Brad

Thank you both for your posts. I am new to this and admittedly do not understand the dynamics of the (may I call it) hobby.
Why offer a range of 16+ Gordon Highlanders if the standard bearers, drummer boy, and bagpipes are missing? I understand the collecting side to this and the first come first served but if you want new comers to the hobby to get excited and purchase the range why limit them in this way...I must not be understanding the cost proposition of producing a couple of hundred of each (since there is demand) and continue to offer them. I am sure that it must not make business sense and this is why First Legion is not doing it...

 

[spartan71]

The Highlanders are great looking pieces, and as you have seen each one has a distinct"personality", I guess anyone that will buy them, has got to overlook the pieces that are missing. It is a range that pretty much all the dealers know is dead. And do feel sorry for them, if they have an over abundance of them.... And like us they also want at least for the standards to be made...

 

[Arnhemjim]

If it is any small concillation I'm of Scottish ancestry, a Gordon. Have collected toy soldiers for over 7 decades, including a lot of Gordon Highlanders of various manufacturers and vintage. While First Legion produces a quality product, some of their research is lacking. I was personally going to order the Gordon Standard-bearers when first introduced, did not do so for the following fundamental fact. Both bearers were Sergeants, not Ensigns (commissioned officers) as they should have been. This military custom was already well established by the time of Waterloo, and has not changed within the British Army to this day. Although not directly related to the subject at hand the following should give you some inclination of my knowledge on the issue; http://arnhemjim.blogspot.com/2014/11/acquisition-of-scottish-officers-full.html .
Best regards,
Arnhem Jim
Arizona Territory

 

[Gebhard]

Thank you both for your posts. I am new to this and admittedly do not understand the dynamics of the (may I call it) hobby.
Why offer a range of 16+ Gordon Highlanders if the standard bearers, drummer boy, and bagpipes are missing? ...

Just a little background on these figures, they were released in June of 2010 so that's almost 7 years ago. You have to admit that's a long time for collectors to expect them to be sitting on the shelf waiting for new collectors to get into the hobby. To be honest I'd be happy any of these figures are still in stock at all and buy the ones that are, but that's my way of thinking.

I understand that the standard bearers, drummers and in this case the piper are the flash figures in this unit and therefore more desirable and why they soldout first. But its not like they soldout in a week, a month or even a year they were available to collectors for several years before any of this line soldout.

I just don't understand the anger of missing a figure that was released 7 years ago, and people demanding that First Legion go back 7 years and re-produce a figure, any figure really because they missed it. Believe me I understand the feeling and I've missed a few along the way that I wish I would have bought but it is what it is, life goes on. I hope you won't let a soldout figure ruin the fun of the Hobby for you. I've been in it for over 40 years and I enjoy it more and more every year as the quality and choices just keep improving IMO. Releases come and go but as long as your in it for fun and the love of the subjects you will always enjoy it.

Focus on what you have and what you can readily get instead of what you don't or can't. And if there is a figure or two that you must have and missed, several members have offered ways to obtain them, but my advise is to be patient it can take some time, but don't let it get you down. regards Gebhard

 

[theBaron]

In cases like this, the fun is now in the hunt, to track down that rare figure for a collection. We need look no further than the "Holy Grail" threads that we have here, to see how much a collector can come to appreciate the hunt. If he can acquire the piece, it makes it that much more special in his collection.

Prost!
Brad

 

[jazzeum]

Having been a collector since 2005 and having purchased many an item through eBay, my experience is that everything shows up on eBay. My advice is to check a few times daily and include Europe in your search.

 

[Alexander the Great]

Having been a collector since 2005 and having purchased many an item through eBay, my experience is that everything shows up on eBay. My advice is to check a few times daily and include Europe in your search.

Having done that for years (model airplanes) I tried to find a hobby that would not require it - I chose poorly

 

[johnnybach]

Having done that for years (model airplanes) I tried to find a hobby that would not require it - I chose poorly

I always avoid collecting Toy Soldier producers who make "limited editions", with set numbers of pieces or sets made available to collectors - as your story is all too familiar - but that's just me - and my way of collecting.

Fortunately, there are several producers out there - who don't think that way - and will keep model figures in production for as long as there's a demand. Indeed some of these will also sell you the figures painted - or unpainted. I see that you used to collect model airplanes - which may suggest that you may be a bit handy with a paintbrush????

Could I suggest you have a look at some of the so-called "Cottage Industry" producers in the UK. Names such as ATS, Asset, Dorset Model Soldiers, Imperial Miniatures (formerly All the Queens Men), Irregular Miniatures, John Eden Studios, Langley Miniatures, R P World Models/Steadfast range, Tommy Atkins/Fusilier and Tradition of London ( to name but a few) - who will sell you their offerings - either painted, or unpainted ( at around half the price of a painted one) - and get yourself a whole lot more fun researching and or painting figures than just collecting runs of figures that often have very frustratingly "run out" of the bits you want. All of the above are online too - so you can search for what you want at home - and order via the Internet. I have bought items from them all - and can testify that they will always sell what they show you from their catalogs - even if they have to cast you a new one.

I tried the just collecting bit - way back - but found it quite unsatisfying - whereas my painting of unpainted castings hobby, is now far more interesting (for me).

I believe there are Companies in the USA who do this too - but am not familiar with them, as I live mostly in the UK. Maybe have a look at a few of the above - and see whether that sort of hobby/collecting appeals?? I think there's also an A-Z of producers on this Treefrog Site ( somewhere) Maybe check that out too???

Best of luck - and don't give up hope too soon..................... johnnybach

 

[jazzeum]

Having done that for years (model airplanes) I tried to find a hobby that would not require it - I chose poorly

As the Baron, the thrill of the chase can make it interesting. For years I sought K & C's Rommel Staff Car, only to be consistently beaten in auction after auction. I finally did get it and it was an exhilarating feeling. Whenever I look upon it, I'm reminded of the chase!

 

[zblang]

I love the hunt!
Anyone have nap0012? Haha

 

[tdubel]

Part of the fun for this hobby is the piece you don't have. Whenever I get together with buddies on toy soldiers, most of the talk is about what others are looking for. It is funny in that most hobbies you show off what you have, this one, at least for me is a lot about the hunt. I tell you personally, I have hunted a lot.................its fun!
Tom

 

[FirstLegion]

If it is any small concillation I'm of Scottish ancestry, a Gordon. Have collected toy soldiers for over 7 decades, including a lot of Gordon Highlanders of various manufacturers and vintage. While First Legion produces a quality product, some of their research is lacking. I was personally going to order the Gordon Standard-bearers when first introduced, did not do so for the following fundamental fact. Both bearers were Sergeants, not Ensigns (commissioned officers) as they should have been. This military custom was already well established by the time of Waterloo, and has not changed within the British Army to this day. [/url] .
Best regards,
Arnhem Jim

Well, it's fairly obvious that you collected Gordon Highlanders from other MFR's and never First Legion's because if you did, then you'd know that the Gordon Standard Bearer figures are Ensigns, not Sergeants. I do like how you mistakenly point this out and then assess us with a general comment about our research lacking. If you knew more about us, then you'd know that our research and accuracy is one of our hallmarks as a brand. So it would appear the only research lacking is yours in regards to our figures and because of it you missed out on what would be the best Gordon figures in your collection. :tongue:

Best,

Matt
First Legion

 

[katana]

Treefrog has a consignment section where retired figures frequently show up. I just bought a long retired K&C Barbarian figure. The Treefrog want ads are a real resource too. Anything you ever wanted will eventually show up on Ebay. Patience and persistence are your friends when looking for retired figures.

A Google search of a specific figures manufacturer and catalog number will turn up inventory in obscure hobby shops both domestic and international. Good Luck!

 

[spartan71]

Having done that for years (model airplanes) I tried to find a hobby that would not require it - I chose poorly

I would not say poorly, just the timing. This hobby is great!!, there is no special feeling that to look at your collection, and have the great satisfaction /rush of having it, I always in awe when I pick up a piece and look at the detail of each one.
Maybe look at other ranges, and find something that you might have an interest in. I myself has the interest in the Winged Hussars. And in A couple years or so will pull for The Standard(s), to be made again for the newer collectors then.
But, knowing that may not happen. The work with the details, other intricacies might make that next to impossible to revisit.
The Gordon's is a lot easier to manufacture, and the signs of it happening are quite dim.
I hope the hobby has not lost you.

 

[FirstLegion]

Just so you guys know, I have been listening to the comments being made and the desire to have the Standard Bearers remade for the Gordon Highlanders. I completely understand that some folks want them. On the flip side, they were available for quite some time. Of course that doesn't help the new collector/new customer who perhaps wasn't around when we created them and really wants them so that they can complete their collection. I had mentioned previously that we wanted to produce some more of them and really that hasn't changed, but we have to weigh the opportunity cost of doing so being a business after all. What are we going to sell more of, a brand new never before produced figure or Gordon Standard Bearers? Also, are those asking for it willing to pay the price for it? In 2010/2011 it was a $75 figure, pricey for it's time. Are you now willing to pay $99-$109 for them, because with the Tartan detail and at our current quality level and cost, that's roughly what the price will be for each.

I guess one way to find out is that perhaps I'll put them up on our website for sale and if we get enough firm orders for them, we'll produce them to order with a small amount of overrun. If we don't reach target production numbers, we'll just cancel the orders. If we do reach it, we'll make them and fill the orders. So the market can solely determine if we make more of them...or not. Something of a "Mattstarter" project. :smile2:

 

[sammy719]

Just so you guys know, I have been listening to the comments being made and the desire to have the Standard Bearers remade for the Gordon Highlanders. I completely understand that some folks want them. On the flip side, they were available for quite some time. Of course that doesn't help the new collector/new customer who perhaps wasn't around when we created them and really wants them so that they can complete their collection. I had mentioned previously that we wanted to produce some more of them and really that hasn't changed, but we have to weigh the opportunity cost of doing so being a business after all. What are we going to sell more of, a brand new never before produced figure or Gordon Standard Bearers? Also, are those asking for it willing to pay the price for it? In 2010/2011 it was a $75 figure, pricey for it's time. Are you now willing to pay $99-$109 for them, because with the Tartan detail and at our current quality level and cost, that's roughly what the price will be for each.

I guess one way to find out is that perhaps I'll put them up on our website for sale and if we get enough firm orders for them, we'll produce them to order with a small amount of overrun. If we don't reach target production numbers, we'll just cancel the orders. If we do reach it, we'll make them and fill the orders. So the market can solely determine if we make more of them...or not. Something of a "Mattstarter" project. :smile2:

Any chance to see a Mattstarter Panzer III again??

 

[FirstLegion]

Any chance to see a Mattstarter Panzer III again??

Yes, 0% chance. :smile2: Bigger fish to fry Sammy....

 

[zblang]

I just submitted my money for the MattStarter NAP0012! :tongue:

 

[sammy719]

Yes, 0% chance. :smile2: Bigger fish to fry Sammy....

Gave it a shot..^&grin

 

[Alexander the Great]

Just so you guys know, I have been listening to the comments being made and the desire to have the Standard Bearers remade for the Gordon Highlanders. I completely understand that some folks want them. On the flip side, they were available for quite some time. Of course that doesn't help the new collector/new customer who perhaps wasn't around when we created them and really wants them so that they can complete their collection. I had mentioned previously that we wanted to produce some more of them and really that hasn't changed, but we have to weigh the opportunity cost of doing so being a business after all. What are we going to sell more of, a brand new never before produced figure or Gordon Standard Bearers? Also, are those asking for it willing to pay the price for it? In 2010/2011 it was a $75 figure, pricey for it's time. Are you now willing to pay $99-$109 for them, because with the Tartan detail and at our current quality level and cost, that's roughly what the price will be for each.

I guess one way to find out is that perhaps I'll put them up on our website for sale and if we get enough firm orders for them, we'll produce them to order with a small amount of overrun. If we don't reach target production numbers, we'll just cancel the orders. If we do reach it, we'll make them and fill the orders. So the market can solely determine if we make more of them...or not. Something of a "Mattstarter" project. :smile2:

That would be great matt, I am sure that new collectors will buy them (yours truly included) plus any others that have been looking for them for a long time.
Dare I say the same applies to the piper and the drummer boy...