Review of Louis and Kevin's King & Country Book (1 Viewer)

[norman joplin]

Hi Russ Thanks for the input
Norman

 

[Louis Badolato]

Hello,

I am Russ Bednarek who wrote the review of the King & Country book for Old Toy Soldier magazine. It was a delight to receive a copy and write my review as I felt the book was very well done and applauded the format chosen to convey the subject matter. Perhaps the most important feature of the book is that it will serve as an invaluable resource for future research into the production of King & Country items.

As I research various toy soldiers/makers, it is frustrating to discover that information is sorely lacking. All too often, no one took the time to document production numbers, what figures were produced, who did the sculpting, etc.

I look forward to receiving and reviewing the next volume.

Russ Bednarek

Russ,

The next three volumes are well on their way to publication, including a volume on the early glossy production from when K&C opened its doors in June, 1984 until it converted to matt production in 1996. This volume was the hardest to research, and its the volume I am most proud of, because were able to include not only the information about every regular production K&C glossy figure during this period, but photographs of all but 6. We were also able to include photographs of several K&C custom conversions from the early glossy production period.

To research this volume, I had to rely not only on the extensive collection of K&C literature I have gathered over the years (which included flyers, retail price lists, post card catalogues, dealers price lists, dealer dispatches and magazine advertisements from as early as June and July, 1984) but also on the recollections of Andy and Gordon Neilson, as well as the contents of my collection, and the collections of Larry Lo and Hans Hedrich (who have the finest collections of the early glossy K&C figures I have ever seen).

Frankly, if I could obtain Andy's permission, I would love to organize the K&C literature in my and Larry Lo's possession into a separate volume on K&C's advertising. I have the original black and white advertisements K&C placed in magazines in June and July, 1984, and I was recently given a copy of the very first K&C color flyer by Norman Joplin. I have an estimated 95% to 98% of the flyers K&C produced from 1984 to the present, Larry and I have two different post card catalogues, and Hans has every copy of Toy Soldier Magazine, so has access to just about every color advertisement. I have even kept all of the Christmas Cards and special offer mailings I received over the years (for example, in December, 1999, K&C sent collectors a mailing which enclosed what looked like a K&C credit card, which you could redeem at an upcoming show for a special figure . . . don't ask how, but I got two, so I obtained both the figure and kept one of the mailings with the cards). I think it would be fascinating to put all of this together as one volume on K&C's advertising . . . which I have always thought was one of its strengths. The flyers and catalogues are artworks in their own right.

 

[jazzeum]

I also have a special set of flip out cards in a sleeve of the early sets, which I don't think anybody has (there is a special one about a lithograph that Andy made to celebrate Hong Kong's battles agains the Japanese), which I would be willing to contribute.

 

[panda1gen]

Hello,

I am Russ Bednarek who wrote the review of the King & Country book for Old Toy Soldier magazine. It was a delight to receive a copy and write my review as I felt the book was very well done and applauded the format chosen to convey the subject matter. Perhaps the most important feature of the book is that it will serve as an invaluable resource for future research into the production of King & Country items.

As I research various toy soldiers/makers, it is frustrating to discover that information is sorely lacking. All too often, no one took the time to document production numbers, what figures were produced, who did the sculpting, etc.

I look forward to receiving and reviewing the next volume.

Russ Bednarek

Thanks Russ and welcome.

 

[OzDigger]

I posted your dedication earlier today (also sent you a PM to this effect). At least my signature will make it to Oz in time for the show . . .

Hi Louis, thanks for that mate

 

[aujj65]

I had a flip through the copy that Kevin had with him at the London show yesterday - all your hard work has produced a superb reference book. A very fine job by all concerned I am awaiting the Napoleonic and SOHK edition(s).

Jeff

 

[Eazy]

Jeff's right - i had a look at kevin's copy yesterday and the quality of the pictures is outstanding.
It's an impressive book to look at.

 

[panda1gen]

James,

Too kind, thanks. Looking forward to deplying the new armour in a book though - grin

 

[h.hammer]

Louis,
Enjoyed the review of "volume one",You and Kevin deserve all the credit that is due.
I am sure Brad and i can make ourselves available in July to offer our support and planes to your efforts.
Best,
Harvey

 

[Louis Badolato]

Louis,
Enjoyed the review of "volume one",You and Kevin deserve all the credit that is due.
I am sure Brad and i can make ourselves available in July to offer our support and planes to your efforts.
Best,
Harvey

Thanks Harvey,

I look forward to us getting together.