This is pretty much where I'm at with this hobby; but have restricted myself to the NAP line and WWII North African Campaign (minus the Italians). Spent most of my time in this hobby collecting early (read retired) AK, EA, and NAPs, which has actually made it more interesting for me, in that I had to hunt, and in the process, make some good contacts (one, not so good:rolleyes2
on this forum. For the most part, most folks who post and sell on this forum are good people:salute::
Fortunately, (or unfortunately, financially
) the lines I've chosen are active and prolific. In some, I have acquired as many as eight multiples of a number of different figures for constructs I've have mentally developed but have not yet physically assembled in grand dioramas. What's great about this hobby is that I can do it at my own pace, and pick up great ideas from what other people post and knowledge I gain through reading about battles and campaigns in books recommended by folks in this forum.
I've tried to obtain almost all of what is available in these lines, except for a few figures or pieces which I particularly didn't care for. I didn't feel compelled to get everything. Conversely, there are some individual pieces in other lines that I really like, but have thus far been able to refrain from purchasing, hoping to avoid a possible domino effect^&grin
Once I begin to find I am satisfied with what I have in these lines and/or new issues start becoming less interesting or too predictable, I'll probably dip my toe into others (slowly)%^V
On the subject of selective collecting I would like to conduct a brief adjunct psychological study regarding individual level of addiction, i.e. “outpatient versus committable” to the hobby of “toy soldier” collecting. Obviously all replies are strictly voluntary, and if you are a Napoleonic British collector, there is a special dispensation, because of your inherent bias. However, I think this exercise may give the majority of us at least a moment to ponder and reflect on the current state of the hobby. Please take this reply in the at least semi-lighthearted nature in which it is intended.
As a defense systems engineer I was continuously given the task of conducting “cost effectiveness and/or cost trade-off studies. In a much lighter vein than those studies were accomplished, I would like to give the members of the forum the following exercise.
Description of first candidate “weapon system”:
British Army Baker Rifle and Sword Bayonet
We now have reproductions of the famous Baker Rifle (1806 model) with rounded patch box, rounded lock with goose-necked cock. This rifle is made by the same manufacturers who made for the Rifles for the Television Series Sharpe's Rifles (other companies have falsely claimed this). In fact Bernard Cornwell, author of the Sharpe Series, has purchased one from us as well. In addition we supplied our Baker Rifles to the movie the Alamo.
As the images testify this is a beautiful replica of this famous rifle. The rifle corps of the British Army, along with a number of other foreign armies financed by Great Britain, used the Baker Rifle throughout the Napoleonic Wars. In North America, the Baker Rifle was used by the rifle companies of the 60th Regiment during the invasion of Maine in 1814. The famous 95th Rifles used them at New Orleans in 1815. After the war, the 60th and Rifle Brigade continued to use them in garrison in Canada into the 1840s. The Mexican Army purchased large stocks of Baker Rifles and were used at the Battle of the Alamo. Click here to read about loading and firing a Baker Rifle.
The vents are not drilled from the pan into the barrel making them non-firing. The frizzens are case hardened to produce good sparks. The seamless tempered barrels are made of high-carbon steel (type:BS970 no.080M40) and the breeches are threaded. The barrels are not rifled(.62 Cal). (rifled barrels available - see below)
UK Customers: Without the vent hole this Baker Rifle can easily be shipped to the UK.
Please note there are a number of questionable quality replica Baker Rifles being sold on online auctions, etc. These copies are not the Baker Rifle being offered here. They have no grain to the wood, the muzzle of the barrel goes way far past the end of the nose cap, and the sights are bizarrely shaped. Do your research before buying.
Now you can have a rifled Baker barrel made, mounted and test fired by a barrel maker in the United States for 195.00US (plus shipping). This special and exclusive option has been a very popular with our clients (U.S and Canada only). We will provide the name of the barrel maker with your rifle and you to make arrangements.
If upon receiving your musket you are not completely happy with your purchase, you may return it for a refund. All we ask is you cover the shipping costs.
Non-Firing State
We sell historically accurate muskets as a non-firing state. A certified gunsmith may alter this musket to a firing state by drilling the vent hole and certify it as being safe (by, for example, proofing the barrel). We are not legally responsible for any alteration made to this item.
Sale Price: 499.00US (559.00CAN) UPS Shipping to US is $38.00; to UK 135.00CAN (estimate: £77.00)
Money-back Guarantee - Shipped to your Door - Lowest Price Commitment
Description of second candidate “weapon system”
King & Country Gordon Highlanders (Current complete set in series)
1. Mounted Officer @ $79.00 USD
2. Horseman and Highlander @ $115.00 USD
3. Ensign w/colour @ $57.00 USD
4. 7 Highlanders (in differing positions) @ $35.00ea ($245.00) USD
5. Drummer @ $39.00 USD
Total $535.00 USD
As you can see the incurred cost is just about a wash. Excluding those of you to whom “selective collecting” isn’t even an issue, how would you decide? I think this may prove an interesting study.
Regards,
Arnhemjim
