Selling Toy soldiers at reenactments. (1 Viewer)

[Scott]

These Russians did it at Borodino in 2008..

...'cause capitalism won .

Search "Бородино" sometime for interesting photos of the event.

 

[The Military Workshop]

I have attended a few re-enanactment events and generally found the re-enactors, whilst they appreciate the figures, to not be that likely to start collecting figures. Many spend quite a bit on their uniforms and equipment and don't have much left for soldiers. The spectators are more likely to buy.
Regards
Brett

 

[Scott]

As you wrote, the spectators might take home a souvenir. At the "sutler rows" at big US reenactments the dealers often have stuff for the spectators. I used to bring one of those old wooden printer's type drawers full of my painted pewter figures to some events. I'd set it out after the battle when the spectators (or 'taters) came through the camp. Usually it paid for my gas and such.

I get a kick out of seeing the Russians with free time and disposable income. When I was kid in the 50s-60s, I thought Russians were poor, humorless, and evil.

 

[DCN1898]

I go to ACW reenactments in California, (I used to participate) and there is one gentleman out of Reno who has a tent on Sutler's row. He sell mostly Wm. Britains and Frontline. I agree that I don't see the reenactors buying much if anything. But I really feel sorry for him sometimes with him having to deal with the spectators who want to touch everything and have no control of their children. Luckily they seem to still be in the minority at the events.

 

[Combat]

I had the same thought at the 250th reenactment at Ticonderoga. Given that these are outdoor events, though, they are not the best conditions for toy soldier displays. Uneven tables, rain, people running wild among the sutler tents.

 

[Scott]

I was selling semi-flats. They fit nicely into these. Store well in the car as well.

 

[Napoleon1er]

I wish someone sold soldiers at the reenactments I participate in.... my two favorite things in one!

 

[Scott]

What kinds of events are you going to? Rev-War, WW II, CW/WBTS?

 

[Napoleon1er]

What kinds of events are you going to? Rev-War, WW II, CW/WBTS?

I reenact the Rev-War, my unit is the Rhode Island United Train of Artillery and our captain is John Taber. Hey, if you are free on August 6/7 there is actually a large reenactment in Sturbridge, in which we usually field two {eek3} guns and fusiliers! By the way-do you know a guy named Bob Delisle, who does Civil War Union Navy?
-Sandor:salute::

 

[Scott]

I used to pay for my "kit" by selling my pewter toy soldiers at events. It was a small matter of a "period" folding table and one of the printer's type drawers with figure sized slots for the soldiers. I have to get out to the Sturbridge event, Thanks for telling me about it. Bob's name sounds familiar but I have been away from Union Navy since the 90s when I did a few events with the "Kearsarge After Guard" out of New Hampshire.

 

[theBaron]

There were some vendors selling figures at the MAAM WWII Weekend in Reading last week, but there were a lot more vendors selling model kits. And both groups were far outnumbered by dealers selling 1:1 scale items. I agree with the comment above, you might find some people at a re-enactment, whether a re-enactor or a patron, who might like a souvenir, but probably not enough to attract a larger number of dealers.

There was one gentleman selling plastic conversions, who used all kinds of contemporary plastic figures (eg, Armies in Plastic, Barzo), as well as scale model kits by Tamiya and Monogram. He trades as "Axis of Plastic", so you others here in the East Coast, keep your eyes open, you might see him at other re-enactments.

Prost!
Brad