To Paint or Not to Paint That is the Question (1 Viewer)

[Arnhemjim]

Members of the Forum,
I have had a question for some time regarding the repainting, modification and embellishment of “toy Soldiers”. In the halcyon days of the now considered “vintage” W. Britains Ltd. toy soldiers, collectors frequently modified and repainted the figures to meet their personal whims/requirements and thought nothing of it, paralleling the collectors of today.

Then in 1966, as most are aware, the company totally ceased production of the hollow-cast figures. As supplies dwindled from toy store and dealer’s shelves, in a very few years sets started showing up at auction houses, and the rest is as they say “history”.

In addition to sets who’s owner had the inclination/foresight to save the original boxes, the original “as manufactured” painting became one of the criteria of desirability. Several of the acknowledged experts in the field, not the least of which, James Opie, have long admonished collectors to resist the temptation of embellishing, retouching, and/or repainting Britains, unless they are in relic condition.

I would like to learn the opinions of the members of this forum on this subject, with regard to the currently manufactured “new toy soldiers” i.e. First Legion, Figarti, Collectors Showcase, King & Country, Britain, Imperial, Hocker, etc.

Regards,
Arnhem Jim
Arizona Territory

 

[theBaron]

It depends on whether you collect as an investment or for enjoyment. If you collect as an investment, or if you take the value of your figures into account, then you probably should not modify them in any way. But if you don't care about the dollar value, and you would enjoy modifying them, then go for it. Who knows? If you have a talent for it, you might actually create something that others will value more than the original stock figure.

Prost!
Brad

PS--If you do want to paint your own, though, I wouldn't bother buying First Legion and other finished figures. You can get comparable castings for far less than the retail price of those figures. You can look at eBay, for example, and at shows. That's what I do. I don't repaint contemporary, commercially-available figures, not because I invest in them, but because it's too expensive a proposition from the outset.

 

[Larry Allen]

If I had the painting skills I might try to re-paint my K&C sets to increase the number of Regiments and such. Same with the JJD Raid on St. Francis and the 1812 series. But I DO NOT have the ability of some of the maters on this forum ... so no I would never repaint.

Still, I do find ... as Brad pointed out ....cheaper castings and "Plastic" sets to fill in some spaces until K&C or JJD gets around to the figures that I need. For example there are some "decent" ALL-THE-KINGS-MEN" causalities that I need since Andy hasn't got around to that yet.

A while ago I asked the same question on this forum ... but limited the extent of painting to "BASES ONLY" since they never seem to blend in to well.

Even that was not suggested as a good idea if you ever wish to resell. I have no intention of reselling (at least in the foreseeable future) but I still haven't had the courage to take my brushes out .... {sm2}

---Larry

 

[johnnybach]

Well, I'm definitely with Brad on this one Jim. I too don't collect modern high-ticket items from contemporary producers - as I just don't think most are good value for money. I DO collect castings (which I then paint myself for the pure pleasure of doing it) - and older hollowcast figures - which are usually found with much paint loss, broken, frequently missing parts or have other deformities due mainly to age - and doing what they were made for - being played with.

I too, don't collect with a view to investment - for me it's just pure pleasure to "bring back" something that's meant for the melting pot - and make a playworthy specimen out of it once again. If that makes me someone who is devaluing my investment, according to Mr Opie - then, so be it.

But, to take some recently completed examples of restoration which I've just finished repairing and repainting - which of these would you prefer to have in your cabinet? (Hint - the first pic is of a few - as found - and the second is the restored versions). Now, they may not be WORTH much - as an investment - but I love doing what I do - playing with them - and owning them - so the subject of resale and value - just doesn't come into my equation at all.

Cheers Jim! - hope that helps with your question - johnnybach

 

[wadepat]

Hi Jim,

My sympathies lie with Mr. Opie. I would never alter a figure or change the original colors applied to figures. I want them to be completely original. And, of course, I save all the boxes. My desire to retain the originality of the figures largely emerges from my experience with antiques and with vintage muscle car show competition. In almost every instance, the value of an original exceeds, sometimes greatly exceeds, the value of altered items. While I do not collect for investment purposes, the orientation of prizing originality has become quite an ingrained characteristic of my hobby life. However,...

I believe strongly that if you purchase a figure, it is yours to do with as you please. If one wishes to alter it, repaint it, convert it, etc., then it is the owner's right to proceed. In fact, many times I have viewed altered figures and concluded they were interesting and beautiful items. Also, altered figures contribute to enhancing the diversity of what is available to the collector. Above all, a hobby should bring pleasure to the participant but, in my case, originality is what brings me the greatest pleasure.

Warmest personal regards,

Pat

 

[Poppo]

I repaint parts when I find the colours too bright, or I want another colour or I don't like the pattern. Or I want to change a winter uniform into a summer one. Often to better adapt them in a diorama.To me a big part of the hobby is to make and see the result of these changings, and to have a unique piece.