Trophy or UTF? (1 Viewer)

[DavidChristCollection]

There's some debate whether these guys are early Trophy or Under Two Flags. What say you guys?

 

[Louis Badolato]

Trophy made figures for Under Two Flags, so it could be both.

 

[DavidChristCollection]

Is that how it worked? I was under the impression that UTF was a predecessor and evolved into Trophy. But, still the rookie in the room here.

 

[jazzeum]

Trophy. Look at page 8 of the Boer War thread.

 

[Louis Badolato]

Is that how it worked? I was under the impression that UTF was a predecessor and evolved into Trophy. But, still the rookie in the room here.

Under Two Flags was a hobby shop. They commissioned manufacturers like Trophy of Wales and Heco Tinplate Models to make items for them to sell as their own.

 

[DavidChristCollection]

Trophy. Look at page 8 of the Boer War thread.

Looks like my guys. Most of what I saw was discussion about whether the bases were added later. Mine don't have bases. I'll re-read in case I'm missing something that should be smacking me upside the broadside. But, all I got was a confirmation of their name and that they're most likely earlier versions of Trophy. No discussion of UTF that I picked up on first glance. Thanks for the direction. I did pick up some other info there in other sets I had questions about. A worthwhile trip

 

[boerboy]

Well, based on the "ugly horses with big eyes," they are definitely early UTF. I have seen these horses in other early UTF sets.

 

[Louis Badolato]

Well, based on the "ugly horses with big eyes," they are definitely early UTF. I have seen these horses in other early UTF sets.

Al,

Nice to see you back posting!

 

[boerboy]

Thank you, Louis. The Trophy threads in the forum used to be very exciting and engaging, with a lot of discussion. Now, it looks like they have fallen asleep—it's about time to add some adrenaline!

 

[Louis Badolato]

Thank you, Louis. The Trophy threads in the forum used to be very exciting and engaging, with a lot of discussion. Now, it looks like they have fallen asleep—it's about time to add some adrenaline!

Sounds good!

 

[DavidChristCollection]

Thank you, Louis. The Trophy threads in the forum used to be very exciting and engaging, with a lot of discussion. Now, it looks like they have fallen asleep—it's about time to add some adrenaline!

I was starting to think it was just that nobody wanted to talk to the new kid. Hahaha

 

[jazzeum]

Well, based on the "ugly horses with big eyes," they are definitely early UTF. I have seen these horses in other early UTF sets.

I’m not so sure Alex. I think they’re Trophy but will defer to you.

 

[jazzeum]

Thank you, Louis. The Trophy threads in the forum used to be very exciting and engaging, with a lot of discussion. Now, it looks like they have fallen asleep—it's about time to add some adrenaline!

Unfortunately, it doesn’t seem like they elicit a lot of interest anymore. From my perspective, prices (and thus interest) have dropped. I’ve been trying to sell some things on eBay with no luck. I’m downsizing and want to reduce my collection (all makers) significantly and with Trophy there has been no interest at all.

 

[boerboy]

You’re absolutely right, especially when it comes to early or common sets. I’m also trying to thin out my collection. There are too many alternatives on the market today, and the new generation has absolutely no interest in toy soldiers.

That said, everything sells—it’s just a matter of setting the right price. If there were a stock market recommendation for this sector, it would definitely be "sell."

 

[jazzeum]

Well, I’ve tried to sell a marching band for over seven months (at least). No interest. Not a peep so, no, everything does not sell.

 

[boerboy]

I would recommend slashing the price to at least $220.

 

[jazzeum]

I sent someone an offer in that range. Crickets. I’m already below where I want to sell it.

 

[boerboy]

The Buy It Now (BIN) price and offers work quite differently. My philosophy on eBay is that if an item doesn’t sell within two months at the asking price, it likely means my price is too high for the current market, so I will lower it again. In some cases, I’ll even take a loss because there’s no alternative.

The toy soldier market isn’t going to bounce back to where it once was, and unfortunately, we can’t take these wonderful collectibles with us. It’s an uncomfortable reality, but that’s where things stand today.

Just my two cents.

 

[jazzeum]

The Buy It Now (BIN) price and offers work quite differently. My philosophy on eBay is that if an item doesn’t sell within two months at the asking price, it likely means my price is too high for the current market, so I will lower it again. In some cases, I’ll even take a loss because there’s no alternative.

The toy soldier market isn’t going to bounce back to where it once was, and unfortunately, we can’t take these wonderful collectibles with us. It’s an uncomfortable reality, but that’s where things stand today.

Just my two cents.

I’ve lowered the price significantly, to the point where I would be taking quite a loss as it is.

However, I’ve had no such trouble with King & Country or First Legion. They’ve been doing quite well.

It’s the traditional toy soldier market where there is a problem.

 

[DavidChristCollection]

I've found that Trophy collectors are fiercely loyal. There's just not a ton of them out there. At least, I haven't found them yet. My marketing strategy is a little different, though. I've avoided eBay. Just seems like a giant pain in the posterior portion. Plus, I've built some cool relationships my way. Maybe more laborious and time consuming. But, for me, more rewarding. With the little data I've produced as a seller, it seems that Imperial and Marlborough/Blenheim are more sought after than Trophy. Britains is the leader by far, but, that is in part because there's way more of those collectors in my field of view.