Vectis Auction for the Lt. (1 Viewer)

[ucla1967]

Thanks Mike ,its much apreciated .
I,ll print it out to keep as a record ,

Do you still seem much demand for glossys
at the shows you attend or is the end nigh
for traditional toy soldiers and collectors?.

regards Rob

There is no question in my mind that the trend is towards matte finished, 60-mm size, more animated figures, especially those produced by King & Country. This seems to be especially true with younger collectors. I wrote about this trend in my review of the 2007 West Coaster in TS & MF magazine's June issue. However, I would not say that traditional, glossy toy soldiers are dying out, it is just that there seems to be a shift in preferences. Heck, two of the leaders in the more realistic, matte finish trend, Andy Neilson and Gerard Prime, bought glossy, 54-mm sets from me at the West Coaster. Bob Walker has 15,000 figures in his collection and there is not a K & C set among them, but he is my age. To my mind's eye, there is something special about seeing a group of 40 glossy figures marching past.

 

[damian]

Mike
I would second that. There is something special about a set of gloss figures. There is no doubt that WWII and modern type sets are best in matte, but when it comes to colonial war and even Napoleonics then gloss has a lot going for it. WIth the demise of Trophy it seems however that gloss is on the way out. I am quite eclectic about what I collect but as my posts on the Trophy thread will bear out gloss will always be special to me
Regards
Damian Clarke

 

[damian]

Mike
Don't write an artilce about Trophy just yet. I still want to mop up a few sets. Once the article is written and a sense of historical perspective develops, then I forsee a demand for these sets and an increase on price. If that set from Vectis reached 15 000 dollars then I think that is an indication of how thiongs will go.
Regards
Damian

 

[ucla1967]

Mike
Don't write an artilce about Trophy just yet. I still want to mop up a few sets. Once the article is written and a sense of historical perspective develops, then I forsee a demand for these sets and an increase on price. If that set from Vectis reached 15 000 dollars then I think that is an indication of how thiongs will go.
Regards
Damian

Hi Damian,

Yes, I have mixed emotions about that. However, Len Taylor's friend may write it, and if he doesn't I'll give it a try. He needs to hurry though, because Len has been in poor health for some time. I really could not do justice to a Trophy article without being able to contact Len and get a lot of the information that probably exists only in his head. However, my next article is going to be a collector's story on Bob Walker's collection.

I wrote the Imperial article because I was concerned about the status of Imperial's on-going operations. I wanted to share some kind of a record about Imperial, even in a limited way, before it got lost over time. I also hope it will renew an interest in Imperial with collectors who were not that familar with them, because they are really represent outstanding examples of high-end glossy figures.

I also agree about WWII matte figures. I have K & C's BoB and Frontline's WWII sets in my collection. However, I have at least two dozen of Hiriart's WWI and WWII sets which are 54-mm and glossy. Although none of them are in action poses, I have Finns, Alpini, Kreigsmarine, ANZACs, Turks, Chasseurs Alpin, Austrian Rifles, Senagalese, etc. marching past which I would not trade for anything.

 

[ROAN]

However, I would not say that traditional, glossy toy soldiers are dying out, it is just that there seems to be a shift in preferences. Heck, two of the leaders in the more realistic, matte finish trend, Andy Neilson and Gerard Prime, bought glossy, 54-mm sets from me at the West Coaster. Bob Walker has 15,000 figures in his collection and there is not a K & C set among them, but he is my age. To my mind's eye, there is something special about seeing a group of 40 glossy figures marching past.

Hear, hear....

 

[ROAN]

There is no question in my mind that the trend is towards matte finished, 60-mm size, more animated figures, especially those produced by King & Country. This seems to be especially true with younger collectors.

A good part of the reason I’m attracted to traditional, glossy style toy soldiers is because of nostalgia. I grew up in the 50s, 60s and got these for Christmas and birthdays. Am sure nostalgia is an important factor with others in this age group and also those older.

 

[aujj65]

There is no question in my mind that the trend is towards matte finished, 60-mm size, more animated figures, especially those produced by King & Country. This seems to be especially true with younger collectors. I wrote about this trend in my review of the 2007 West Coaster in TS & MF magazine's June issue. However, I would not say that traditional, glossy toy soldiers are dying out, it is just that there seems to be a shift in preferences. Heck, two of the leaders in the more realistic, matte finish trend, Andy Neilson and Gerard Prime, bought glossy, 54-mm sets from me at the West Coaster. Bob Walker has 15,000 figures in his collection and there is not a K & C set among them, but he is my age. To my mind's eye, there is something special about seeing a group of 40 glossy figures marching past.

I collect only K&C style figures now but I still paint traditional style gloss figures (see my RHA tread in the Painting forum) for others and I get great enjoyment from doing so. I agree that there is something special about gloss finished figures. If I had the time and the space I would probably paint some for myself.

Jeff

 

[ucla1967]

A good part of the reason I’m attracted to traditional, glossy style toy soldiers is because of nostalgia. I grew up in the 50s, 60s and got these for Christmas and birthdays. Am sure nostalgia is an important factor with others in this age group and also those older.

I grew up in the 1940s and 1950s and couldn't agree with you more regarding the nostalgia associated with glossy toy soldiers. BTW, if you don't subscribe to Toy Soldier & Model Figure magazine, I would be happy to e-mail you, or anyone else who is interested, a copy of my West Coaster review in the June issue where I talk about hobby trends or the Imperial article which will be in September's issue.

 

[plasmapulse]

Why don't post it? (In the appropriate section that is. For some reason the moderators don't mind if people go way off-topic).

 

[ucla1967]

Why don't post it? (In the appropriate section that is. For some reason the moderators don't mind if people go way off-topic).

Actually, I would have posted the West Coaster review under the "Shows" section if I knew how. It exists as a draft in my e-mail system, but I don't have a clue how to send it as a new thread. Maybe it can't be done.

As for "way off-topic," I'll leave that for others to judge, but I was responding to a question someone asked. Ths forum is more like having a conversation with someone, in my opinion. We start on one subject and the conversation evolves into other areas. Such is life!

BTW, (I am digressing here and getting way off topic) I have a special fondness for the people of the Netherlands. My wife is of Dutch origin, but dating back to the New Amsterdam Partoon in New York. As a young G.I. in 1964, I made my first visit to your country and I still remember the friendliness of the people. I also remember touring the Heinekin brewery and getting a free lunch which meant a lot to me since my pay was only about $120 USD per month. I have been a loyal Heinekin drinker ever since.

 

[kilted vampire]

I grew up in the 1940s and 1950s and couldn't agree with you more regarding the nostalgia associated with glossy toy soldiers. BTW, if you don't subscribe to Toy Soldier & Model Figure magazine, I would be happy to e-mail you, or anyone else who is interested, a copy of my West Coaster review in the June issue where I talk about hobby trends or the Imperial article which will be in September's issue.

I look forward to reading about the Imperial company. I like them a lot but most glossies will do. I am now working on a glossy Civil War Battle

 

[ROAN]

BTW, (I am digressing here and getting way off topic) I have a special fondness for the people of the Netherlands. My wife is of Dutch origin, but dating back to the New Amsterdam Partoon in New York. As a young G.I. in 1964, I made my first visit to your country and I still remember the friendliness of the people. I also remember touring the Heinekin brewery and getting a free lunch which meant a lot to me since my pay was only about $120 USD per month. I have been a loyal Heinekin drinker ever since.

I also have a special feeling for the Dutch and Holland-some of my ancestors originally came from there(my family name means "dune" in Dutch).

 

[damian]

Dear Mike

Trophy and Len will always be close to my heart. I rediscovered toy soldiers in 1996 and my research eventually lead me to Trophy. In 1997 I got married and my wife and I went on a slightly delayed honeymoon to the UK and the Edinburgh festival. We made a trip out to Penarth by train bus and eventually foot to reach the Trophy factory. Len was most gracious. I have a photo pf Elizabeth myself and Len. He gave us a signed colour photocopy of an article that had appeared in TSMF of 1995 about Trophy. He also gave Elizabeth a free Christmas vingette of a litle girl standing on her brother's back to post a letter to Santa. 1997 will always be fresh in my memory. Tony Blair had just come to power, Princess Dianna was still alive and Trophy was still in full production. It is now 10 years later. We have three daughters and have just celebrated our 10th wedding anniversary, and are looking forward to many more. All the other personalities are gone but at least Len's wonderful figures will live on.
Regards
Damian Clarke

 

[kilted vampire]

Dear Mike

Trophy and Len will always be close to my heart. I rediscovered toy soldiers in 1996 and my research eventually lead me to Trophy. In 1997 I got married and my wife and I went on a slightly delayed honeymoon to the UK and the Edinburgh festival. We made a trip out to Penarth by train bus and eventually foot to reach the Trophy factory. Len was most gracious. I have a photo pf Elizabeth myself and Len. He gave us a signed colour photocopy of an article that had appeared in TSMF of 1995 about Trophy. He also gave Elizabeth a free Christmas vingette of a litle girl standing on her brother's back to post a letter to Santa. 1997 will always be fresh in my memory. Tony Blair had just come to power, Princess Dianna was still alive and Trophy was still in full production. It is now 10 years later. We have three daughters and have just celebrated our 10th wedding anniversary, and are looking forward to many more. All the other personalities are gone but at least Len's wonderful figures will live on.
Regards
Damian Clarke

Nice memories and Congratulations on the 10 years

 

[ucla1967]

Dear Mike

Trophy and Len will always be close to my heart. I rediscovered toy soldiers in 1996 and my research eventually lead me to Trophy. In 1997 I got married and my wife and I went on a slightly delayed honeymoon to the UK and the Edinburgh festival. We made a trip out to Penarth by train bus and eventually foot to reach the Trophy factory. Len was most gracious. I have a photo pf Elizabeth myself and Len. He gave us a signed colour photocopy of an article that had appeared in TSMF of 1995 about Trophy. He also gave Elizabeth a free Christmas vingette of a litle girl standing on her brother's back to post a letter to Santa. 1997 will always be fresh in my memory. Tony Blair had just come to power, Princess Dianna was still alive and Trophy was still in full production. It is now 10 years later. We have three daughters and have just celebrated our 10th wedding anniversary, and are looking forward to many more. All the other personalities are gone but at least Len's wonderful figures will live on.
Regards
Damian Clarke

Dear Damian,

What a special experience. Not that many of us have had an opportunity to visit such a major player in the toy soldier world. Congratulations on reaching your 10th wedding anniversary. My wife and I will be celebrating our 40th next month. We are going back to Las Vegas where we were married by a drunk justice of peace. I am still not sure if we are married or not. He kept trying to marry me to Terri and my wife's name is Jean.

Best Regards

 

[vandilay]

There is no question in my mind that the trend is towards matte finished, 60-mm size, more animated figures, especially those produced by King & Country. This seems to be especially true with younger collectors. I wrote about this trend in my review of the 2007 West Coaster in TS & MF magazine's June issue. However, I would not say that traditional, glossy toy soldiers are dying out, it is just that there seems to be a shift in preferences. Heck, two of the leaders in the more realistic, matte finish trend, Andy Neilson and Gerard Prime, bought glossy, 54-mm sets from me at the West Coaster. Bob Walker has 15,000 figures in his collection and there is not a K & C set among them, but he is my age. To my mind's eye, there is something special about seeing a group of 40 glossy figures marching past.

Hi Mike

Its interesting reading other peoples take on the direction the hobby
is headed .As I dont personaly know any other collectors its only
through a forum like this you can get any sort of read on it.
I would love to read either of the articles you have written if
you get a chance to forward them that would be great .

Regards Rob

 

[ucla1967]

Hi Mike

Its interesting reading other peoples take on the direction the hobby
is headed .As I dont personaly know any other collectors its only
through a forum like this you can get any sort of read on it.
I would love to read either of the articles you have written if
you get a chance to forward them that would be great .

Regards Rob

Hi Rob,

I'll get your e-mail address from the forum and forward them both.

 

[vandilay]

Thanks very much Mike ,I just sent it in via a pm.

 

[plasmapulse]

Actually, I would have posted the West Coaster review under the "Shows" section if I knew how. It exists as a draft in my e-mail system, but I don't have a clue how to send it as a new thread. Maybe it can't be done.

As for "way off-topic," I'll leave that for others to judge, but I was responding to a question someone asked. Ths forum is more like having a conversation with someone, in my opinion. We start on one subject and the conversation evolves into other areas. Such is life!

BTW, (I am digressing here and getting way off topic) I have a special fondness for the people of the Netherlands. My wife is of Dutch origin, but dating back to the New Amsterdam Partoon in New York. As a young G.I. in 1964, I made my first visit to your country and I still remember the friendliness of the people. I also remember touring the Heinekin brewery and getting a free lunch which meant a lot to me since my pay was only about $120 USD per month. I have been a loyal Heinekin drinker ever since.

Mike, You have just experienced Dutch-directness from my part, which I'm sure you are familiar with. I know what you are talking about (evolving conversations), I have put some diorama pics in this thread myself folowing the auction and Lt.'s pics. What I am trying to say is that it is bloody hard for other readers not folowing the thread to know we are talking topic x (a diorama or article or whatever) in a Ebay-related thread.

I didn't want to offend/attack you or anybody, but simply commented on the fact that threads here run off topic in general, which is not very appreciated at a lot of fora for the reason mentioned above but is obviously of no problem here. And I just wanted to prevent your article from reaching just a few people as a result of this.

I'm glad you like the Dutch. Personally I'm more fond of americans and brits (as people).
They are generally more polite and are better partners in business (Ebay or direct trade through fora). I haven't met any of them in person, just talking online experience.

 

[jazzeum]

Gents,

The nature of forums is that threads can veer off into many different areas. I think that's what makes forums fascinating.

It doesn't seem to make sense, however, to keep this excellent thread in the ebay area. Just tell us which part of the forum to which you would like it moved and we can take care of it.