VERY Vintage ID Needed (1 Viewer)

[Peter Reuss]

Here is an intriguing request we recently received:

This soldier was found in a stratigraphic layer that dates late 1800's-1915 or so. House was abandoned shortly after that. The soldier still has red paint apparent, missing head, stand and bayonet. Has a backpack and pouch around his waist. Boots, coat etc lead me to believe he's a redcoat. But I need to verify. Hes not a flat, hes 3 dimensional but not like a modern figure. he seems hollow.This is for an archaeological publication and presentation in museum. I need to verify as many details as possible. How he was made, possible manufacturer, etc. This is from the Rumsey house in Enfield Falls New York. Thank you for your assistance with this.

I am directing the person asking the question to this thread. Any ideas??

 

[Peter Reuss]

Since it's hollow I assume we're looking at a Wm Britain Hollowcast figure. Does that sound right??

 

[Fort-Stamford]

Figure appears to be by A. Fry, who traded as the Erecto Toy Company between 1915 and 1922 and was considered one of the imitators of William Britain. He produced "action" figures and this one looks like the one shown on page 125 (top row of figures shown, second from right) in "The Great Book of Hollow-Cast Figures" by Norman Joplin. Unfortunately, can not see back of pictured figure to confirm presence of a backpack. Norman indicated that it is a fairly common figure by that manufacturer.

 

[Peter Reuss]

Is Erecto a US company? The 1915 start fits the late dates of the site...so it could work.

I wonder how many Britains had found their way across the pond by 1915.

 

[johnnybach]

Is Erecto a US company? The 1915 start fits the late dates of the site...so it could work.

I wonder how many Britains had found their way across the pond by 1915.

Erecto was a British Company run by A.Fry in London, Peter. Here's a pic. of a box of TS made by Erecto - note the Trade name, bottom centre - the name "Fry's Fighting Soldiers to the right - and the wording "Manufactured in London - by British Labour - and with British Capital".

Not your mystery figure, of course - but answers the first part of your question. Johnnybach

 

[theBaron]

Well done, gentlemen!

Prost!
Brad