Spirit of the Empire was started by Jim & Ruth Fuller who ran the hobby shop “The Armory” on Danforth Road in Toronto. It was at the time when influences within the RCMP attempted to restrict the use of the image, especially where it was not appropriate; (ie Moose in Uniform).
Jim’s initial trial was to utilize the Britain’s Eyes Right figure and instruments. He purchased a proper mould making vulcanizer and centrifugal spinner. This was not sucessful. Two other sculpts by a Canadian resulted in a few figures being produced. Jim visited England and arranged with Derek Cross for new figures. Single figures and a band where manufactured. How many bands resulted is a question. A picture of it can be seen in Toy Soldier Issue 16. Jim had it sculpted in 60mm with the belief that it would not be copied. Little did he know that the scale would become widely used. How many were totally Derek’s and how many were modifications is pure speculation. Due to financial problems the business relocated to Napanee, Ontario. The casting was done in Ontario, and painted by Ruth with other locals. Declining health forced the Fuller’s to put the business up for sale. The original boxes were gold covered cardboard, and then proceeded to the red covered boxes.
First Choice Collectables in Mississauga entered the same market with similar versions sculpted and manufactured in China. A mounted version and several foot figures were sold in clam shell packaging.
This was still in the time when restrictions on the use of the image was administered by the RCMP Foundation. Unfortunately this could only apply within the Canadian boarder. An attempt to have the Disney Corporation assist world wide only lasted a year or two.
It was eventually sold out to D'Artagnan's in Montreal Quebec. Under D'Artagnan's the line expanded to include Compagnies franches de Ia marine 1756, Fraser Highlanders 1756, Acadians, Fort Henry Guard, Royal 22nd (Vandoos) Regiment and Canadian Grenadier Guards. His focus was in the tourist trade. D'Artagnan's ended the line around 2006 - 2009. I believe after the Napanee inventory was depleted the figures were produced in China. It was also D'Artagnan's that introduced the wooden crate type packing.
Most of the production was sold via the tourist trade outlets. All as single items. Your best bet is Canadian local flea markets and antique stores.
