What do non-collectors like (1 Viewer)

[paxtoysoldier]

I was wondering what people who visit us and see our collections really like, what people have enjoyed toy soldier gifts or have purchased for themselves after they have seen our collections, and, crucially, what wives like. I think this may be a fun topic.
For Dad & me,
Visitors are are either uninterested or think that it is a cool hobby, if not one on which they will spend a fortune. They age from 9-70.
Top friend-faves include:
Mostly MF over TS,
Cool vehicles and mounted figs, mainly WW2, NATIVE AMERICANS, and "big names" (Alexander, Caesar, Lee, etc.), and whatever they picked up from History class that they found interesting. Gifts are tailored to the tastes.
My Mom, wife of Dad, likes scenes of people doing things other than fighting. She likes our K&C Egypt and ATS Napoleonic Ball (in Brussels for Sharpe fans) and the recently-obtained FF Colonial tavern and Trophy cook sets and any scene that shows the art of miniatures without much violence.
Personally, I think that WW2, Knights, and Native Americans garnish more attention than my Napoleonics or Victorian Wars when admirers are not History or TS buffs. American History is still a hit here, and Ancients are venerated by many.
We should spread the Hobby by showing others the fun up-close, IMO,
Paddy
Best Wishes

 

[paxtoysoldier]

I was wondering what people who visit us and see our collections really like, what people have enjoyed toy soldier gifts or have purchased for themselves after they have seen our collections, and, crucially, what wives like. I think this may be a fun topic.
For Dad & me,
Visitors are are either uninterested or think that it is a cool hobby, if not one on which they will spend a fortune. They age from 9-70.
Top friend-faves include:
Mostly MF over TS,
Cool vehicles and mounted figs, mainly WW2, NATIVE AMERICANS, and "big names" (Alexander, Caesar, Lee, etc.), and whatever they picked up from History class that they found interesting. Gifts are tailored to the tastes.
My Mom, wife of Dad, likes scenes of people doing things other than fighting. She likes our K&C Egypt and ATS Napoleonic Ball (in Brussels for Sharpe fans) and the recently-obtained FF Colonial tavern and Trophy cook sets and any scene that shows the art of miniatures without much violence.
Personally, I think that WW2, Knights, and Native Americans garnish more attention than my Napoleonics or Victorian Wars when admirers are not History or TS buffs. American History is still a hit here, and Ancients are venerated by many.
We should spread the Hobby by showing others the fun up-close, IMO,
Paddy
Best Wishes

If we only do business with each other, if we don't explain to our friends and family how fun the hobby is, then the future of the hobby is in serious danger. I always promote it to friends and never profit. Toy soldiers are an artform, a window to History, and a passion.

People who visit love the collection.
Few new to toy soldiers or History looks at collection photos on the net.

Pass the torch

 

[zblang]

In my collection, it depends on the person. But I find non collectors really like the civilian stuff. When I have people (well, when I used to have people) to my house, they tend to flock to the Egyptian, Hong Kong and ceremonial displays rather then the battle ones.

 

[mikemiller1955]

agreed...my house guests migrate immediately to my K&C Ancient Egypt and JJD Poilu displays...both "peaceful campfire" posed figures...

 

[Larry Allen]

In my collection, it depends on the person. But I find non collectors really like the civilian stuff. When I have people (well, when I used to have people) to my house, they tend to flock to the Egyptian, Hong Kong and ceremonial displays rather then the battle ones.

agreed...my house guests migrate immediately to my K&C Ancient Egypt and JJD Poilu displays...both "peaceful campfire" posed figures...

I'll third that vote.
I have a JJD RSF Indian village that seems to a natural draw.
My K&C and JJD planes, aircraft carrier and airfield are popular.

However, the American Revolution gets the most attention. Mostly marching and (non-combat) scenes.
I think the bright colors, tight formations of troops, the trees and brush' the building, etc all combine to give this one the top spot.

--- LaRRy