Who are the better manufacturers of flats? (1 Viewer)
- Thread starter MikeNick
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blaster
Major
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Hi Mike,
You may want to post yr query on this dedicated flats forum site
http://www.britishflatfigures.org.uk/forum/default.asp
Rgds Victor
You may want to post yr query on this dedicated flats forum site
http://www.britishflatfigures.org.uk/forum/default.asp
Rgds Victor
theBaron
Major
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Hi, Mike, I'll second Vic's advice, but also offer some additional info.
No, not all manufacturers are out of business, though there are many. The first commerically-viable flat figures emerged in the 18th century, and some makers ("editors", they're sometimes called) are still in business, others have come and gone.
Opinions about the quality of any given figure may vary. You have to look at the quality of the engraving and casting, then take into account the quality of the painting. Some flats are very nicely detailed, but they were farmed out to cottage-industry painters whose skill varied wildly from one painter to the next.
Along with checking out the British Flat Figure Society, may I recommend to you the Berliner Zinnfiguren site: www.zinnfigur.com The site and store are run by Hans-Günther Scholtz, whose father, Werner Scholtz, established his own line of molds and a catalog. BZ carries the Scholtz line, as well as others, some newer, some older from older molds. Many figures are available either painted or as unpainted castings. They also have an extensive "flea market" area of figured from old collections. I recommend browsing their site, and even subscribing to their hard-copy catalogs. That can give you an idea of what current prices are, for new figures and for second-hand figures.
Also, another maker of flat figures, albeit in 54mm, rather than the traditional smaller scales, is Conrad Schulte, whose online shop is at www.fredericus-rex.de. Conny also maintains the online forum HZ-Forum, which is in German, but has a lot of members who work almost exclusively in flats--it is the German "national format", after all--and you might find it interesting to browse both the shop and the forum.
Hope that all helps, prost!
Brad
No, not all manufacturers are out of business, though there are many. The first commerically-viable flat figures emerged in the 18th century, and some makers ("editors", they're sometimes called) are still in business, others have come and gone.
Opinions about the quality of any given figure may vary. You have to look at the quality of the engraving and casting, then take into account the quality of the painting. Some flats are very nicely detailed, but they were farmed out to cottage-industry painters whose skill varied wildly from one painter to the next.
Along with checking out the British Flat Figure Society, may I recommend to you the Berliner Zinnfiguren site: www.zinnfigur.com The site and store are run by Hans-Günther Scholtz, whose father, Werner Scholtz, established his own line of molds and a catalog. BZ carries the Scholtz line, as well as others, some newer, some older from older molds. Many figures are available either painted or as unpainted castings. They also have an extensive "flea market" area of figured from old collections. I recommend browsing their site, and even subscribing to their hard-copy catalogs. That can give you an idea of what current prices are, for new figures and for second-hand figures.
Also, another maker of flat figures, albeit in 54mm, rather than the traditional smaller scales, is Conrad Schulte, whose online shop is at www.fredericus-rex.de. Conny also maintains the online forum HZ-Forum, which is in German, but has a lot of members who work almost exclusively in flats--it is the German "national format", after all--and you might find it interesting to browse both the shop and the forum.
Hope that all helps, prost!
Brad
DMNamiot
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Hi Mike,
Since I live here in Germany I have really seen a wide variety of soldiers at the local flea markets. The scales and details are as the Baron said, wide and varried. So I would go to the Berlin Zinn Figure site and see what they have to offer. As for makers I see a lot of different ones but have yet to find and really old makers like Besold who made some rather large knight figures (65mm). Attached see some figures I found a couple of months ago. They are a lot of fun!
Dave
Since I live here in Germany I have really seen a wide variety of soldiers at the local flea markets. The scales and details are as the Baron said, wide and varried. So I would go to the Berlin Zinn Figure site and see what they have to offer. As for makers I see a lot of different ones but have yet to find and really old makers like Besold who made some rather large knight figures (65mm). Attached see some figures I found a couple of months ago. They are a lot of fun!
Dave
Attachments
johnnybach
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I would also go along with the recommendation to have a look at Berlin Zinnfiguren web-site for all sorts of flats. Once you're into the site - it's very easy to follow and find any number of things. Just click on the Union Flag symbol at the top of the page - to see items displayed in English. When ordering by e-mail - you can also use English language to explain what you want - as the shop always has someone to explain how their mail-order system - or anything else in English too.
As for quality? - They are excellent - and even more reasonably priced now as the Euro is sliding a bit against many other currencies. Castings are especially good - if you like painting your own. Do have a look - highly recommended - it's an education! Herr Johnnybach^&grin
As for quality? - They are excellent - and even more reasonably priced now as the Euro is sliding a bit against many other currencies. Castings are especially good - if you like painting your own. Do have a look - highly recommended - it's an education! Herr Johnnybach^&grin
VIRIATO
Command Sergeant Major
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Other links I had stored:
http://www.figurines-soldats.com/
http://www.zinnfigurenfreunde-leipzig.de/bs.htm
Paulo
http://www.figurines-soldats.com/
http://www.zinnfigurenfreunde-leipzig.de/bs.htm
Paulo
johnnybach
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Hi Nik - just click on the link below to see the shop (and some of the staff) in Germany.
You can change the language used from german - to English, by clicking on the translate button at the top ( different flags).
Click on the various categories in the left hand column ( e.g flats for flat figures) - to see pictures and descriptions of what they are offering. You can buy online, by sending them an e-mail - and they will post items to you - either already painted - or for you to paint yourself ( or maybe find someone to paint them for you).
Best of luck - and - enjoy looking - it's great fun. johnnybach
http://www.zinnfigur.com/aboutus.php?language=en
You can change the language used from german - to English, by clicking on the translate button at the top ( different flags).
Click on the various categories in the left hand column ( e.g flats for flat figures) - to see pictures and descriptions of what they are offering. You can buy online, by sending them an e-mail - and they will post items to you - either already painted - or for you to paint yourself ( or maybe find someone to paint them for you).
Best of luck - and - enjoy looking - it's great fun. johnnybach
http://www.zinnfigur.com/aboutus.php?language=en