Why do we collect the series that we do? (1 Viewer)

[Larry Allen]

I had some friends over this weekend. After dinner, the "men folk" retired to my toys room. A question that I was asked was .. "With all the different possibilities, why do you collect that particular series (or eras)?"

Hummmm ..... at first, a simple question to answer. I collect American Revolution because I live in Boston / New England and that history is "literately" outside my front door.

But I also have JJD War of 1812. (Okay, an extension of the REV War and sorta' up the road a bit to Chippewa, sorta').

But, I also have Afrika Korps and Monty's 8th, plus Battle of the Bulge American and German. No direct connection there. Throw in a few WWI and a few NAP's to the mix.

So I got to wondering, why do you guys collect the ranges that you do?^&confuse

I DON'T mean vendors, I have, for example, AWI (K&C / FL / Britains and Conte) but time frames or battles. Why does someone in Europe collect US Civil War? Why does someone in the US collect the Napoleonic lines. Why would someone in Italy collect the Zulu wars?

Is that an easy answer to come up with; or one for the scholars to ponder?

 

[thebritfarmer]

Good question for me it was The LT's wonderful dio photos of the William Britain Zulu Wars series that brought me in. Until joining the forum I have never even heard of the Zulu Wars :redface2:

My other collection glossy ceremonial stems from my love of everything royal and the pomp that goes long with.

 

[Arnhemjim]

I have been collecting W. Britains toy soldiers since 1947 (age 11), and from that age have been able to retain all the sets, accessories, and most importantly their boxes, as the collection has grown.

As a naval intelligence officer and student of military history I became intrigued with the World War II epic action of the British 1st Airborne Division at the Battle of Arnhem, also known as Operation Market-Garden, 17-25 September 1944. I have studied the battle, acquired substantial original source documentation, including Operation Orders and After Action Reports, and toured the actual battlefields in Arnhem, Oosterbeek and adjacent dropping and landing zones at Ginkel and Renkum Heaths, all over a span of nearly forty years. I’m certain that the majority of the forum membership are familiar wth the battle. Although the battle ended in defeat for the British paratroopers and glider-borne airlanding troops, their heroic stand at the Arnhem Bridge earned them an undying place in military history, paralleling the stand of the 300 Spartans at Thermopylae in 200 BC.

Collecting not just the K&C Arnhem '44 and Market Garden series, but all related toy soldiers/military miniatures, regardless of manufacturer, is a natural integrated extension of both interests. If you are so inclined and wish to see more, you may want to visit my blog page; http://www.arnhemjim.blogspot.com.

Arnhem Jim
Arizona Territory

 

[Obee]

I collect NAPOLEONIC because I love the colourful uniforms, and have done for many years.

I started with AIRFIX 1/32 scale kits of the Napoleonic figures in the 1970s, and then onto HISTOREX, but when I started toy soldiers after a 30 year break, I have again concentrated on that era by painting castings and figures I have cast myself from Prince August moulds.

One of the highlights of last year holiday was visiting Les Invalides in Paris to see the Npaoleonic Uniforms (close up and a 1:1 scale originals)

Loved seeing them in 1976 and again last year..... and also visiting Waterloo Battlefield in 2008.

John

 

[The Military Workshop]

Shocking post of the year
"Until joining the forum I have never even heard of the Zulu Wars"
but seems he has made up for it since then !!

Regards
Brett

 

[lancer]

I am a military history addict and have always been fascinated by everything involved with it. My interest was started by my father with his telling me about his TS collection when he was a kid (and giving me the remnants of that Britains collection) but he also, along with his brothers, made their own wooden airplanes. As he grew up in the 1920's, most of the home made planes were WW1, of course. I have 3 survivors of this collection, a red Fokker Triplane, a black Fokker D-7, and a silver SE-5. They are about 1/72 scale (maybe a bit larger) and are now some 80+ years old. They are quite something and are the heart of my current collection. At any rate, my father's influence, along with his WW2 USN service, and living through the ACW Centennial were the two biggest reasons I became a TS collector. I have an interest in just about all periods and types of TS but my real love is WW1 (the JJD WW1 planes are a dream come true), along with WW2, the ACW, NWF, AZW, FIW, and anything else that I might read about. I was doomed from the start. -- Al

 

[Davout71]

It's interesting reading everyone's posts here. I think it is evident that most have a real interest in certain parts of history. As a kid I was like many others of my generation and had numerous WWII soldiers and kits. As I grew older I became really interested in history and less interested in the model kits. For the most part I became interested in American history (FIW/AWI/1812). I think it was a good question raised at the beginning of this thread as to why some of us collect items which have no relation to our own immeadiate background. For my part I have always been facinated with the American colonial wars. NZ was also a colony of Britain but for most of our history (and even today) Loyalism is more popular than republicanism. I have been facinated at the way America rejected and defeated the mother country. Accidentaly I stumbled on the WB website and I saw the AWI collection and I was in. I also just like the 18th century, the uniforms and the excellent work of the sculptors and artists.

 

[Cornwallis]

I went to the see the movie The Patriot at the cinema way back in 1995 when it came out with a few mates and this was the first experience and knowledge of the American Revolution and 18th Century combat.

I was completely fascinated by the way the two opposing armies would just march up so close to each other in tight formations and the uniforms, tricorne hats and muskets and since then it stuck with me and this is the only era that I now collect.

I have since seen just about every other movie, documentary and read a stack of books and although I now realise the Patriot takes a few liberties with historical accuracy, this is what first got my interest in the AWI and still remains one of my favourite films!

Must be cool living in Boston Larry, hoping to get out to a few historical sites myself one day! ^&grin

 

[Larry Allen]

I went to the see the movie The Patriot at the cinema way back in 1995 when it came out with a few mates and this was the first experience and knowledge of the American Revolution and 18th Century combat.

I was completely fascinated by the way the two opposing armies would just march up so close to each other in tight formations and the uniforms, tricorne hats and muskets and since then it stuck with me and this is the only era that I now collect.

I have since seen just about every other movie, documentary and read a stack of books and although I now realise the Patriot takes a few liberties with historical accuracy, this is what first got my interest in the AWI and still remains one of my favourite films!

Must be cool living in Boston Larry, hoping to get out to a few historical sites myself one day! ^&grin

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Hey Cornwallis;
Sure is great to be in New England and see the "actual battle fields" where it all happened. (At least in this seciton of the revolution)

I have gone to the re-enactment at Lexington and Concord a few times. Each visit gets better as I read more and understand the details better. The "Bunker Hill" museum is an awesome place to visit. The three dioramas that they built there are wonderful. (I can go there again and take some pictures to post if you are interested!)

It is a bit hard to image what it was “then” as I drive around Boston now, but the displays put it all in perspective.
I have also visited just about every Rev War site from Maine to Florida.

Some good videos that I have, which are accurate (?? ) and very well done are:
“The American Revolution” – The History Channel
“The Revolution” – Also the History Channel
“Liberty – The American Revolution” – PBS Home Video
“Rebels and Redcoats” – PBS home Video
“The Revolutionary War” – Simitar Entertainment
“The Kent Family Chronicles” (The Bastard / The Rebels / The Seekers)
“George Washington – The Warrior” – The History Channel
“Benedict Arnold – A question of Honor” - A&E
“Benjamin Franklin” – PBS Home video
“The Patriot” – Yea it does not hold an accurate theme but good music and great battle scenes.

And there are Historical MANY videos that depict certain battles and events. I have maybe 15-20.

Larry

 

[Cornwallis]

Larry I would be very interested to see the pictures of the dioramas and any of the historical landscape around you, but don't put yourself out, whenever is convenient.

I have seen and own quite a few on your list and in addition also have The Crossing (Jeff Daniels) and Johns Adams the HBO series.

I know there was an 80's series with Barry Bostwick called Washington of which I have seen the clip of the Battle of Monmouth and thought it was pretty poor and also there is one with Tommy Lee Jones called April Morning which I have not seen as it has not been released on DVD.
I think it is based on the 'Shot heard around the world' at Lexington Green, seen a screenshot of a battle looks ok?

Lastly there is one with Pierce Brosnan called Broken Chain (I think) based on Chief Joseph Brandt?

 

[Larry Allen]

Larry I would be very interested to see the pictures of the dioramas and any of the historical landscape around you, but don't put yourself out, whenever is convenient.

I have seen and own quite a few on your list and in addition also have The Crossing (Jeff Daniels) and Johns Adams the HBO series.

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Oh yea, the Crossing is good, forgot about that one.

Weather permitting, I will venture out and take some photos of Bunker Hill and the Dioramas in the display hall, and then post them here on the fourm. Not sure what link would be appropiate but I'll let everyone know. --- Larry

 

[Cornwallis]

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Oh yea, the Crossing is good, forgot about that one.

Weather permitting, I will venture out and take some photos of Bunker Hill and the Dioramas in the display hall, and then post them here on the fourm. Not sure what link would be appropiate but I'll let everyone know. --- Larry

Don't you mean Breeds Hill? :wink2:^&grin

 

[Larry Allen]

Don't you mean Breeds Hill? :wink2:^&grin

Nope, Bunker Hill, we crazy Colonisst fooled you the first time and it worked pretty well then, so why not now? .

You figured Bunker Hill and we set up on a different place. Confused the heck out of Gen. Howe. Messed up his breakfast and everything.

It took ya’ three tries to get up the hill before the dinner bell rang and we had to go home.

Larry

 

[eborris]

I collect primarily Alamo and Custer's Last Stand figures, I am fascinated by dying to the last man scenario's. I wonder what went through the minds of those on the losing sides and at what point they realized they were doomed. These situations also leave a lot to the imagination as there is considerable debate about the reliability of the surviving witness accounts, that being the opponents of the doomed. Conjecture has always been more fun to me then just analyzing the facts.

 

[blaster]

Interesting post - I think that the following subheadings may encapsulate my opinions:-

A. Uniformity
The basis of most collections are of uniformed units - ie we collect Redcoats. Their adversaries (Zulus, Dervishes etc) are collected to complement the collection.

B. Heroism
We identify with the epic and heroic impression that specific periods or units evoke, and this impression is universal. Thus Spartans, 95th Rilfes, 24th Foot at Rorkes Drift etc are always seen to be heroic. We probably only collect their adversaries just to emphasize this distinction .I suspect we originally collect French Napoleonics for that same reason, as adversaries to the Redcoat. The turnaround in collecting French troops as an emphasis is due to Popular culture (see below).

C. Underdogs
Although we identify with underdogs, this is not necessarily a basis for collecting. Most underdogs are of irregular units, without uniformity and hence lack aesthetic appeal. (Boers, Red Indians, Zulus)

D. Popular Culture
This probably contributed to the general trend and there are two parts - figures and documentation

1. Available figures
Britains gave us the redcoat and this is the dominant theme here. We live in a world dominated by the Brits for the past 150 years, recently displaced by the US. This is linked to the concept of uniformity and aesthetic appeal. Similarly,The interest in WWII Germans was probably fueled by the single-minded production of Tamiya models. Similarly Historex fueled thd interest in French Napoleonics.

2. Available documentation
Most of the widely available material to date has been published in Anglophilic literature. Thus most of that material would naturally glorify British troops and culture. Hence, besides redcoats, the Knights as seen in movies like Ivanhoe, Knights of the Round table.
Separately, why are Cowboys and Red Indians popular? There is no uniformity and no specific Heroic or Underdog theme. I think this is because Popular culture in the form of John Wayne movies and Karl May novels (in Germany) have helped to glorify this period.


E. Others
Why are other periods and units neglected? For exactly the other reasons, lack of uniformity (irregulars), lack of heroism (units that constantly ran away are generally not collected), not underdogs (nobody collects overwhelming units of Dervishes), not in popular culture - lack of figures, (Sardinians, Carlists troops etc,) and lack of documentation (excellent Germanic AustroHhungarian literature is now flourishing etc)


rgds Victor

 

[lancer]

I collect primarily Alamo and Custer's Last Stand figures, I am fascinated by dying to the last man scenario's. I wonder what went through the minds of those on the losing sides and at what point they realized they were doomed. These situations also leave a lot to the imagination as there is considerable debate about the reliability of the surviving witness accounts, that being the opponents of the doomed. Conjecture has always been more fun to me then just analyzing the facts.

Last stand scenarios are fascinating. Would love to see someone do figures for Gandamack and Maiwand. -- Al

 

[ROUGH RIDER]

Growing up in Monmouth county New Jersey the American revolution was everywhere you looked.So Britains revolutionary war soldiers were perfect. In later years came world war 2 toys. Now 50 years later my collection is mainly K&C Battle of the Bulge Americans and Germans, North Africa Germans and British, and finally various makers of world war 1. I have recently started picking up some French and Indian sets and will continue with these. I have also started a little collection of British royal artillery and royal engineers. In memory of my Wife's Grandfather and Father.