Vintage Castings

The Glorious Guards, New Toy Soldiers From Nickolson Toy Soldiers

Bill — Sun, 08 Aug 2010 23:25:07 +0000

Nickolson’s new “The Glorious Guards” range of figures are destined be the most extensive line of Guards being produced today. The Glorious Guards showcase the Coldstream, Grenadier, Scots, Irish and Welsh Guards of the late Victorian to the early Edwardian period, sculpted in a consistent 54MM scale. Almost all the master models are finished and about half the line is in place and being produced. The rest are scheduled to go into full production in the next 3-4 months. The line will contain about 26 different sets available in all five Guards regiments including Regimental Colours, Musical Brass & Pipe Bands. Of course all are up the usual high quality model and paint work Nickolson is known for.

Shown here is Set No. CG-1 Marching Slope Arms, comprised of one officer and five enlisted men. Click here: to learn more about their new Glorious Guards range all of which are designed and manufactured in the United States.

1956 Video Newsreel Film Features Actor Peter Cushing With Toy Soldiers

Dale — Thu, 20 May 2010 02:48:40 +0000

Check out this video from 1956 of British actor Peter Cushing, enthusiastic member of British Model Soldier Society, collects, makes and plays with toy soldiers from all periods of military history. He plays with his toys in accordance to the rules laid down by H. G. Wells in his book ‘Little Wars’.

When Authenticast Toy Soldiers Came to Brooklyn

Bill — Thu, 13 May 2010 00:57:46 +0000

In “When Authenticast Toy Soldiers Came To Brooklyn – A Day To Remember,” author Henry I. Kurtz reminisces about Authenticast Toy soldiers. His reminisces take place in the late Post WWII era when a box of Authenticast toy soldiers sold for the princely sum of
.98 cents. Click here to read the full story….

Zulu War Figures From Conte Collectibles

Bill — Sun, 09 May 2010 01:08:53 +0000

At a recent toy soldier show, I overheard two collectors chatting about Zulu war figures. One fellow said, “Frankly, I’m bored looking at little metal soldiers in red jackets fighting in Zulu wars.”

The other fellow looked astonished and replied with, “I can’t get enough of ‘em.” Well, I’m like the guy who can’t get enough of them, and thanks to Conte Collectibles, I’ve found a great resource for Zulu war figures.

(Now, keep in mind it wasn’t very many years ago when the average Zulu war figure, whether a Zulu Warrior or a British 24th Foot figure, were very static in sculpture and pose.)

But today, thanks to Conte Collectibles, collectors can add to their collections accurately sculpted, highly animated and life-like painted Zulu War figures. If you like what you see in this post’s picture, click here to see the entire range of Conte Collectibles.

Turin Brakes bring plastic toy soldiers to life in apocalyptic battle.

Dale — Sat, 24 Apr 2010 06:22:37 +0000

Britains Limited 1935 Stock Certificate

Bill — Sun, 28 Mar 2010 21:28:04 +0000

A genuine Britains Limited stock certificate, issued 1935. This rarity would make a great conversation piece in any Britains collection. Its display possibilities are limited only to ones imagination. Yet, an original Britains stock certificate is much more than a striking conversation piece. It’s an historical document issued long ago
by the premier toy soldier company.

King & Country’s Andy Neilson Visits New Jersey Toy Soldier Show

Bill — Fri, 19 Mar 2010 00:04:07 +0000

Visitors to the recent New Jersey Toy Soldier Show in Secaucus, NJ this past March 7th were treated to a special visit by King & Country’s Andy Neilson.

From its beginning, some 25 years ago, under Andy Neilson’s direction, King & Country has evolved into one of the world’s premier toy soldier manufacturers.

Here’s a shot of Andy (right) and yours truly, in front of a King & Country banner. No better back drop for this photo.

Tootsietoy Renault Tank

Bill — Sat, 13 Mar 2010 02:10:45 +0000

Tootsietoy’s diecast miniature toy version of the Renault tank first appeared in Tootsietoy’s 1931 catalog and was numbered #4647. It was described as being a: “Reproduction in miniature of the latest Caterpillar Tank from specifications furnished by the U.S.
Govt. War Dept.”

The Renault T-17 tank was developed during the later years of the first World War. It was the brainchild of French General Jean-Baptiste Estienne and weighed seven tons, traveled at 6 mph and carried a two-man crew. It was the first tank to be fitted with a revolving turret.

Tootsietoy’s miniature Renault tank is fairly accurate in detail and close to being 3/16″ scale. Tootsietoy produced it in a variety of finishes, including various camouflages.

So many were produced back in the 1930s & 1940s that they still turn up today at toy shows, flea-markets and, of course, eBay; however, their original rubber tracks (treads) are invariably, either missing, rock hard or have been replaced. Many of them have either been fully restored or repainted. Often they are overpriced, so “caveat emptor” is the name of the game.

Two New York Metro Area Toy Soldier Shows This Coming Weekend, March 6 & 7

Bill — Sun, 28 Feb 2010 16:47:17 +0000

Two toy soldier shows are scheduled for the first weekend in March, when on Saturday, March 6, John Stengle, The Marxman presents the New Yorker Toy Soldier Show at the Hotel Adria Conference Center, 221-17 Northern Blvd., Bayside, Queens, NY. Show runs from 9:00 am to 2:00 pm, Admission $5.00, kids under 12 Free with adult. Contact: John Stengle, The Marxman 718-418-9439, email at: themarxman@nyc.rr.com

On Sunday, March 7, The New Jersey Toy Soldier Military & Miniature Figure Show and Sale returns to the Crowne Plaza Hotel, Two Harmon Plaza, Secaucus, NJ, Show hours are 9:00 am to 3:00 pm, Admission $6.00. Children under 10 Free with an adult. For complete information contact: 201-257-2687.

These are two good “roll-out-of-bed” shows for anyone living in the NY Metro area. Both are easy to get to and have a good mix of vendors offering just about anything that fits under the umbrella of Toy Soldiers. Including books, kits and supplies.

We’ll be participating in both shows. See you there.

Toy Soldiers Can Capture Big Rewards

Bill — Wed, 30 Dec 2009 23:27:13 +0000

It’s rare, in our electronic age, when a feature article about traditional old toy soldiers appears in print or online, so when we read the recent article, “Toy Soldiers Can Capture Big Rewards,” by Toby Waine, as it appears in The Daily Mail’s, Mail Online we wanted to share it with our readers. Click this highlighted text to read the article.