SPECIAL THANKS. I would like to thank Paul Watson for his sponsorship of several lead figure collections on this blog. Having decided to clear his spare/surplus figures, he generously forwarded them on with no other requirement than they deserved to be restored. I would also like to mention George S. Mills, who kindly furnished a quantity of plastic figures which allowed me to complete another five or six military units, serving in several collections.

Monday 9 November 2020

A GENEROUS GIFT FROM A FRIEND

Today a box arrived from someone who has played no small part in fostering my interest in collecting traditional toy soldiers. I initially started a renewed interest in 54mm in 2018, the plan being to convert old plastic toy soldiers, some of which I possessed in my childhood during the late 1960-70s. Suddenly, out of the blue, a box of lead Highlanders arrived from Paul Watson, inviting me to have a go at repairing them for the wargames table. Recently, I mentioned an intention to raise a naval contingent, but it was proving a bit difficult. Out of the blue, Paul sends a box of figures that are surplus to his requirements having now completed his own collection, his only interest being a wish to see them restored. I hope I'm not out of order if I mention that Paul has gone through a bad spell of ill health, and has not yet fully recovered. I know many will want to join me in wishing him a full recovery. 

Well, here they are. I will start with a general paint stripping, having made a record of the original paintwork, then comes the pleasurable part of deciding how they will be utilised, what figures can be mixed, etc,.  Must admit, I don't recognise some of these castings, the bottom row are solid lead, possibly new figures?

(Paul, hope you don't mind if I send something in return.)

MGB



16 comments:

  1. Paul has been in communication, the six figures on the TOP LEFT are Taylor & Barrett, then a Britains, and two solid figures. MIDDLE ROW, Crescent?, Johillco, three Timpo, the figure on the middle row, FAR RIGHT could be a very early Fry or REKA casting. I like to keep this information on their card bases.
    Michael

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    1. The unpainted solid figures are old DORSET miniatures.

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  2. Naval figures seem hard to spot on eBay , not many about .

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    1. Tony, I was having quite a problem, and ended up paying a high price just to secure a few figures. Now I'm looking at Paul's reinforcements, and how to best organise them. Happy to mix some makes, others are best formed into separate units/companies. Won't deny I'm enjoying it. Have already decided to paint the six Taylor & Barrett figures in white, to serve as a second gun detachment. Should be able to muster ten rifle-armed in blue. Going to make the restoration of these figures my next project.
      Michael

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    1. Mark, it certainly is, and he won't take anything for them, we agreed a donation to a suitable charity.
      Michael

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  4. Lovely collection of figures - what a great gift!

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    1. Yes indeed, he gets pleasure seeing his surplus figures getting restored.
      Michael

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  5. A lovely gesture, I will make to sure to keep him in my prayers.

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    1. Thanks George, if you could it might be better, if I did it might appear self-indulgent with mixed motives, I will pray for your family.
      Michael

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  6. Lovely gift. Sharing be it information or figures is at the very heart of the hobby I think.
    I look forward to seeing them in action.

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    1. Indeed Allan, and not the first time he has helped. Have already started on the figures. Dismantled the gun, removed casting lines, used some milliput to improve the barrel, rejoined and primed. Four unpainted figures are cleaned and primed. Found a nice piece of mdf suitable for the limber and eight runners. Everything is fitting well, and I was able to select five to join my own to produce a ten strong rifle unit. Very pleased.
      Michael

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  7. I can't wait to see them in action either. Thanks for all the good wishes. Hope everyone here is keeping out of Covid's clutches. Also hope to meet up sometime in person, in the future. We just need to find a couple of gardens big enough :)

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    1. Hi Paul, working on them now, its altered the direction of my British Empire collection, and I like the change! Yes, thats something we can plan, even if its just on route to visit relations.
      Michael

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  8. A wonderful gift from a marvelous man. All the right stuff. Enjoy!

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    1. Most certainly true. Have now dismantled the eight runners, used milliput to fill any casting defects, replaced the officers nose, and several rifle tips are securely restored. All put together, and primed..... ready for painting.
      Michael

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