AND NOW FOR SOMETHING COMPLETELY DIFFERENT

Although this blog is devoted to my 54mm wargaming, I cannot resist mentioning this recent acquisition, as it will also affect the purchase of further collectables for some considerable time.

PIFCO was a British company formed in 1900. Taken over by foreign corporations in about 2000, it appears to have become dormant from 2014 (Wiki). PIFCO was famous for their Christmas tree lights, having produced their first few sets after WW1. They really dominated the UK market during the 1960s and 1970s, and I can remember the wonderful glow of the set my parents bought in about 1975. 

PIFCO produced several varieties of lanterns. The most popular design was used in two of their box sets. The first was styled NOEL LITES. The second box set was called LONDON LANTERNS. Now the latter boxes regularly appear for between £120 to £200. Unboxed sets, and even broken singles can still muster £10 a lantern. However, box sets of NOEL LITES are much more scarce, the ornate white packaging was attractive but fragile. And, it comprised twelve lanterns in six colours, including a crimson variety. The LONDON LANTERNS only came in five colours.

I have just successfully bid on a nice box set of NOEL LITES, and they are exactly as I remember them..... half a century ago. It was a tough action, involving seven others, and it cost £253. My nostalgic pre-1980 Christmas tree collection is now complete, but my funds are heavily depleted. We shall be having a modest Christmas dinner this year.

and here they are with lights off.

I bet no-one was expecting a post like this, and in November!

MGB

ANOTHER REVAMP FOR THE FLEET

Having scratch built a batch of naval guns, decided to increase the number of pieces on several ships. 

This ship has been repainted and given a mast. More suitable for c1850 wargames.

Some heavier guns for the German ships.

THE TAVERN KEEPER & CART

Having picked up the shafts belonging to a Britains Cart for just a few pence in a charity shop, I decided to see if Ebay might furnish the rest of the parts. Found a seller with just what I wanted, for £3. He also had a Johillco tavern keeper, which I've been seeking for some time, for £2.50. Postage was £3.75. The paintwork on both was still there, just a few scratches to cover, and a little bit of tidying up on the original brushwork. My spares box furnished an appropriate horse. Fun projects.

MGB

REPLYING TO COMMENTS FROM FRIENDS

Hi MJT. These lanterns and their box were a magical childhood memory. I even remembered that the reds came in several varieties. Sure enough, further research confirmed three shades of red in that familiar box. I had to have them! The old bulbs combined with the lanterns give off a glow which creates an aura or ambience for several inches around. The modern LED lights just can't do this, they are too precise or sharp, if that makes sense. I think I'm satisfied with the ships, finally.

Hello Brad. Yes, I am really pleased with the ships, they have captured the c.1900 toy look, which is what I wanted. And that tavern keeper is full of character. Daft thing is, I could walk into a charity shop and find those same Christmas lights for £10, but try finding them on Ebay. I have been seeking this set for eight years! Finally, I have recreated my childhood Christmas tree. Wonderful! 

Thank you, Donnie. As a Christmas collectable, the lights are't so far removed from traditional toy soldiers. Unfortunately, the expense will oblige me to be very frugal with any future purchases. But I do still have a fair number of Airfix figures to complete, thanks to Tim of Megablitz, and Mark of ManofTin. Yes, that Inkeeper is a very attractive figure, when I first spotted an example some time back, I assumed it was a W. Britains casting. 

Hello Mark. Yes, that publican is a lovely addition to my miniature world. As I mentioned to Donnie, it has the look of a Britains figure, but perhaps I'm being unfair. The Johillco railway staff and travellers are also very nice, and full of character.

Hello Roger. Presently, the ships have been used as part of tabletop amphibious landings, or supporting fire during land battles. Using my simple rules. However, it is very much my intention to have some outside actions involving ship to ship fire, using W. Britains matchstick firing cannon. Really looking forward to the latter. The ships are mainly influenced by early tin-plate toys made during 1860-1910. They comprise three c.1910 Royal Navy gunboats, two c.1850 Danish, two c.1870 French, two c.1870 German, a British tug boat, a fishing boat, a merchant ship, and a civilian riverboat. I also have a more contemporary patrol ship, a WW2 Soviet landing craft, a WW2 Soviet gunboat, and a WW2 American torpedo boat. (Under construction is a c.1900 warship, almost twice the size of the others.)