Metal was probably the first material used in the production of toy soldiers. Lead was used because of low melting point. However due to health issues this material was disregarded.
Metal figures can be divided “grosso modo” in three morphologic types; flat, semi-flat and 3D (or “ronde bosse”). Flat figures are reduced to a sheet of metal slightly engraved. They were very popular in Germany and were usually small around 30mm high. Semi-flat figures are more thick than flat figures but not really 3D. This type of figures can often be made at home from moulds produced by various companies like Meisterzinn or Prince August. Three dimensional figures are also of various types between toy and connoisseur figures with very good painting job. There are also large numbers of figures in kit.