The most represented General of all
Toy soldiers collecting is inevitably linked to world History and wars that shaped it. The leaders are a very appealing theme to makers of figures. One of the most represented Generals in toy soldier production is probably Napoleon Bonaparte. This was a period of World History that interested me as far as I can remember. This interest arouse probably because in my grandfather house I saw a small collection of riffles and pistols of Napoleonic wars. During holidays that I spent in my mother´s mother home I liked to visit forts from the lines of Torres Vedras that stopped the French army during the 3th invasion in 1810. And yes, I was born in Torres Vedras. The collection of Napoleon figures begun, like many things in life, by chance. I and my wife liked to visit a handicraft fair in Lisbon where I meet a Russian seller that among other goods brought a huge collection of marvellous metal hand painted figures from Niena a St. Petersboug company. Many versions of Napoleon were always present and I couldn’t help to buy as many as could afford. Hope you like.
The first two figures represent the coronation of Napoleon as French Emperor and were made in Russia. The third is probable Napoleon as Consul and is from Hannah Miniaturi. The last is Empress Josephine.
The second figure is from W. Britain WBNP 51 (c) 2008.
St Petersbourg made figures in circular bases.
Figures produced by the French company CBG Mignot.
