Légion Étrangère The French Foreign Legion was founded in 1831 to incorporate soldiers that were not French but wanted to fight for France. They were considered “Français par le sang versé”. This troops participated in colonial wars but also in Europe during I and II World Wars. Academy 1 2 3 4 5 6 1- […]
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 […]
I have figures from two series that were produced in 1987 and 1996. All figures represent Portuguese soldiers. The scale is 75mm from foot to eye, and they are made in white metal. Figures from 1987 From left: 1640 – Porta-bandeira; 1644 – Mosqueteiro; 1658 – Oficial de Cavalaria. From left: 1742 – Oficial de […]
Almirall Palou This collection of metal miniatures from this Spanish maker, included leaflets that could be grouped in four books. There are 60 miniatures of medium quality from almost every army that fought in World War II. The Portuguese version of the collection arrived in market in 1999 and was edited by RBA Lusomundo. 1 […]
The Russian company Niena make metal figures very well painted for the adult market. There are many other companies from Saint Petersburg that produce this type of figures. We opted for including those companies in this post. Niena The bases are round and are engraved “Made in Russia Niena”. A reference number is also indicated […]
There are some companies that produce moulds for the collector to make their own miniatures at home. This option is more useful for those who are interest in the wargame hobby and need a large number of similar figures. Bibliography Bartlett, Chris (2015). Not everyone´s cup of tea… Toy Soldier Collector, 64: 48-49. Tisone, Michael […]
This blog is about “toy soldiers”. This is a generic designation that seems to be self explanatory. However there are many types of figures, some really “toy soldiers” whilst other are true art pieces. I’m going to try to give here an overview on this theme as complete as I can. It advisable to consult […]
Osul This Portuguese toy maker, made some military figures in a very hard plastic The sculpture is very schematic and painting was kept to a minimum. Portugal Militar This is a new company that produces painted metal toy soldiers, sculpted by Ricardo Leite. They are in the traditional 54mm size and in matt paint. This […]
This company makes rubber moulds to make metal figures at home. There are various scales. I have figures in sizes 25 and 40mm.
Metal figures usually home made from metal or rubber molds Some years ago when visiting Belgic, I bought a box from «Meisterzinn» company, with some molds to make metal semi flat figures. Over the years I have bought other figures in flea markets around Lisbon. Meisterzinn This German company makes metal molds to produce lead […]