Ethan Clarke
Collecting vintage plastic toy soldiers is a popular hobby, and knowing how to identify them is crucial for collectors. Vintage plastic toy soldiers have a long history, with plastic materials like celluloid and bakelite dating back to the late 1800s and early 1900s. The popularity of plastic toy soldiers surged in the 1950s with manufacturers like Airfix, Starlux, and Reamsa adopting plastic injection moulding techniques. This shift from metal and lead to plastic made production faster and more affordable, attracting collectors of all ages and budgets. Today, vintage plastic toy soldiers from well-known brands like Marx and Britains are sought-after collectibles, with some rare sets fetching hundreds or even thousands of dollars at auctions.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Date of Manufacture | Toy soldiers made between the 1950s and 1970s are considered vintage. |
| Material | Plastic, celluloid, bakelite, elastolin (a composition of sawdust, glue, and kaolin clay moulded around a wire frame), cellulose acetate |
| Manufacturer | Britains, Marx, Airfix, Starlux, Reamsa, John Hill & Co, Trico, Minikins, Zang Products/Herald, Timpo |
| Region | Britain, America, Europe |
| Design | Highly detailed and historically accurate figures, including medieval knights and Napoleonic infantry and cavalry |
| Condition | Mint condition or "very good" condition will fetch a higher price. |
| Packaging | Original boxes can increase value. |
| Rarity | Rare sets or those with a shorter production run are more valuable. |
| Brand | Britains, Marx, and other well-known brands are more desirable. |
| Colour | Technicolor ranges featuring Native Americans, cowboys, and spacemen are sought-after. |
| Interchangeable Parts | Sets with interchangeable parts and accessories, such as the "Swoppet" series, are popular. |
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What You'll Learn
History of plastic toy soldiers
Plastic toy soldiers were first manufactured in the 1940s to 1950s, with the first American plastic soldiers being made by Beton as early as 1937. The shift from metal to plastic toy soldiers was due to concerns about lead poisoning, as well as the availability of plastic during and after World War II. Plastic toy soldiers were cheaper and faster to produce than their metal counterparts, and they were also lighter and less prone to breakage during transit.
During the 1940s and 1950s, manufacturers in the United States produced the first plastic army men, which were either replicas of existing lead figures or new miniatures reflecting contemporary military personnel. These plastic soldiers were often moulded in various shades of green and depicted soldiers with weapons such as M1 rifles, .45 calibre pistols, and Thompson submachine guns. Some companies, like Timmee Toys, continued to use the same moulds as their old lead figures, while others designed original figures.
In Great Britain, the first plastic toy soldiers were made in 1946 by Airfix, a company that later became known for its model kits. Other companies that began producing plastic toy soldiers during this time included Marx, which created popular play sets featuring soldiers and equipment from World War II, the American Civil War, and other historical periods. Marx's plastic soldiers are still sought-after by collectors today.
In the 1960s and 1970s, companies like Timpo Toys and Britains dominated the market with their innovative "Over-Molding" system, which injected different-coloured plastics into the mould at various stages to create fully coloured figures without the need for paint. During this time, the metal toy soldier market in Great Britain effectively came to an end due to the ban on lead figure production because of its toxicity.
In the 1990s, the production of metal toy-grade painted figures and connoisseur-grade painted toy soldiers increased to meet the demands of the collectors' market. The style of painting shifted from traditional gloss-coat enamel paint to matte-finished acrylic paint, allowing for greater detail and historical accuracy.
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Identifying manufacturers
Identifying the manufacturer of vintage plastic toy soldiers can be a challenging task, but there are some key things to look out for. Firstly, it is important to have a basic understanding of the history of plastic toy soldier manufacturing. Plastic has been used in toy manufacturing longer than one might expect; celluloid, for example, was developed as early as 1870. However, the use of plastic in toy soldier manufacturing became more prominent in the 1950s, with companies like Airfix, Starlux, and Reamsa embracing plastic injection moulding technology. This shift to plastic from metal and lead reduced production costs and time, allowing for faster and more affordable toy soldier production.
Some well-known manufacturers of plastic toy soldiers include Marx, a US company that began producing plastic toy soldiers in the 1950s, and Britains, a British company that transitioned from lead to plastic soldiers in 1966 due to a ban on lead-based paint. Marx's classic 1950s green plastic army men are still highly sought after by collectors. Britains also produced popular plastic toy soldiers in the 1970s, such as their Army Group set, which can now achieve high prices at auctions.
Another manufacturer, Zang Products, produced some of the best-quality plastic soldiers in the 1950s. Their 'Swoppet' series featured characters with interchangeable parts and accessories. This company was bought out by Britains in 1953 and renamed Herald. Timpo was another company that imitated the 'Swoppet' style but closed down in 1978.
Starlux, a French manufacturer, also played a significant role in the production of plastic toy soldiers. They began selling toy soldiers made from cellulose acetate in 1947 and continued to produce beautifully designed and historically detailed figures in the following decades.
When identifying the manufacturer of vintage plastic toy soldiers, it can be helpful to look for specific markings or labels on the toys or their packaging. These markings can sometimes provide clues about the manufacturer and the production date. Additionally, paying attention to the level of detail, the poses, and the overall design of the toy soldiers can also help in identification. Some manufacturers were known for their unique styles or specific types of figures they produced.
Lastly, consulting reference materials such as collector's guides, books, or online resources specifically focused on vintage plastic toy soldiers can be invaluable. These sources often provide detailed information on manufacturers, production dates, and unique characteristics of different toy soldier brands, making it easier to identify the manufacturer of your vintage plastic toy soldiers.
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Popular brands
Some popular brands of vintage plastic toy soldiers include Marx, Barzso, Conte, Mignot, C.B.G, Starlux, and Britains. Britains is a British brand that produced plastic toy soldiers as early as 1958 with their 'Swoppets' range, which featured moving, interchangeable parts. In 1971, they released their 'Deetail' range, which is considered one of the most collectible plastic toy soldier sets. Britains' sets often fetch high prices at auctions, with their 'Foreign Legion vs Arabs' set selling for £150 at Vectis auctions in 2019.
Marx is another well-known brand, with collectors like Rick Eber offering rare playsets and loose or bagged toy soldiers for sale. Barzso is also a popular brand, with many collectors selling their vintage playsets and toy soldiers. Conte is often mentioned alongside Barzso, with Rich Egan being a notable seller of these brands.
Starlux, a French manufacturer, began selling its first toy soldiers made from cellulose acetate in 1947. During the 1950s to 1970s, they produced beautifully designed and historically accurate figures, including Medieval knights and Napoleonic infantry and cavalry in hard plastic.
Mignot of France is mentioned as a producer of expensive toy soldiers, along with German brand Heyde.
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Value determination
The value of vintage plastic toy soldiers depends on a variety of factors, including their manufacturer, rarity, condition, and historical detail.
Manufacturer and Rarity
The manufacturer of a vintage toy soldier can significantly impact its value. For example, some of the best-quality plastic soldiers from the 1950s were made by Zang Products, which later became known as Herald. Their 'Swoppet' series, featuring characters with interchangeable parts and accessories, is particularly sought-after by collectors. Similarly, the French manufacturer Starlux produced highly detailed and historically accurate plastic toy soldiers during the 1950s, 60s, and 70s, which are now valued by collectors.
The rarity of a particular set can also influence its value. For instance, the Britains Deetail 'Foreign Legion vs Arabs' set, which was only sold between 1975 and 1978, fetched £150 at auction in 2019, despite being in "generally very good condition".
Condition
The condition of a vintage plastic toy soldier is a crucial determinant of its value. A set of nine 'plug-shouldered' lancers from the late 19th century, for example, might be valued at £3000, depending on its condition. Similarly, a Britains Royal Artillery Mobile Howitzer Unit set sold for £295 at auction, likely reflecting its good condition.
Historical Detail
Vintage plastic toy soldiers with intricate details and historical accuracy can also command higher prices. For example, the Starlux figures from the 1950s to the 1970s included Medieval knights and Napoleonic infantry and cavalry, all renowned for their beautiful designs and historical accuracy.
Market Trends
Market trends and external factors can also influence the value of vintage plastic toy soldiers. For example, the shift from lead to plastic toy soldiers in the 1950s due to health concerns and production costs made plastic soldiers more affordable and accessible. This increased production and availability may have influenced the overall value of vintage plastic toy soldiers.
Additionally, the popularity of certain themes or historical periods can impact value. For instance, plastic cowboy and Indian figures, such as those made by Britain in the early 1970s, can achieve £20 or more each at auction, reflecting a continued interest in these themes.
In conclusion, determining the value of vintage plastic toy soldiers involves considering a combination of factors, including the manufacturer, rarity, condition, historical detail, and prevailing market trends.
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Auctions and shows
Shows, fairs, and flea markets are excellent places to browse and find hidden gems. These events often attract a range of dealers and collectors, providing a diverse selection of toy soldiers. Shows and fairs specifically dedicated to toy soldiers or vintage collectibles are ideal for finding rare and unique pieces. Flea markets, on the other hand, may require a bit more searching, but the payoff can be well worth it.
Car boot sales are another option for those seeking a bargain. These events often involve sellers looking to offload items quickly, which can result in lower prices. However, the selection may be more limited, and it requires a keen eye to spot valuable toy soldiers.
Specialist dealers offer a more curated selection. They tend to have a good understanding of the market and can provide valuable insights. While their prices may be higher, the advantage is the assurance of authenticity and the potential for rare finds.
Reputable toy auctioneers, such as Vectis Auctions, and online auction sites are also popular choices. Auction houses like Vectis often have dedicated toy soldier auctions, providing a platform for serious collectors. Online auctions, on the other hand, offer a broader reach and convenience, although proper research and caution are necessary to ensure the seller's reliability.
When attending auctions or shows, it is essential to do your research. Know the manufacturers that stir the most interest, such as Britains, Marx, Timpo, and John Hill and Co. Understand the different types of toy soldiers, from solid lead to plastic, and their historical contexts. Collectors often seek complete sets from specific wars or periods, so identifying the era of your toy soldiers is crucial. Additionally, condition plays a significant role in value, with pristine toy soldiers commanding higher prices.
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Frequently asked questions
Plastic toy soldiers are made from a variety of materials. Celluloid was developed as early as 1870, and in 1907, bakelite replaced natural materials. In 1926, the Hausser brothers created the name "Elastolin" for their toy soldiers, which were made from a mixture of sawdust, glue, and kaolin clay moulded around a wire frame.
Britains, Marx, Airfix, Starlux, and Reamsa are some manufacturers that produced plastic toy soldiers.
The value of vintage plastic toy soldiers varies depending on their condition and rarity. For example, a Britains Army Group set from the 1970s sold for £247 at auction in 2017, while a rare Britains 'Soldiers that Shoot' model soldiers set achieved £492 at auction in 2018.
Vintage plastic toy soldiers can be purchased at toy soldier shows, auctions, or online marketplaces.
