Toy Soldiers

Man’s fascination with miniature soldiers dates back to the time of the Egyptian Pharaohs. Nonetheless, it was only in the late 19th century that lead soldiers were mass produced in Europe. At first, lead soldier production was prohibitively expensive. France and Germany pioneered the lead soldier manufacturing until England came up with the hollow casting process.
At the turn of the 20th century, many companies were producing the less expensive hollow lead soldiers, which were popular to young and adults alike. Military characters from different periods were depicted in their uniforms. Combat inspired themes also appeared that include knights, cowboys, pirates, desert Arabs, Foreign Legionnaires and others. Large scale lead soldiers were also produced, which were not generally considered as toys.

The lead soldiers were surpassed by plastic toy soldiers in the mid-twentieth century in popularity. Its market was primarily the adult collectors who have been involved in the hobby for a number of years. By this time, most of the lead soldiers produced only copied the old toy soldier themes. This design usually depicts parade or ceremonial poses.
Young collectors showed a liking for action-packed miniatures so that lead soldier producers began making action-packed themes. This new product has more intricate sculpting and painting details. It caught the attention of the new breed of lead soldier collectors so that the new designs shifted from the parade ground to the battlefield theme.
By 1990, the photo realistic lead soldiers came into production. These miniatures are favored by some collectors because of the accuracy of its details. Looking like real people, the paintings of their military uniforms include their finest points.
Today, the hobby of collecting lead soldiers is transformed by the growth of the internet. Enthusiasts now have the possibility to find useful information easily. Old models and new release are simpler to find and buy. There are a number of websites that are maintained by collectors for sharing photos and set-up of the miniatures. Others even offer the feature of playing war games with each other.
In 210 BC, the first Emperor of China, Qin Shi Huang was buried together with battalions of his terra cotta soldiers. The figures were impressive with heights ranging from 6ft. to 6.5 ft. Its discovery stunned the archaeological world and gave us a glimpse of the soldiers at this time. At first made from wood, stone and clay only for the rich and royal, miniature soldiers have come a long way. Anyone can now collect the lead soldiers that are part and parcel of the human history.

 


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