I bought these off eBay (rather cheaply I think) they are Britains Greek Evzones from Set No.196 and the where produced from 1916 to 1966 - BUT these must be pre 1946 as they are red jackets - after this date they where painted in blue jackets . So that makes them at least 79 years old !
As you can see they have been in the wars , as well as the inevitable paint loss they have holes in the stomach area .
And a couple have holes in the back as well , I investigated and this seem to be dues to a very thin layer of metal (being hollow cast of course)
One has a missing rifle as well . The dilemma is to repair or not ? , 'Proper Collectors' would say "No !" you devalue the figures ! , however I would like to use them on the tabletop- so I'm going to have a go at repairing them !
So I've packed the holes with tissue paper and filled them with 'milliput' , I repaired the rifle with a pared down cocktail stick coated in super glue . I will repaint the damaged bits but I think I will not touch up the original paint - leaving their battle scars as testament to their service over the years . Too be continued ......
I think you are right to repair them, super figures and totally brilliant that they will fight again.
ReplyDeleteI hopefully can do it sympathetically.
DeleteToy soldiers exist to be played with and fight tabletop battles, so you are definitely doing the right thing by repairing them and touching up their paint, IMHO. I look forward to seeing them on this blog in action one day.
ReplyDeleteI think the damage might of worsened with handling as well.
DeleteSplendid find, Tony. My view would be to fully restore for the gaming table. The next generation will only value those that look good, if at all.
ReplyDeleteMichael (Wargaming with...)
I never repaint faces if I can help it.
DeleteI have a feeling that the number of collectors for that age of toy soldiers will continue to dwindle even if it doesn't completely die out. I have repainted and even converted a goodly number of antique Britain's and enjoyed them and they have given good service on the table, The handful of never touched up ones are mostly just lurking in the cupboard.
ReplyDeleteBUT, my golden rule is "your toy soldiers, your choice"!
Yes i purchased them to play with, but like their battle scared look as well.
DeleteI usually think that your Limited damage repair and paint patching to bring them back into tabletop use is worthwhile but as you say preserve the honorable battleworn patina. I especially like to preserve the faces especially the (prewar?) moustaches that give character
ReplyDeleteThe comment on the declining age of collectors is well to the point. They are not boxed, they are damaged, so their true resale value is probably fairly low (and declining ever faster?)
Yes i never repaint faces if I can help it and I'm not really bothered about their resaleability.
DeleteAn excellent find Tony, and I'm sure that they were a bargain! I never repaint faces either, it helps to retain their original patina! I look forward to another wonderful restoration job, that you always do so skillfully!
ReplyDeleteThey are unusual figures , hopefully I can do them justice.
DeleteFor me it's a no-brainer. Repair them and give them a new lease of life on the table - haven't you seen Toy Story? I rationalise it by saying if the collectors cared enough they would've outbid you on eBay.
ReplyDeleteYes there was nobody else bidding, think they are too damaged to be collectable, so will be tarting them up .
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