Assembled Hunt Scene by Britains, Ltd., Toy Civilians, Mid-20th Century

This assembled toy fox hunting vignette includes thirty pieces: 3 huntsmen astride walking horses; 2 huntswomen riding side saddle on walking horses; 2 huntsman astride galloping horses; 1 huntswoman riding side saddle on a galloping horse; 1 huntswoman in "habit gris" standing; 1 huntswoman in "habit noir" standing; 1 huntsman in "habit rouge" with coattails standing;10 foxhounds - standing, sniffing, or running; 1 fox running; 1 shrubbery; 1 fir tree; 3 orchard trees; 1 fallen tree; and 2 hurdles. The measurements listed above are for the mounted figures.

This grouping of Britains Ltd. toys dates between 1925 and 1961, when they were no longer made in lead alloy. The earlier pieces have a matte finish, the later pieces have a glossy finish. They are all from Britains Ltd. sets named "The Meet" and "Full Cry" , along with farm and village accessories by Britains and a few by its rival company, Johillco.

All these toys were made in hollow-cast, sculpted molds. They were hand-painted at the factory in London, mostly by young female workers. Since they were hand-painted, no two figures are exactly alike and each figure is an example of Industrial Folk Art. Lead alloy toys were outlawed in the UK and the US in 1966, when toy companies switched to plastic and other metal alloys. The post-1966 toys have never captured the folk art charm of the older figures. These vintage lead alloy figures have become a popular collecting field, loved by all ages and genders. They are now for display only, not for use as toys.

They are fun to rearrange, and they can be displayed in a showcase, on a mantel, or on a table during holidays. The set is nostalgic as it harks back to the old British sporting life before fox hunting was changed into a more humane pastime.