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

Creator: Britains Ltd.
Offered by: Robert James Walsh & Company

Description
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.

More Information

Documentation:	Signed
Notes:	Signed on the base of each figure
Origin:	England
Period:	1920-1949
Materials:	Hollow cast lead alloy, and hand-painted
Condition:	Good. The wear is consistent with age and play. There is minor paint loss. Some hounds have tails bent between their legs, others with tails pointing outward. There are no missing parts of any of these figures.
Creation Date:	1925-1960
Number of Pieces:	8+
Styles / Movements:	Other, Traditional
Patterns:	Animal/Insects, Traditional
Book References:	Norman Joplin, "The Great Book of Hollow-Cast Figures". London: New Cavendish Books, 1993. Norman Joplin and others, "Britains Civilian Toy Figures:. Atglen, Pennsylvania, 2002.
Dealer Reference #:	T211-12-13
Incollect Reference #:	493894

Dimensions

Message from Seller:

Robert James Walsh & Company is a thirty-year-old Vermont business dealing in antiques, art, and modernism. Robert Walsh, owner, is also an Accredited Member of Appraisers Association of America, as well as a respected consultant. We have participated in many international trade shows in the US and Canada.