Going back well over a century Britains miniature toy soldiers were once a child's toy, but that's no longer the case with it's world-wide collector base. Meticulously painted, whether set in scenes or displayed by themselves, these miniature toy soldiers are for those who strive for the best in a toy collection.
W. Britain Limited
The most famous toy soldier company of all time is how the company is touted and with W. Britain still going strong over 100 years later, the description certainly fits.William Britain produced mechanical toys in the late 19th century, but the turning point was in 1893 when he "cracked the hollowcast toy soldier process".
The company continually produced the miniature metal soldiers, except for time-outs during the two world wars, until 1966 when plastics took over. It wasn't until 1983 that the next all-metal figure made a return back to the Britains line-up.
W.Britain Recent Company Timeline
W.Britain
- 1984: The original Britain family sold the company to The Dobson Park Group.
- 1986: Name was changed in Britain Petite Ltd.
- 1993: The W. Britain Centenary (collector club) was started and is still in existence.
- 1997: The Ertl Company purchased the company from The Dobson Park Group.
- 1999: The entire Ertl company was purchased by the larger US toy company Racing Champions.
- 2005: First Gear, a small family-owned diecast company located in the United States, purchased the W. Britain company.
W.Britain - Today
W. Britain
First Gear has been in business since 1993. Their primary niche is custom imprinted trucks and vehicles. In 2005 First Gear purchased the W. Britain company, taking it back to its roots as a family company.
W. Britain basically makes two different size miniature figures:
- A 54mm glossy finished piece that is considered the classic Britain. It's the same size as it was 100 years ago. The figures made in this size are considered the classic figures.
- There also is a 56mm piece that has a matte finish and is more realistic.
Look for stock pieces as well as occasional limited edition pieces that sell out quickly.
Christie's Toy Auction
Christie's Auction
A small selection of Britains on the Christie's auction results pages, including the set that almost reached the $8000. price mark.
Old Soldier Auction Pictures and Prices
Old Soldiers Auction
A sampling Old Soldier Auction's pictures and prices from the 677 lot May 2009 auction. The sell rate was an amazing 99.9% with total sales well over the pre-auction estimates. The top seller was a prized 25-piece Britains Bahamas Police Band that sold for over six thousand dollars.
Britain Bicycle
Bertoia Auction
This unusual, large (17") Britain bicycle was sold by Bertoia Auction in November 2008.
W. Britain Collectors Club
W.Britain
Yearly membership includes an exclusive club figure and four issues of The Standard, club publication. Cost is $48. for U.S. members; £28. for U.K. members.
