HPM member Robert has been diving into a rewarding little side project: purchasing damaged vintage lead toy soldiers and bringing them back to life. Most arrive missing legs, tails, heads, or arms, and the paint is usually worn down to a whisper of its former self. It’s a challenge, no doubt, but one Robert genuinely enjoys. “I’ve found a great source for replacement parts, which makes the process even more satisfying,” he says.
A Bit of History
According to Robert, the story of these figures stretches back to 1893, when William Britain revolutionized the toy world with his hollow cast toy soldier company. His innovation sparked a wave of imitators and spin-offs. One notable example is Johillco (John Hill & Co), founded in 1898 by Mr. F. H. Wood, a former Britain employee. Johillco, along with other companies, like Crescent and Cherilea, produced a wide range of lead figures that became staples of childhood collections.
Then and Now:
Comparison of U.S. Civil War figures by Britian’s Cast Toy Soldier Company
By the 1950s, concerns over lead safety began pushing manufacturers toward plastic. Still, the charm of those early metal figures remains. The ones Robert has been working on date from the 1940s and 1950s. One of his standout pieces, The Stagecoach, was released by Johillco in 1956. Even metal, it turns out, does not always withstand the test of time.
Why Restore?
Restoration is a hobby that feels a lot like modifying a plastic model. “I can usually find these figures fairly cheap on eBay, and my parts source offers very reasonable prices. As a kid, I always asked for toy soldiers at Christmas. That love never faded. When I first started working for the USDA in San Diego, I bought my first real set of Imperial Productions, ‘Brave Defenders of Rorke’s Drift.’ That was back in the ’90s, and I was hooked. I’ve been collecting ever since, going on 45 years now,” Robert said.
Back in the day, dime store toy soldiers were everywhere. They even tucked Toy Soldier Flats into cigarette packages. The figures were simple, hollow cast, and modestly painted. British companies offered sets and, later, singles, making them accessible to kids and collectors alike.
Are the Restorations Worth Anything?
That is a question Robert gets asked often. His answer is that it depends. Some collectors believe antiques should remain untouched, while others appreciate the effort and artistry of restoration. “I’ve seen restored pieces sell on eBay, so there’s definitely a market. Personally, I don’t restore to sell. I restore to display. For me, it’s about the challenge and the joy of giving these forgotten figures a second chance.”
