SELLING MODEL AND TOY SOLDIERS
“WHERE CAN I SELL MY MODEL SOLDIERS?” – INFORMATION NOTE BY THE BRITISH MODEL SOLDIER SOCIETY
Introduction and disclaimer
This note has been drawn up to the British Model Soldier Society (BMSS) to assist:
Whilst designed to be helpful, decisions as to how, and where, to dispose of models rest entirely with the owner. The British Model Soldier Society does not accept any financial responsibility for transactions which may arise as a result of following this advice.
What sort of model soldiers do you have?
There are two broad categories, albeit with some overlap:
Repaints and conversions
Many figures have been repainted, with varying results. Where these are (very) neatly repainted, or depict unusual regiments, they may appeal to collectors. But where vintage figures are concerned, it is often the case that repainting, even neat repainting, can seriously affect the prices achieved by pieces which are otherwise valuable in their original state.
Where a figure has been converted (physically altered) to something else, again there may some appeal to the collector. But the same caveat applies; conversion significantly affects the value of original figures.
A notable exception to the above considerations are figures created by the late Freddie Green, a long-standing, and highly respected, member of the BMSS. He remains an acknowledged master of the art of repainting/repurposing of commercial figures, in his case usually vintage lead hollowcasts by Britains. He was very skilled in the use of the soldering iron and his standard bearers grace many private collections. Freddie’s creations seldom appear at auction, but when they do there is often feverish competition for them.
Selling model soldiers at auction
Should you wish to sell your model soldiers via public auction, there are a number of points which need to be borne in mind. Auction houses charge vendors for including items in advertised auctions. Normally a specific percentage of the price realised as the hammer falls (“the hammer price”). The precise figure charged will vary from one auction house to the next. Some may also seek to charge for specific services such as illustrations. These costs will be deducted from the proceeds you will receive. Note that some houses charge for lots which fail to sell on the day.
In addition, the buyer also pays a charge for buying the lot. As with the vendor charges previously alluded to, this buyer’s premium varies by house. This is important in that potential buyers are inclined to adjust their bids downwards to take account of whatever is the prevailing premium.
We list below some auction houses in England which are known to offer model soldiers:
When contacting any of the above, it is suggested that you address your initial enquiry to “The Toy Soldier Specialist or Vintage Toy Specialist”.
Local auction houses
Your local auction house may also be happy to accept model soldiers for inclusion in their general sales or sales devoted to collectables. Whilst this may be a suitable solution for smaller lots of lower value, it is not generally recommended for better quality lots/rarities.
Wargame figures
These are usually smaller than other types of model soldiers, typically 20mm or 30mm, often mounted on common bases to facilitate movement on the wargame table. Wargame figures (Including fantasy or space subjects) may be suitable for inclusion in public auctions, but normally they have to be very well painted or presented to achieve any reasonable monetary return. If there is a wargames club or gathering in your area, it may be worth taking your figures (or a selection of them) along to see if anyone is interested in buying them. A classified advertisement in a local newspaper may also produce results.
Selling flat figures
Flat figures are more popular on the continent than here, although there are devoted enthusiasts in the UK. The International Flat Figure Society - British Flat Figure Society [ www.intflatfigures.org ] may be worth approaching for advice about disposal, especially where the owner was well known in the flat figure world. Flats do appear in public auctions, although fairly infrequently. Prices achieved will critically depend on factors such as the quality of painting, the subject/period depicted, and the overall physical condition of the figures.
Dioramas and vignettes
Many collectors like to assemble their figures in medium or large dioramas or group a couple of figures together to make an engaging vignette. Typically, a diorama will represent a parade or a key moment in a well known battle or historical event, eg the defence of Hougoumont during the Battle of Waterloo. A vignette on the other hand will represent a more informal occasion, for example soldiers stopping at a farmhouse to obtain a drink of water, or soldiers engaged in conversation. Sometimes a vignette may depict a recorded act of gallantry.
Dioramas and vignettes may be included in auctions provided they are not too large or cumbersome. Prices achieved will depend heavily on the quality of painting of the figures and whether associated scenic effects are convincing and well constructed. Condition will of course also be an issue.
Using E-Bay
Some vendors achieve remarkable prices for items offered on E-Bay, though typically these are usually rare items, often in original packaging, or unusual variants of existing commercial lines. If you are not especially comfortable with using IT, it would be advisable to find someone who is, ideally someone with knowledge of how E-Bay works, pitfalls to avoid etc.
Del Prado and other figures issued with, or by, magazines
These figures are often well modelled and reasonably well painted. When viewed in quantity, they often make very good collections. But it is true to say they have not quite achieved the popularity or prices associated with other categories of model soldiers. Some do appear at auction, but you may also want to explore whether model soldier traders are interested in buying them. Such traders attend model soldier and vintage toy fairs, held at various locations. Details of these fairs are included in publications such as Toy Soldier Collector & Historical Figures magazine and Collectors Gazette. Both of these are available at larger branches of W H Smith.
BMSS Auctions
Since its foundation, the British Model Soldier Society has held gatherings in London at which members’ surplus model soldiers and related accessories are sold at members-only auctions. No buyer’s premium is charged so these are good occasions to acquire additional pieces. Typically, an auction will run to around 200 lots.
The Society charges vendors who are BMSS members 10% on the hammer price and non-BMSS 12%. The auctions are open to members only, so there is no buyers commission or VAT charges.
In recent years, there has been a single auction each year. Whether there is an auction in a given year will critically depend on enough material being submitted, and whether sufficient help is available.
Where a BMSS member has died or is in care, relatives may find it convenient to submit his figures for auction by the BMSS, in the knowledge that these will be acquired by like-minded enthusiasts.
BMSS Information Note produced July 2022.
Information included correct at time of production.
Introduction and disclaimer
This note has been drawn up to the British Model Soldier Society (BMSS) to assist:
- Members wishing to dispose of their collection, in whole or in part
- Relatives who have been tasked with disposing of the collections of deceased or infirm members
- Others who may have model soldiers they wish to sell
Whilst designed to be helpful, decisions as to how, and where, to dispose of models rest entirely with the owner. The British Model Soldier Society does not accept any financial responsibility for transactions which may arise as a result of following this advice.
What sort of model soldiers do you have?
There are two broad categories, albeit with some overlap:
- “Toy soldiers”. These will have been produced expressly for sale to children, usually through toy shops or similar outlets. In recent decades, there has been (and continues to be) considerable interest in vintage hollowcast lead figures by Britains and close competitors. But there is also growing interest in early plastic figures, again sold as toys. Issues to bear in mind are: (i) whether figures come with their original boxes or other factory packaging; (ii) the condition of figures; are pieces scratched, damaged or repainted? (see also “Repaints and conversions” below); (iii) are the figures early or late production runs? Very early Britains hollowcast lead figures continue to command high prices, especially where they come with the original box; (iv) are the figures known to be rare, or have some other association which may affect their value?
- “Model” or “Connoisseur quality” soldiers. These are different to toy soldiers in that these were expressly intended for an older audience, and were priced accordingly. Models will typically display a higher level of detail, in terms of the correct uniform and accoutrements for a given historical period, and an accompanying higher standard of painting when viewed alongside toy soldiers. Some figures may also have been created by collectors themselves (again, see “Repaints and Conversions”). In recent years, “New Toy Soldiers” have appeared which seek to combine the colour and appeal of traditional toy soldiers with greater attention to historical detail and more realistic poses. Typically, these New Toy Soldiers cover popular periods such as the American Civil War and the Zulu War. They can be expensive, so are generally bought by adult collectors.
Repaints and conversions
Many figures have been repainted, with varying results. Where these are (very) neatly repainted, or depict unusual regiments, they may appeal to collectors. But where vintage figures are concerned, it is often the case that repainting, even neat repainting, can seriously affect the prices achieved by pieces which are otherwise valuable in their original state.
Where a figure has been converted (physically altered) to something else, again there may some appeal to the collector. But the same caveat applies; conversion significantly affects the value of original figures.
A notable exception to the above considerations are figures created by the late Freddie Green, a long-standing, and highly respected, member of the BMSS. He remains an acknowledged master of the art of repainting/repurposing of commercial figures, in his case usually vintage lead hollowcasts by Britains. He was very skilled in the use of the soldering iron and his standard bearers grace many private collections. Freddie’s creations seldom appear at auction, but when they do there is often feverish competition for them.
Selling model soldiers at auction
Should you wish to sell your model soldiers via public auction, there are a number of points which need to be borne in mind. Auction houses charge vendors for including items in advertised auctions. Normally a specific percentage of the price realised as the hammer falls (“the hammer price”). The precise figure charged will vary from one auction house to the next. Some may also seek to charge for specific services such as illustrations. These costs will be deducted from the proceeds you will receive. Note that some houses charge for lots which fail to sell on the day.
In addition, the buyer also pays a charge for buying the lot. As with the vendor charges previously alluded to, this buyer’s premium varies by house. This is important in that potential buyers are inclined to adjust their bids downwards to take account of whatever is the prevailing premium.
We list below some auction houses in England which are known to offer model soldiers:
- C&T Auctioneers and Valuers (Kent): www.candtauctions.co.uk 01233 510050 E-mail James Opie (Consultant) at [email protected]
- Lacy Scott & Knight (Bury St Edmunds): www.lskauctioncentre.co.uk 01284 748623 E-mail Oliver Leggett at [email protected]
- Special Auction Services (Newbury): www.specialauctionservices.com 01635 580595 E-mail [email protected]
- Vectis Auctions Ltd (Stockton on Tees): www.vectis.co.uk 01642 750616 E-mail[email protected]
- Wallis & Wallis (Lewes): www.wallisandwallis.co.uk 01273 480208 E-mail [email protected]
- Warwick & Warwick (Warwick): www.warwickandwarwick.com 01926 499031 E-mail [email protected]
When contacting any of the above, it is suggested that you address your initial enquiry to “The Toy Soldier Specialist or Vintage Toy Specialist”.
Local auction houses
Your local auction house may also be happy to accept model soldiers for inclusion in their general sales or sales devoted to collectables. Whilst this may be a suitable solution for smaller lots of lower value, it is not generally recommended for better quality lots/rarities.
Wargame figures
These are usually smaller than other types of model soldiers, typically 20mm or 30mm, often mounted on common bases to facilitate movement on the wargame table. Wargame figures (Including fantasy or space subjects) may be suitable for inclusion in public auctions, but normally they have to be very well painted or presented to achieve any reasonable monetary return. If there is a wargames club or gathering in your area, it may be worth taking your figures (or a selection of them) along to see if anyone is interested in buying them. A classified advertisement in a local newspaper may also produce results.
Selling flat figures
Flat figures are more popular on the continent than here, although there are devoted enthusiasts in the UK. The International Flat Figure Society - British Flat Figure Society [ www.intflatfigures.org ] may be worth approaching for advice about disposal, especially where the owner was well known in the flat figure world. Flats do appear in public auctions, although fairly infrequently. Prices achieved will critically depend on factors such as the quality of painting, the subject/period depicted, and the overall physical condition of the figures.
Dioramas and vignettes
Many collectors like to assemble their figures in medium or large dioramas or group a couple of figures together to make an engaging vignette. Typically, a diorama will represent a parade or a key moment in a well known battle or historical event, eg the defence of Hougoumont during the Battle of Waterloo. A vignette on the other hand will represent a more informal occasion, for example soldiers stopping at a farmhouse to obtain a drink of water, or soldiers engaged in conversation. Sometimes a vignette may depict a recorded act of gallantry.
Dioramas and vignettes may be included in auctions provided they are not too large or cumbersome. Prices achieved will depend heavily on the quality of painting of the figures and whether associated scenic effects are convincing and well constructed. Condition will of course also be an issue.
Using E-Bay
Some vendors achieve remarkable prices for items offered on E-Bay, though typically these are usually rare items, often in original packaging, or unusual variants of existing commercial lines. If you are not especially comfortable with using IT, it would be advisable to find someone who is, ideally someone with knowledge of how E-Bay works, pitfalls to avoid etc.
Del Prado and other figures issued with, or by, magazines
These figures are often well modelled and reasonably well painted. When viewed in quantity, they often make very good collections. But it is true to say they have not quite achieved the popularity or prices associated with other categories of model soldiers. Some do appear at auction, but you may also want to explore whether model soldier traders are interested in buying them. Such traders attend model soldier and vintage toy fairs, held at various locations. Details of these fairs are included in publications such as Toy Soldier Collector & Historical Figures magazine and Collectors Gazette. Both of these are available at larger branches of W H Smith.
BMSS Auctions
Since its foundation, the British Model Soldier Society has held gatherings in London at which members’ surplus model soldiers and related accessories are sold at members-only auctions. No buyer’s premium is charged so these are good occasions to acquire additional pieces. Typically, an auction will run to around 200 lots.
The Society charges vendors who are BMSS members 10% on the hammer price and non-BMSS 12%. The auctions are open to members only, so there is no buyers commission or VAT charges.
In recent years, there has been a single auction each year. Whether there is an auction in a given year will critically depend on enough material being submitted, and whether sufficient help is available.
Where a BMSS member has died or is in care, relatives may find it convenient to submit his figures for auction by the BMSS, in the knowledge that these will be acquired by like-minded enthusiasts.
BMSS Information Note produced July 2022.
Information included correct at time of production.