Britains Toy Set #142, French Zouaves Charging with Fixed Bayonets, 1930-1940

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Britains Toy Set #142, French Zouaves Charging with Fixed Bayonets, 1930-1940

About the Item

This lead-alloy set of toy soldiers is by Britains LTD of London, UK. It is an historically accurate depiction in hand-painted hollow-cast lead alloy, which was no longer legal to use in toys after 1966. The set is all original. It was in production in this configuration between 1930-1941 and 1945-1954. It consists of eight men charging with right legs raised behind them and all holding rifles at the charge with fixed bayonets. The uniform consists of a black back pack worn on a dark blue vest with red facings and piping, a dark blue shirt, reddish orange baggy trousers tucked into white gaiters over black boots, and a white turban wrapped around a red fez. Each man sports a Vandyke beard. Each piece is marked underneath, "Proprietors Made in England Copyright." There is no box. The Zouave regiments of the French army were initially colonial light infantry troops recruited in Algeria and later expanded to volunteers from all of North Africa, Paris, and Europe. The first regiment was formed in 1830 and all of them were disbanded by 1962 with the independence of Algeria. The Zouave regimens served in all the major French wars during these years and were among the most highly decorated regiments in the French army. They were emulated by specialized regiments of many other countries, including the Vatican and the United States' Union Army during the Civil War. These colorful toys are a great gift for the history buff or toy collector. They look wonderful on a desk or bookshelf and are a great conversation starter. Please contact me directly by clicking the "Contact Dealer" button for further information, questions or solutions. I will be happy to chat with you. Thank you for visiting my 1stdibs storefront.

Creator:
Britains, Ltd. (Maker)
Dimensions:
Height: 2.13 in (5.42 cm)Width: 0.5 in (1.27 cm)Depth: 2.63 in (6.69 cm)
Sold As:
Set of 8
Style:
Campaign (In the Style Of)
Materials and Techniques:
Lead,Paint,Cast,Hand-Painted
Place of Origin:
England
Period:
1930-1939
Date of Manufacture:
1939
Condition:
Wear consistent with age and use. Minor losses. Excellent, played-with condition with very minor wear as is usual for toys from this period.
Seller Location:
Quechee, VT
Reference Number:
Seller: D206-62-SS1stDibs: LU92863447562