Full Band of the Coldstream Guards in Original Box, by Britains Ltd., UK, 1949

View Similar Items

English Silver Cigars Case by Joseph Gloster Ltd, Birmingham, 1949

Original Antique Map of the British Isles Surrounded by Text

Pith Helmet in the Original Tole Box

Antique Print of a Swiss Guard for the Pope in The Vatican, 1850

Britains Ltd Artillery Carriage & Lead Soldiers

The Sculptures of Picasso Photographs by Brassaï 1949 1st Edition

"The Wrong Man" Original British Film Poster

Old Hand-Colored Print of the Guards of the King of France, 1890

Antique Map of the British Possessions in North America by Wyld '1845'

Antique Map of the Palaeontology of the British Isles by Johnston '1850'

Hermès Playing Cards / Cards Game in the Original Box, Vintage, 1970s

1 of 10

Full Band of the Coldstream Guards in Original Box, by Britains Ltd., UK, 1949

About the Item

This is W. Britain's Set #37, "Band, Coldstream Guards," produced between 1948 and 1955 in this configuration with painted metal drums. It consists of 21 hollow-cast and hand-painted lead alloy figures, all tied in their original box, There are 22 pieces involved, 21 figures and one box with lid. This band is made up of one drum major, one bass drum, one side drum (young man), one pair of cymbals, one double-bass tuba, one tuba, two euphoniums, three trombones, three clarinets, one tenor horn, four trumpets, one bassoon, and one fife. The Coldstream Guards uniform consists of red tunics with navy blue cuffs, white belts and collars, red wings (shoulder pleats), gold frogging on front of the tunics, navy blue trousers with red stripes, and black bearskin caps with a red plume on the right side. W. Britain's uniforms were always detailed and accurate. These figures are the specialty of W. Britain, Ltd., the company that invented hollow-cast lead toys for children and adult collectors. They were hand-painted in the London factory, making each piece unique and an example of British industrial folk art. These lead alloy figures were not made after 1966 due to the lead content, and they were no longer made like this. The set was made between 1948, when the British government allowed production using wartime materials to begin again, and 1958, when the set was discontinued. For the last two years of production, plastic drums were substituted for the metal drums seen here. This is a rare and perfect gift for the Anglophile, the history buff, the collector, or anyone interested in Militaria, bands, and music. Having the set in this condition and in its original box is unusual. The figures are in excellent, non-played-with condition, while the box shows some wear as you can see in the photograph. Please contact me directly by clicking on the “Contact Dealer” button and I will be happy to answer any question, for further information, or issues. I will be happy to chat with you. Thank you for visiting my 1stdibs storefront.

Creator:
Britains, Ltd. (Manufacturer)
Dimensions:
Height: 2.5 in (6.35 cm)Width: 1 in (2.54 cm)Depth: 0.75 in (1.91 cm)
Sold As:
Set of 22
Style:
Campaign (In the Style Of)
Materials and Techniques:
Lead,Cast,Hand-Painted
Place of Origin:
England
Period:
1940-1949
Date of Manufacture:
1949
Condition:
Wear consistent with age and use. The figures are in excellent condition, the box has normal wear.
Seller Location:
Quechee, VT
Reference Number:
Seller: T216-66-PWP/CR1stDibs: LU92865483613