Zulus of Africa, Toy Soldiers by Britains Ltd., Set #147

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Zulus of Africa, Toy Soldiers by Britains Ltd., Set #147

About the Item

This eight-piece set of toy soldiers (Set #147 by Britains Ltd.) is its in original paint, and depicts Zululand warriors from the army of King Cetshwayo (reigned 1872-79). They are charging with straw-colored shields on their stationary left arms while they carry weapons in their right hands on pivoting right arms. Four carry knobkerries (clubs), and four carry assagais (spears) - two held low, two held overhead. The warriors wear loincloths in blue, red, yellow, or green, and stand on notched rectangular brown bases, without the original box. They are slightly play-worn, but 95% of the original hand-painted decoration is present. Each one is a unique piece of industrial folk art since they were made and hand-painted one at a time in the Britains, Ltd. London factory by teams of women painters. These miniature soldiers were hollow-cast in a lead alloy and were sold as toys. After 1966 the manufacture of lead toys was prohibited in the UK and the US. They are now collectible items for adults. This set is noted for its expert modeling in a Baroque-style depiction of the human body. They are in exciting action poses and are charming in their form and folksy execution. The Anglo-Zulu War of 1879 between King Cetshwayo of Zululand and the British Empire occurred in what is now the KwaZulu-Natal province of the Republic of South Africa. After the initial victory of the Zulu army at Isandlwana, King Cetshwayo's was defeated at the Battles of Rorke's Drift and Ulundi. The formerly united Zululand was partitioned into eleven rival tribal districts, thus hobbling the power of the Zulu nation. This set was in production in London from 1925-1941 and 1946-59. Please contact me directly by clicking the Contact Dealer Button for further information, and shipping and purchase options. I will be happy to chat with you. Thank you for visiting my 1stdibs storefront.

Creator:
Britains, Ltd. (Maker)
Dimensions:
Height: 2.5 in (6.35 cm)Width: 2 in (5.08 cm)Depth: 0.5 in (1.27 cm)
Sold As:
Set of 8
Style:
British Colonial (In the Style Of)
Materials and Techniques:
Lead,Paint,Cast,Hand-Painted
Place of Origin:
Europe
Period:
1930-1939
Date of Manufacture:
1935-55
Condition:
Wear consistent with age and use. Minor losses. Slight play wear chipping of paint, but less than 5% of the total area.
Seller Location:
Quechee, VT
Reference Number:
Seller: T213-101-CS/L1stDibs: LU92861705002