Because we began as a mail order company long before there was an internet, we’ve always employed print materials to showcase our goods. We now print a short flyer every one or two months. Our latest issue is now available for viewing in pdf format. We enclose the printed version with every order. Click on the image to view the flyer in pdf format.
Visit the Resources page on our website to view other print flyers and email newsletters.
Because we began as a mail order company long before there was an internet, we’ve always employed print materials to showcase our goods. We now print a short flyer every one or two months. Our latest issue is now available for viewing in pdf format. We enclose the printed version with every order. Click on the image to view the flyer in pdf format.
Visit the Resources page on our website to view other print flyers and email newsletters.
Because we began as a mail order company long before there was an internet, we’ve always employed print materials to showcase our goods. We now print a short flyer every one or two months. Our latest issue is now available for viewing in pdf format. We enclose the printed version with every order. Click on the image to view the flyer in pdf format.
Visit the Resources page on our website to view other print flyers and email newsletters.
We have had enormous success with our painted and unpainted World War II playsets over the years. These collections of figures and accessories, which recreate a battle (such as Bastogne), a campaign (like the Pacific Theater) or even just a moment in time (such as the taking of a bridge behind the lines on D-Day), have been popular ever since we reintroduced the concept of playsets back in the 1980s. But while our playsets are evergreens, selling through the year, they can be expensive. So as a way of giving the customer a taste of what a playset might contain, or even better, giving a moment in time from the bigger themed sets, I created our range of World War II Bundles. Each of these sets generally includes a set of painted figures plus a first-rate accessory, heavily discounted to make them all the more attractive to those on a budget. Like our playsets, the bundles recreate a moment, a snapshot of soldiers in action.
Deetail WWII American Bundle #4 – Building Defense
This is a combination of a classic Form Tech multi-room ruined building (made of expanded foam resin) with a set of discontinued, fully-painted Britains Deetail U.S. Infantrymen, released for just one year back in 2003.
(Click on the picture to view on our website)
Deetail WWII Japanese Bundle #1 – Chi-Ha Attack
This grouping includes a fully painted CTS Japanese Chi-Ha tank in authentic camouflage, plus 12 currently-produced Britains Deetail fully-painted Japanese Infantry.
Click on the picture to view on our website.
Deetail WWII German Bundle #6 – Up-Armored PZ IV
We haven’t offered these discontinued, fully-painted Britains Deetail Germans, produced for just one year in 2003, in over a decade. But here we pair them with the CTS Panzer IV tank with side armor plates, painted in authentic camouflage as it would have been fielded in the Russian Campaign.
Click on the picture to view on our website.
If you’d like to look through all our World War II Bundles (currently numbering 31), just click here to see them all on our website: World War II Bundles.
We’ve just added to the website an expanded range of World War II Painted Pacific Playsets, including this Grand Super Deluxe version, which now features a new product for us: explosions! (You can view this playset on our website here). Here’s a photo gallery of the playset:
Collecting Britains Deetail Figures and Accessories – Part II
Tips for purchasing, wargaming, and display
In Part I of this post, which is adapted from an article which appeared in a 2011 issue of Toy Soldier and Model Figure magazine (copyright James Delson), I gave an overview of William Britain’s Deetail plastic toy soldiers and accessories. In Part II, I offer advice on how to acquire retired Britains Deetail figures, wargaming ideas, and display tips.
Britain’s Deetail First Version 7th Cavalry
If you choose to begin collecting older sets, all of which are long out of production, you’re unlikely to find them in toy stores. For retired sets there are, basically, four routes to follow. First, there’s eBay, the on-line international market place for all things to all people. Second, you can buy from dealers of vintage plastics, on line or from catalogs (yes, I run The Toy Soldier Company, and am a dealer of vintage plastic toy soldiers). Third is to buy at toy soldier shows. Fourth, you can buy from auction houses.
Let the Buyer Beware: Educate, Watch and Wait
In order to buy using eBay, from an on-line dealer or from a traditional auction house (Vectis Auctions Ltd, in England, offers regular sales of toy soldiers), you need access to a computer, common sense and careful attention. The trick is to know what you’re looking for and to decide in advance what you are willing to pay. This may require months of research to see how much figures actually sell for, depending on condition, rarity and the completeness of the set(s) you are seeking.
As an example, Britains originally made two sets of World War II Germans. The version in the photo above was produced in 1976 and remained in production through the mid-90s. The second set, shown below, was released in 1977 and also remained in production through the mid-90s.
The difficulty for a collector is that the models in both sets wear the same uniforms, are painted in the same style, and have the same helmet decals. One can only differentiate between the sets by knowing the poses, as most dealers and auction sites sell them in mixed lots, rather than in their proper groupings.
My best advice is to visit eBay and auction sites often, keeping a written record of the items you are watching. For the first few months, write down the sets you are following, their condition and the final prices achieved. You will begin to see a pattern of which sets are most popular (and which may thus achieve higher prices), which sets are listed less frequently and which sets are shown mint-in-box if that’s your choice.
One thing you will find when buying old Deetail figures through any of the routes listed here is that very few sets, except the boxed ones, are ever offered in complete form. Few dealers or auction house employees can accurately identify what Britains Deetail figures they are selling in terms of production year, set number and whether the figures they have grouped together were actually made in the same year, much less in the same set. In the photo above I have assembled a mismatched set. This shot contains (reading from left) 1 fully painted figure from the 1st version dismounted Mexicans (1977), 2 more traditional “Deetail-style” painted Mexicans from the 2nd version (1978), and then 1 mounted Cowboy and 1 dismounted Cowboy from the 1st version of their respective series’ (1972). When buying from dealers and auction houses do your research unless you don’t mind buying mixed lots.
With few exceptions, Deetail figures made in any given year share the same style of paint job. Thus one can tell an early cowboy, WWII Japanese or WWII British infantryman made in 1971, from a later version because it is fully painted, while later versions were not. But some paint jobs of the same figures in a set of six also changed dramatically from year to year. Further, ALL Deetail rectangular bases are dated 1971. This is NOT the year the sets you are looking at were probably made (as many dealers and auction houses incorrectly attest), but just the copyright on the base. If you are serious about collecting, it’s up to you to determine the authenticity of a set before buying it.
Buying at shows
Although the selection is decidedly hit and miss at shows, there are often dealers who bring a selection of Deetail figures and boxed sets to set out on their tables. The danger here is more for the uninitiated than the experienced collector, as many dealers have no idea what determines a complete set, which versions they are offering, whether the weapons are correct, if the figures have been repainted and, most of all, what they are worth. But the virtue of being able to actually examine the goods before making the purchase, and for some, the joy of haggling, are worth the price of admission. The key, as always, is to know what you are looking for, and have some idea of what the merchandise is worth, before going to the show.
Display Strategies
There are definite advantages to displaying plastics that you don’t get with metals. Because they’re far less breakable, they can be displayed in areas that would be considered unsafe with metal figures. Because they’re generally painted with more durable paints, if they get dusty they can be washed in hot soapy water. And, because the accessories which go with them are so easily obtainable, you can generally find a selection of items to add to a setup such as buildings, vehicles, entrenchments and artillery. In the Napoleonic diorama shown above, one could arrange the modular Classic Toy Soldier’s Hougoumont farmhouse building as shown, or in a more elongated manner on a bookshelf.
While many plastic collectors seem content to keep their figures piled in a shoebox, only to take them out after dinner and set them up on the dining table for a couple of hours, others are more interested getting down on the floor and playing – either by themselves, with friends or with their children or grandkids.
Some of the most popular ranges Britains produced were their farm, wildlife and equine lines. Most of the figures and accessories in these lines strictly qualify as Herald models, having made their debuts before the advent of Deetail. But they remained in production through 2003. Shown above are setups featuring these charming ranges.
Gaming with Deetail Figures
When Britains released their Medieval Deetail range in 1973, I was excited to find they had created opponents for their knights. As the years sped by they added more sets to this era until it became the broadest of all Deetail ranges, offering figures, castles, siege equipment, jousting lists, tents and other period-specific toys. In my war games I have always used large numbers of Deetail Medieval models for Saracen regiments, European knightly entourages and other Medieval levies. In addition, by repainting and/or converting Deetail figures I have produced hundreds of additional poses for added realism and excitement on the battlefield.
In the photo above, showing the climax of the battle of Agincourt, I have combined several different versions of Deetail knights. At left is the king from the 1st version Knights (#7740, 1973) and 3rd version archers (also #7740, but made in 1993). On the right are foot Knights from 3 different ranges (7740, 3rd version Knights 1993; 7770g current fully painted Super Deetail 5th version; and #7805 Champion Knights, 1993). Mounted knights on the right are, likewise, from 3 ranges (7744, 3rd version Knights, 1993; 7772g current fully painted Super Deetail 5th version Mounted Knights; #7806 Mounted Champion Knights, 1993). Also included in the game setup are foot and mounted knights, plus accessories, from Forces of Valor’s “Historical Legends” range.
Where to Start?
My final photo, shown above, features a carefully-selected group of figures and accessories combined to create a massive Civil War setup. It includes 3rd version Deetail Civil War Union and Confederate infantry and cavalry, 1993, Deetail Union and Confederate Gatling guns (#7570 and #7470, 1977), Britains farm fence, stone walls, small hay bales, round hay bales and small accessories, plus buildings by BMC, trees, dead trees, rocks and hills by Marx and cannon by Dulcop.
The reason I was able to create such a massive, yet cohesive, image, is that I assembled the setup from carefully chosen elements of my collection. And this, I believe, is because I approached the building of this collection with an organized and well-thought-out plan. I knew I would be playing games with my figures, so I always sought a balance between what I just WANTED and what I felt I really needed to play large-scale games. Instead of purchasing figures on a whim, and ending up with a bunch of guys who are mis-matched and don’t really look like they belong together on the shelf, ask yourself what sets you really want.
Collecting Britains Deetail Figures and Accessories – Part I
This post is adapted from an article that appeared in a 2011 issue of Toy Soldier & Model Figure magazine. Copyright James Delson
Set 7589 Britains Deetail 1st version Mounted 7th Cavalry
Set 7950 Britains Deetail Napoleonic French Infantry
Introduction
When it comes to acquiring toy soldiers, many devoted hobbyists choose plastic figures, or a combination of plastic and metal models, to build their collections. I am one of the latter, having purchased painted and unpainted plastics, as well as painted metals, since a tender age. In the plastic field, hundreds of international makers produced figures and accessories in the past seven decades. But only four manufacturers have continued to command the lion’s share of collectors’ attention. Marx has always been the most popular among American hobbyists, while the British companies, Airfix and Timpo, also have their devotees here and abroad, but Britains, and most specifically their Deetail range, holds the dominant place in the hearts of serious plastics collectors worldwide. Their superb sculpting, evidenced by such popular sets as their 7th Cavalry and Napoleonic ranges (shown above) outshines all but the very best metal figures.
Britains’ Plastic Soldier Development
Set 401 Britains Deetail 1st Version Confederate Infantry
Set 7440 Britains Deetail 2nd version Confederate Infantry
Britains has produced plastic figures since 1952. Their original range, Herald, was followed by the Eyes Right and Swoppet lines. In 1971 the Deetail range was introduced, and over the past 4 decades it has covered such widely divergent historical subjects as the Middle Ages, The American Civil War, The Foreign Legion’s conflict against the Arabs, the Wild West, World War II and Modern Armies, as well as a huge farm and civilian series. As you can see in these photos, the style and quality of their paint jobs have changed in succeeding versions over the past 4 decades, and some of the sculpting has been altered or redone entirely. For instance, in the photo shown above of the first version of their Civil War Confederate infantry, 3 of the poses (advancing, standing and kneeling firing) are unique to this version. The rifles are longer and have detailed straps, while the advancing figure’s rifle sports a bayonet. Released in 1971 these 3 unique poses were made with plug arms. In 1981, these 3 poses were replaced with newly-sculpted fixed-arm versions, each a one-piece casting (seen in the other photo above). In the 1st and 2nd and all subsequent versions, the sculpts of the flag bearer, officer and loading poses remained the same.
Collecting Britains’ Figures
Set 6300 ‘The Holy Grail’ Britain Super Deetail Modern British Paratroops 4 rare poses
Because the Deetail range contains hundreds of sets and accessories which span the past 40 years of the Britains catalog, it would be best to narrow down one’s choices when beginning a collection. If money is no object, you can make it your focus to acquire only the rarest sets, or purchase only mint-in-box sets. Above you can see the set commonly referred to as “The Holy Grail.” This is a group of 4 Super Deetail Modern British Paratroopers. Super Deetail figures were produced by fusing together pieces cast in different colors of unpainted plastic to make highly detailed models which appeared to be painted. These 4 figures were produced in extremely limited numbers in 1978, but were never generally released to the market. It is estimated that fewer than 1000 of them were ever made.
Set 7852 Britains Super Deetail Nurse and Patient mint in box
Some entire ranges were released for only very brief periods. One of the most sought-after such series is represented by this next photo, a mint-boxed set from the short-lived Britains hospital range. This Super Deetail series was released in 1983, enlarged in 1984, reduced in size in 1985 and discontinued by 1986. Accessories were of painted metal and unpainted plastic.
Set 7489 Britains Deetail 1st Version 7th Cavalry counter pack box and contents
Another collecting option is the purchase of Britains’ ‘counterpacks.’ While window-box sets were meant for display on the shelf, Britains issued counter packs for point-of-sale placement on the checkout counter. Figures in these bulk-packed sets would be sold by the piece, then the empty box would be discarded. This 1st version set of 7th Cavalry was released in 1978, so finding it in its original box is a difficult proposition. They rarely come up on Ebay or at auction houses.
Set 7940 Britains Deetail Napoleonic British Infantry
Set 7959 Britains Deetail Napoleonic French Cavalry
Set 7949 Britains Deetail Napoleonic British Cavalry
Other routes to collecting include picking an historical era and purchasing only sets produced within its parameters. Such would be the case with the 3 sets shown above, which are the only other sets in the Deetail range devoted to the Napoleonic Wars.
Some go the route of becoming Deetail “completists,” whose goal it is to purchase one of every figure or boxed set in the range. Then there are war gamers, who prefer to buy the same sets over and over again to build their armies. Another hobby approach is taken by diorama builders, who try to stockpile multiples of specific poses from one or more ranges to create their miniature scenes.
Britains Deetail today
For 40 years Deetail figures have proven themselves to be consistently popular among hobbyists of all ages. A beginner can still cut his teeth on one range or other of the current Super Deetail models. The “Super Deetail” moniker may cause a little confusion, as the original models under this name were the fused-together style of unpainted plastic, while the current use is entirely different. As of 2006, the term Super Deetail describes the paint style which the current owner, First Gear, applies to their models. These figures are painted in their entirety, rather than in the tradition Deetail style, in which just the details were painted on.
Set 7352g Current Britains Superdeetail WWII Japanese Infantry 4th Version
Set 7352 Britains Deetail 1st version WWII Japanese Infantry
Shown above is one of this current range, the 3rd version Deetail WWII Japanese Infantry. This set is better, and more authentically, painted then the 1st version original, which is shown just below it. In the 1st version, the figures were fully painted, which showed off one of Britains’ most well-sculpted efforts. Produced in 1973 for one year, then replaced with 2nd version in the more traditional Deetail paint job in 1974, the set was retired in 1976. But First Gear reissued them in 2006 and they are readily available in many toy and hobby shops, as well as on line.
In Part II of this post, I’ll offer advice on how to acquire retired Britains Deetail figures, as well as display advice, wargaming suggestions and an explanation of terms regarding condition of figures.
Posted in Britains Deetail, Toy Soldier Collecting
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