The Passion for Collecting Toy Soldiers
Updated: 11 hours ago
I have loved toy soldiers since I was a young boy in the 70’s. As I aged, the passion grew as it merged with my other interests: collecting, history, art, crafting, and gaming.
Collecting:
Starting a new collection is always fun as I go down the research rabbithole of discovering new miniatures manufacturers that fit the scale, sculpting style, period, quality, and completeness of their line.
This journey of discovery is like a treasure hunt, where the challenge of finding everything needed to complete the project/ armies leads to nights on the internet, scouring websites, webstores, and ebay (for those rarer out of production figures).
The Scales
Over the years, I have collected and assembled new armies in many scales:
10mm, 18mm, 20mm, 25mm, 28mm...and many historical periods. But I always seem to gravitate back to Napoleonic era. I love the uniforms and the black gunpowder era for gaming.
10mm
10mm allows you to create stands of figures that are small dioramas and resemble actual formations of troops. Really great for tabletop games that you want to look like an actual battle. Pendraken are my favorites in this scale.
18mm
Allows a lot more detailed sculpting and painting than 10mm and is still small enough to create a diorama look to the formations on each stand. AB Miniatures have really incredible 18mm Napoleonics.
20mm
Very similar to 18mm and quite common for World War 2 miniatures.
25mm
True 25mm miniatures were popular primarily from the 60’s - 80’s, so the sculpting tends to be less detailed and more simplistic, which is perfect if you want to create an army in the classic ‘toy soldier’ style with simple paintjobs and a glossy finish.
28mm
This scale became popular in the early 2000’s with the advent of very accurate and detailed sculpting that resulted in very realistic looking figures and paintwork. This scale allows a very high degree of artistry with the details of the figure being highly visible on the tabletop, but sacrificing the ability of the armies to look like masses of men.
There are certainly larger scales, but these are generally used for skirmish games where one figure represents one man (or a few).
Among the various scales of toy soldiers, the 25mm figure stands out for its versatility and rich history. While the detail of the sculpting is not up to more modern 28mm standards, classic 25mm toy soldier style miniature figures have captured the imaginations of collectors, gamers, and hobbyists alike...at least they have for me.
Therefore, many of the posts on this Blog will be related to my 25mm Napoleonic era Shiny Toy Soldiers.
The Origins of Toy Soldiers
Toy soldiers have a long and storied history that dates back to ancient times. The earliest known toy soldiers were made from wood and clay, often used as teaching tools for military strategy. However, the modern concept of toy soldiers began to take shape in the 19th century.
Early Beginnings
19th Century: The first mass-produced toy soldiers were created in Germany in the early 1800s. These figures were typically made of lead and painted by hand, making them both collectible and playable.
The Role of War Games: The rise of war games in the 19th century contributed to the popularity of toy soldiers. Enthusiasts used these figures to simulate battles, leading to the development of more detailed and varied designs.
The Birth of 25mm Scale
The 25mm scale emerged as a popular choice for toy soldiers in the mid-20th century. This size struck a balance between detail and playability, making it ideal for both collectors and gamers.
Standardization: The 25mm scale became a standard for many manufacturers, allowing for compatibility between different brands and lines of figures.
Diverse Ranges: As the scale gained popularity, manufacturers began producing a wide range of figures representing various historical periods, from ancient Rome to modern warfare.
The Evolution of 25mm Toy Soldiers
As the hobby evolved, so did the design and production of 25mm toy soldiers. The introduction of new materials and techniques transformed the way these figures were made and painted.
Materials and Techniques
Plastic Revolution: In the 1960s, the introduction of plastic figures revolutionized the toy soldier market. Plastic allowed for more intricate designs and mass production, making 1/72 scale and 25mm figures more accessible to a wider audience.
Resin and Metal: Today, collectors can find 25mm figures made from resin and metal, each offering unique advantages in terms of detail and durability.
Artistic Expression
The artistry involved in creating and painting 25mm toy soldiers has also evolved significantly.
Custom Painting: Many hobbyists take pride in customizing their figures by swapping new parts from other figures to create new poses and soldiers, or using 'green stuff' to add or change the kit, or using advanced painting techniques to create unique and detailed representations of historical soldiers.
Dioramas and Displays: The rise of diorama building has allowed collectors to showcase their 25mm figures in dynamic scenes, enhancing the storytelling aspect of the hobby.
The Cultural Significance of 25mm Toy Soldiers
25mm toy soldiers are more than just playthings; they hold cultural significance and serve as a bridge between history and modern gaming.
Educational Value
Toy soldiers can be valuable educational tools, helping to teach history and military strategy in an engaging way.
Historical Representation: Many 25mm figures represent real historical figures and events, allowing collectors and gamers to learn about different time periods, battles, and tactics.
Critical Thinking: Engaging in war games with toy soldiers encourages strategic thinking and problem-solving skills.
Community and Connection
The hobby of collecting and gaming with 25mm toy soldiers fosters a sense of community among enthusiasts.
Conventions and Events: Numerous conventions and events are dedicated to toy soldiers, where collectors can meet, trade, and showcase their collections.
Online Communities: The internet has enabled hobbyists to connect globally, sharing tips, techniques, and experiences related to 25mm figures.
Popular Manufacturers of 25mm Toy Soldiers
Several manufacturers have made significant contributions to the world of 25mm toy soldiers, each offering unique styles and themes.
Notable Brands
Minifigs – One of the pioneering historical and fantasy metal miniature companies, offering true 25mm scale lines well-suited for classic rank-and-file wargaming. Currently available via their webstore.
Hinchliffe – Famous for historical and fantasy ranges sculpted by figures like Peter Gilder, featuring a true 25mm scale build. Currently available via their webstore.
Del Prado - In the 1990’s Del Prado created a collection of hand-painted metal military miniatures sold in blisterpacks with 2-4 figures and accompanying magazines dedicated to the Battles of Waterloo and Austerlitz in the Napoleonic Wars. While out of production, they can currently be found on ebay and in collectibles auctions.
Mirliton/ Grenadier - Founded in Italy in 1983 by Stefano Grazzini, initially focusing on historical wargaming lines (Ancients, Medieval, Napoleonic, and Italian Wars) before expanding into fantasy ranges. Acquisition of Grenadier: After Grenadier Models Inc. (originally founded in Pennsylvania in 1975) closed in 1996, Mirliton acquired rights and molds from the Grenadier universe (such as Fantasy Lords, Dragon Lords, and future/sci-fi warrior lines) and became the official re-publisher of these classic sculpts.
Lamming Miniatures – Produced classic true 25mm metal figures measured strictly to eye level before scale creep altered the industry. Currently available via their webstore.
Ral Partha – Founded in 1975 in Cincinnati, Ohio, Ral Partha produced iconic true 25mm fantasy and historical lines (such as The Colonials and early D&D-licensed figures) sculpted by artists like Tom Meier. (Some of their classic figures are available via Ral Partha Legacy).
Citadel Miniatures – Before shifting to larger heroics and plastics later on, early Citadel (founded in the UK in 1978, working with Games Workshop and producing ranges like Runequest) made true 25mm fantasy and historical metal figures.
Dark Horse Miniatures – Formed in 1979, they produced notable 25mm metal comic and pop-culture lines, including early Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles and Robotech figures.
Metal Magic – A late-1980s and early-1990s German fantasy miniature division (by Hobby Products) known for detailed true 25mm metal figures with distinct base markings.
Garrison Miniatures – Known for classic sword-and-sorcery and historical lines true to the traditional smaller 25mm proportions.
Denizen Miniatures – Known for classic sci-fi, fantasy, and niche metal figures produced in true 25mm scale.
Prince August - Founded in 1958 in Sweden. Lars Edman brought production to Ireland in 1975 / 1976. They produce many larger-scale display models as well as wargaming figures and self-cast moulds.
Tradition - They have a line of true 25mm ‘Tradition Series Wargame Figures’ sculpted by Charles Stadden and David Scheinmann.
Collecting Tips
For those interested in starting or expanding their collection of 25mm toy soldiers, here are some helpful tips:
Research: Familiarize yourself with different manufacturers and their offerings to find figures that suit your interests.
Join a Community: Engaging with fellow collectors on social platforms and ‘The Miniatures Page’ can provide valuable insights and recommendations.
Start Small: Begin with a few figures from multiple manufacturers to gauge your interest before investing in larger collections. This is essential to ensure which lines you prefer and which look good together.
The Future of 25mm Toy Soldiers
As technology and interests evolve, so too does the world of 25mm toy soldiers. The future looks promising for this beloved hobby.
Innovations in Production
3D Printing: The rise of 3D printing technology has opened new avenues for creating custom figures, allowing hobbyists to design and produce their own 25mm soldiers.
Digital Painting: Advances in digital painting techniques are enabling collectors to achieve stunning results with their figures, further enhancing the artistic aspect of the hobby.
Conclusion
The history of 25mm toy soldiers is a testament to the enduring appeal of miniature figures. From their humble beginnings to their current status as collectible art pieces, these figures have captured the hearts of enthusiasts around the world. Whether you are a collector, a gamer, or simply someone who appreciates the artistry involved, the world of 25mm toy soldiers offers endless possibilities for exploration and enjoyment.
As you delve into this fascinating hobby, remember to connect with fellow enthusiasts, explore different themes, and most importantly, have fun with your collection. The journey through history, creativity, and community awaits you!
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