William Britain

William Britain

William Britain 

The William Britain company was known for the manufacture of mechanical lead  toys.

In 1883 William Britain Jr, son of that original founder, perfected the   hollow casting method for model soldiers.

Molten lead was poured into moulds and shaken around the sides.

The excess was poured back into the melting pot, leaving behind the shell of the figure which was then removed, tidied up and sent off for hand painting.

William Britain 

Four hollow cast figures could be produced for the same amount of lead that was used to make one single solid figure and thus police became more affordable.

William Britain 

Figures were standardized in size to match the most popular gauge of toy trains, Britain’s began to produce British regiment soldiers that became so popular other companies started to copy them.

William Britain 

In the 19^th century Britons retooled their moulds to incorporate a company’s name and date where in the past paper labels had just been used.

During World War I the company began to produce foreign troops and also improve the quality of their packing.

The interwar period saw the introduction of less warlike subjects, such as home farm series in the 1930s and producing a range from Disney’s figures.

William Britain 

However model soldiers remained the most famous line and in 1941 the factory altered toy production to make modifications to their factory.

William Britain 

In the post-war period plastic figures were proving to be a serious competitor and by the 1960s demand for the hollow cast figures had ceased.

There is still a huge market for  William Britain.

Even today’s modern versions are still collectible particular the Zulu War series and in America the Civil War collection, whilst in the UK Scottish regiments can still command high prices both new and old.