toy soldier
typestoy soldier
types
The toy soldier cannon usually were associated with a series of military related toys, such as soldiers and trucks and followed a theme. Most of these were made by pouring lead (or an alloy) into a mold, and then assembling the parts. Hence they are referred to as die-cast. Because they were inexpensive ("dimestore"), one could assemble a whole army for a few dollars. Now, some of these rare individual pieces command several hundred dollars each. Over 70 companies made toy soldiers, with roughly half in the USA. Popular names included Barclay, Manoil, Tootsietoy, Heyde, Britain's, Marklin and Mignot. Only a handful of companies are making toy soldiers today.
 |
The 2 piece set seen above (solid cast), was made by the Grey Iron Co. (Pennsylvania) who started making toys in 1903. |
 |
This was made by Barclay, (New Jersey) who started making toys in 1922. Between 1930 and 1945 they were the largest toy manufacturer in the United States. This cannon was their first toy. |
 |
This was made by the Theodore Hahn Co. (New Jersey) 1921-1926. |
 |
This was a solid casting from the A.C. Gilbert, (New Haven, Connecticut) Co. Homecast kit that was advertised briefly in 1942. Gilbert was best known for the Erector Set. |
  |
These were produced by the Manoil Co., (Waverly, New York), who started producing toys in the early 1930's. This cannon, No. 19,was one of their early ones. It was later replaced by No. 200, as seen on the box. |
 |
Here is a
Britain's that is also cap firing. It also has a barrel elevation lever. The British patent number is 34218/30 |
 |
This is another fine example of an early Britain's. |
  |
These were made by the Kansas Toy & Novelty Co. No. 23 and No. 34. |
Toy soldier collecting is a hobby all by its self, with thousands of devoted collectors. There are numerous books, web-sites and organizations affiliated with this hobby.
Check the link page to connect with some great toy-soldier sites!