Britains Toy Soldiers

Sets of old Britains toy soldiers sold at Old Toy Soldier Auctions in Pittsburgh in late 2015 for high prices. The major collection had boxed sets in pristine condition. Top was a Britains’ Boer War Army Service Supply Column set with supplies and escort at $22,800 (pictured), including buyer’s premium. Also over estimate was Britains set No. 72, Life Guards Past & Present, in an 1897 Queen’s Diamond Jubilee box for $20,400. Queen Victorian’s picture is on the box. Britains, the company name, is the most popular and most expensive brand of hollowcast lead soldiers. They are 2 1/8 inches high. Other sets sold that were not military figures. A boxed Zulu scene with trees, huts and natives brought $6,600 while a boxed pre-war Girl Guide (a group like the USA Girl Scouts) set sold for $7,800. A set of Famous Football Teams (called soccer in the USA) that represented the Middlesbrough team with players, goalie, ball, flags and goalposts scored $4,320.