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Britains
Britains
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Britains, earlier known by the founder's name W. Britain, is a British toy brand and former manufacturing company known for its die-cast scale models of agricultural machinery, and figurines. The company was established in 1893 as a toy soldiers manufacturer.

Key Information

With its factory set in London, Britains then diversified into other associated toys such as die-cast zamac military trucks, commercial vehicles, and toy cars.

Today, the Britains brand is owned by Tomy since 2011,[1] and the W. Britain brand by First Gear, Inc.[2]

History

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The "W. Britain" brand name of toy and collectable soldiers is derived from a company founded by William Britain Jr., a British toy manufacturer, who in 1893 invented the process of hollow casting in lead, and revolutionized the production of toy soldiers. The company quickly became the industry leader, and was imitated by many other companies, such as Hanks Bros. and John Hill and Co.[3][4] The style and scale of Britain's figures became the industry standard for toy soldiers for many years.

In 1907 the family proprietorship, William Britain & Sons, incorporated as "Britains, Ltd". The Britain family controlled the firm until 1984 when it was sold to a British conglomerate, Dobson Park Industries. They combined the operations with an existing line of toys and renamed the company Britains Petite, Ltd.[5] During the first half of the 20th century, Britains expanded its range and market. By 1931 the firm employed 450 at its London factory. The catalogue had expanded to 435 sets and twenty million models a year were being produced.[6]

In the early 1950s Britains was associated with W. Horton Toys and Games which made the die-cast Lilliput ranges of small-scale, rather generic, cars and trucks and other vehicles. In 1959, Britains acquired Herald Miniatures which produced plastic figures designed by Roy Selwyn-Smith. The company was also known for its American Revolutionary War soldiers.

In the 1950s, besides soldiers, a variety of vehicles began to appear, mostly in the military field. One such detailed die-cast vehicle was a Royal Artillery 4.5" howitzer towable cannon that fired toy shells. For a toy, it was intricately designed, with a special threaded post with rotating knob to raise and lower the cannon. Also in early 1950s, one of the first Britains vehicles was a Bluebird land speed record car of famed driver Malcolm Campbell. It had a removable body and the box showed a detailed cut-away illustration of the car. Land Rovers, and later Range Rovers and various commercial lorries, such as a milk tanker, flat bed, tipper, cement mixer, also appeared.

In 1966 safety regulations in the United Kingdom combined with rising costs halted the production of lead toy soldiers. Britains shifted most production of Herald plastic to Hong Kong from 1966. In 1971 Britains started Deetail plastic figures with metal bases that were initially manufactured in England but later outsourced to China.

When production stopped, the range of catalogued lead sets exceeded 2200. In 1973 Britains introduced New Metal models, which are die cast in a durable alloy. Initially these sets were aimed at the British souvenir market. In 1983 Britains responded to a growing collectors' market by introducing additional models and limited edition sets. This range was greatly expanded over the next 20 years and included die-cast versions of their old toy soldiers, some made from original moulds. These, as well as the lines of Britains Deetail plastic figures and accessories, and their older sets have become highly collectable.

Britains in the 21st Century

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In 1997, Britains Petite, Ltd was bought by Ertl Company of Iowa, a maker of die-cast toys. Ertl was subsequently bought by RC2 LLC, another American die-cast miniature and plastic kit maker. At this time, production of toy soldiers was moved to China. In 2011, Japanese-headquartered toy company Tomy acquired RC2 which included the Britains die-cast farm miniatures range.[7] In 2021, Tomy celebrated 100 years of the Britains farm miniatures range.

W. Britains in the 21st Century

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In 2005, the W. Britains brand was acquired by First Gear, an American maker of die-cast collectibles. This firm produces and sells mostly contemporary matte-style figures to the collectors market under the W. Britain brand. Kenneth A. Osen was the master sculptor for W. Britain until June 2013 when he was appointed General Manager & Creative Director. Sculpting continues to be done by Ken Osen, Alan Ball and Graham Scollick. All figures are sculpted by hand, to scale, before duplication. First Gear sold W.Britain to The Good Soldier, LLC in 2016. In May of 2020 W.Britain was sold to On The Mantle, LLC of Chillicothe, Ohio. On The Mantle, LLC retained all employees and moved all operations to Chillicothe. On 30 January 2012 Bachmann Europe Plc became the sole distributor of all W. Britain figures in the UK and Continental Europe until 2023 when all distribution reverted back to the world headquarters in Chillicothe, Ohio, USA.[8]

Britains Farm

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In 1921, the Britains "Model Home Farm" was launched, including 30 farm figures and animals as well as the first farm vehicle, a tumbrel cart. The first tractor model was the Fordson Major, introduced in 1948, three years after the real tractor. In 1968, the Massey Ferguson 135 became the first non-Ford tractor in the range.[1] The Massey Ferguson 760 combine harvester was voted UK Toy of the Year in 1978.[9] In the 1980s more than 120 new models were produced for the Britains Farm. 2007 saw the first vintage model, the Ford 5000 tractor. In 2021 Britains celebrated 100 years as Europe’s oldest specialist in farm toys with a limited edition of the Fordson Major tractor.[1]

See also

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References

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Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia
from Grokipedia
Britains, originally known as W. Britain, is a renowned toy manufacturing brand founded in in 1893 by William Britain, specializing in detailed figures, particularly hollow-cast lead toy soldiers that revolutionized the industry by making high-quality miniatures more affordable and accessible to a wider audience. The company's innovation of the hollow-casting process in 1893 allowed for lighter, less expensive production compared to solid-cast German competitors, enabling of hand-painted figures depicting historical uniforms and events, with early sets priced at one for nine soldiers. By 1907, Britains Limited was formally incorporated, expanding its range to include farm animals and equipment starting in 1921, which became a staple of its "Home Farm" series and appealed to children's imaginative play. Throughout the , Britains adapted to market changes, acquiring the plastic figure maker Herald in 1959 and ceasing lead production in 1966 due to safety concerns, shifting focus to toys before reviving premium metal figures in 1983 for collectors. Ownership transitioned multiple times, from family control to corporate acquisitions by Dobson Park in 1984, in 1997, and First Gear in 2005; the lines later diverged, with the W. Britain toy soldier brand becoming American-owned under On the Mantle, LLC in 2020, relocating operations to , while the Britains farm toy line was acquired by in 2011. As of 2025, W. Britain produces high-end, hand-painted metal miniatures in 54mm scale, emphasizing historical accuracy for periods like the and , while the Britains brand under offers agricultural collectibles, maintaining the legacy as one of the world's oldest and most influential toy soldier and model brands.

History

Founding and Early Development

Britains was founded in 1893 by William Britain Jr. in , as a family-run initially producing mechanical toys before shifting to hollow-cast lead figures. William Britain Jr., the son of a brass founder, established the company following his father's earlier ventures in toy manufacturing. The business operated from premises in , emphasizing craftsmanship in a competitive Victorian toy market dominated by German imports. A pivotal came in 1893 when William Britain Jr. developed the hollow casting method for s, a technique that involved pouring molten lead into molds to form a thin shell, then draining the excess to create lightweight yet detailed figures. This process significantly reduced material costs and enabled of affordable, high-quality 54mm scale (1:32) figures, making them accessible to a broader audience beyond elite collectors. The hollow casting undercut German competitors and laid the foundation for Britains' dominance in the industry. Early products centered on military-themed toy soldiers, particularly sets depicting the during the , such as and units inspired by contemporary imperial campaigns. These figures, hand-painted with realistic uniforms and poses, quickly gained popularity for both play and display, helping to popularize collectible toy soldiers as a cultural phenomenon among children and adults. By the early 1900s, Britains had introduced sets like the Japanese Infantry (No. 134) around 1904, expanding its military repertoire while maintaining a focus on historical accuracy. In 1907, the company was formally incorporated as Britains, Ltd., transitioning from a proprietorship to a with family shareholders, which facilitated operational expansion and investment in production facilities. This incorporation marked a key milestone in professionalizing the business, allowing for increased output of hollowcast figures that would underpin future growth in the toy sector.

Growth and Innovations (1893–1960s)

Following its incorporation in 1907, Britains experienced rapid growth during the , expanding operations to meet surging demand for hollowcast toy soldiers. By 1931, the company employed 450 workers at its factory and produced 20 million models annually across a catalogue of 435 sets, marking a peak in scale and output driven by innovations in efficient hollowcasting techniques. This expansion solidified Britains' position as the leading producer of metal toy figures in the , with exports contributing significantly to revenue. The company diversified its product lines beyond military themes, introducing civilian figures, animals, and historical sets to appeal to a broader audience. In 1921, the Home Farm range debuted, featuring detailed farm animals and rural scenes, followed by zoo animals, garden accessories, circus performers, and motor vehicles by the 1930s, which became staples in play sets. Innovations in detailed hand-painting techniques enhanced realism, with figures showcasing accurate uniforms, facial expressions, and historical details for themed collections such as Napoleonic Wars reenactments and World War I battles, researched meticulously for authenticity. During , Britains demonstrated resilience by adapting to wartime constraints, initially producing camouflage-painted toy models before fully redirecting facilities to the in 1941. , the company capitalized on a boom in demand amid economic recovery, resuming full production of military and civilian lines. In 1959, Britains acquired Herald Miniatures, integrating plastic figure production to complement its metal offerings and prepare for evolving market preferences.

Shift to Modern Materials and Challenges (1970s–1990s)

In response to stringent safety regulations prohibiting the use of lead in children's due to its , Britains ceased production of its iconic hollowcast lead figures in 1966. This marked the end of a century-old tradition, as rising production costs further exacerbated the shift away from the material. By the early , the company had fully transitioned to plastic for its core product lines, leveraging earlier acquisitions like Herald Plastics to bolster its capabilities in molding durable, non-toxic alternatives. To maintain appeal among collectors and young enthusiasts, Britains launched its Deetail range in 1973, consisting of highly detailed 54mm-scale plastic soldiers enhanced with hand-painted accents and sturdy metal bases. These figures, produced initially in , offered intricate sculpting that rivaled the finesse of lead predecessors while complying with safety standards, quickly becoming a staple in the and toy market. That same year, introduced its New Metal line of die-cast and models, crafted from a lead-free to expand beyond figures into machinery and civilian subjects. Targeted initially at the British souvenir trade, this range included detailed representations of and construction equipment, signaling a strategic pivot toward diversified, durable playthings that could withstand rough handling. The 1970s and 1980s brought significant economic pressures for Britains, including intense competition from low-cost imports flooding the market, which eroded profit margins on traditional . These challenges culminated in the sale of the family-owned firm to Dobson Park Industries, a conglomerate that restructured operations and established Britains Petite as a to focus on scaled-down, affordable product lines. Amid these transitions, Britains pursued diversification through expanded farm equipment models, such as the 1970 JCB Excavator—a pioneering blend of die-cast and plastic components—and the award-winning 1978 . To bolster market share, the company also introduced limited-edition collector series in the 1980s and 1990s, including the 1993 centenary , which appealed to nostalgic adults and helped sustain the brand's legacy.

Ownership Transitions and 21st-Century Evolution

In 1997, the Britains brand was acquired by the , a major U.S.-based manufacturer of die-cast toys, which sought to leverage Britains' established lines for expansion into collectible markets. This purchase allowed Ertl to integrate Britains' agricultural and military models into its portfolio, emphasizing high-quality die-cast production. Two years later, in 1999, Ertl itself was acquired by Racing Champions, further aligning Britains with a focus on premium die-cast collectibles and broadening its distribution through Racing Champions' automotive and hobbyist networks. The ownership evolved again in 2010 when , a of Racing Champions (by then rebranded as ), assumed control of the Britains and agricultural lines, marking a shift toward educational and branded integration. In 2011, these assets transferred to International, a global conglomerate, which incorporated Britains into its expansive portfolio of licensed and classic brands, enhancing international reach while preserving heritage lines. A significant occurred in 2020 with the separation of the W. Britain brand—focused on premium metal toy soldiers—from , as it was sold to On The Mantle, LLC, a Chillicothe, -based owned by collectors and enthusiasts. On The Mantle retained existing staff and relocated operations to , prioritizing authenticity and quality in military miniatures production. In 2022, W. Britain expanded its Ohio operations with over $226,000 investment to add local capabilities. Throughout the , Britains faced challenges from the rise of and interactive entertainment, which competed with traditional physical toys for children's attention in a market increasingly dominated by screens. Revival efforts included the 2021 centennial celebration of Britains Farm toys, featuring limited-edition re-releases like the Fordson Major to honor the brand's 1921 origins and reconnect with collectors and families. To maintain cost efficiency amid these pressures, production shifted primarily to , particularly , during the Ertl era and continued under subsequent owners for the farm toys line, while design and quality control retained ties to the heritage. For W. Britain, manufacturing has been established in as of 2022.

Products and Brands

Toy Soldiers and Military Figures

Britains' core product line consists of 54mm scale (1:32) military figures, primarily hollowcast lead and later models depicting soldiers from ancient civilizations to modern conflicts, emphasizing historical accuracy in uniforms, equipment, and dynamic poses. Introduced in 1893, these hollowcast figures were produced by pouring molten lead into two-part molds, creating lightweight yet detailed representations of , , and across eras such as the and colonial campaigns. Iconic sets include British Redcoats in marching and firing poses, Union and Confederate troops with period-accurate kepis and frock coats, and infantry featuring Allied and Axis soldiers in combat stances like advancing with rifles or manning machine guns. These sets were sold in thematic boxed collections, often with 8–10 figures per box, allowing children and collectors to recreate battles with a focus on proportional scaling and realistic group formations. Production halted for lead hollowcasts in due to safety regulations, shifting emphasis to safer materials while maintaining the 54mm scale for compatibility. In the , Britains evolved to plastic Deetail figures, introduced around 1971, which combined injection-molded bodies with hand-applied enamel details for enhanced realism targeted at collectors. These fixed-pose models, such as detailed WWII paratroopers or Napoleonic guards, featured textured bases and subtle shading on uniforms, bridging toy play with adult hobbyist appeal through meticulous hand-finishing. Concurrently, the Swoppets line from utilized multi-part molding to produce articulated figures with interchangeable heads, torsos, and limbs, enabling customizable poses for sets like medieval knights or Roman legionaries. Under the W. Britain sub-brand, relaunched for premium metal figures in and refined post-2020, production shifted to die-cast alloy with hand-painted finishes, offering limited-edition dioramas such as scenes or vignettes in scales including 54mm. These high-end pieces, often exclusive to the Collectors Club established in 1993, include custom painting options for personalized historical reenactments, with thematic sets like the series featuring over 100 unique figures. This evolution underscores Britains' commitment to archival accuracy, sourced from military historians, while adapting techniques like multi-slide molds for complex articulated poses in modern releases.

Farm and Agricultural Models

The Britains farm and agricultural models were first introduced in as the Model Home Farm series, marking a shift toward peaceful, rural-themed toys in the aftermath of . This line featured hollowcast lead animals, figures, and accessories in 1/32 scale, including the inaugural '4F' Tumbrel Cart and early livestock such as horses and cows, designed to enable realistic farm simulations through role-playing scenarios. Key early models included the 1923 hollowcast Shire horses (catalogue no. 505) and cows (no. 508), which captured detailed anatomical features and were painted in realistic colors to enhance authenticity. By 1948, Britains expanded the range with its first die-cast tractor, the 127F/128F Fordson Major, complete with optional metal or rubber wheels, reflecting post-war mechanization trends in . The series evolved in the mid-20th century, acquired Herald in 1959, transitioning animal figures to durable , while retaining die-cast for vehicles; further innovations in the , such as the 1973 introduction of New Metal die-cast alloys, improved the robustness of and implements like plows. These models held strong educational appeal, encouraging children to engage in imaginative by assembling complete farm ecosystems with farmers, plows, , and barns, fostering understanding of rural life and animal care from age three onward. Sets like the bestselling 1970 Model Farmyard (no. 4711) integrated these elements for interactive play, promoting skills in coordination and . In 2021, under ownership, Britains marked the centennial of its farm line with special product releases, including reissues of vintage pieces like the Major to honor historical milestones. The collectible value of Britains models stems from their enduring quality and thematic consistency, with annual farm sets—such as limited-edition farmyard collections—appealing to enthusiasts for their detailed craftsmanship. These pieces maintain compatibility with other 1/32-scale farm toys from brands like Siku, allowing seamless expansion of collections.

Vehicles and Civilian Models

Britains expanded its product line beyond military and agricultural themes in the early 20th century, introducing hollow-cast metal vehicles such as cars, trucks, and buses in the 1920s to complement civilian playsets. These models emphasized everyday transportation, with examples including saloon cars and delivery vans designed for imaginative play alongside figures. By the 1930s, the company had refined its casting techniques to produce more detailed vehicles, often in larger scales suitable for tabletop scenarios, though true die-cast production emerged later in the post-war era. In 1950, Britains launched the Lilliput Vehicle Series in 1:76 scale (), targeting model enthusiasts and civilian transport themes. This line featured die-cast models of cars, commercial trucks, and horse-drawn carts like milk floats, with expansions in 1956 adding more variations in colors and designs. The series, produced in collaboration with W. Horton Toys, prioritized affordability and compatibility with model layouts, discontinuing in 1960 due to material regulations shifting toward plastics. Concurrently, Britains developed 1:43 scale models for broader appeal, allowing collectors to build urban scenes with realistic proportions. Civilian figures, introduced from the , depicted workers, sportsmen, and holidaymakers to populate these vehicle sets. Workers included zoo keepers and circus performers, while sportsmen encompassed football players and jockeys in racing colors; holiday sets featured Boy Scouts, , and members, often bundled with vehicles like touring cars for complete playsets. These non-military figures, cast in lead alloy and hand-painted, reflected inter-war British social life and were exported widely, particularly to the U.S. market. The 1973 New Metal series marked a revival in detailed die-cast production, incorporating alloy for vehicles with enhanced features like opening engines, rubber wheels, and removable accessories. Construction vehicles such as dump trucks and excavators, along with emergency models like ambulances and fire engines, showcased intricate mechanics for interactive play. This innovation addressed consumer demand for durable, realistic toys amid the shift from lead, maintaining compatibility with existing figure lines. Thematic expansions included airport models with passenger planes, baggage carts, and figures, as well as accessories like station wagons and signalmen, designed to integrate with playsets for expanded scenarios. These lines, produced in the mid-20th century, emphasized modular play, allowing users to create transport hubs alongside everyday figures. Under ownership since 2011, Britains has focused on licensed replicas of real-world vehicles, including Defenders for off-road themes and JCB construction dumpers with authentic branding. These modern 1:32 scale die-cast models retain high detail, such as functional tipping beds and licensed liveries, appealing to both children and collectors while avoiding purely agricultural subjects.

Legacy and Current Status

Collectibility and Cultural Impact

The collectibility of Britains products surged in the post-World War II era, particularly from the onward, as production of metal hollowcast figures resumed and was increasingly marketed toward adult enthusiasts as "connoisseur figures." Vintage hollowcast figures from this period and earlier became highly sought after for their rarity, pristine condition, and historical authenticity, with complete boxed sets commanding premium prices—such as £1,000 to £8,000 for sets of nine figures, and up to £25,000 for a British Army display case containing 275 soldiers. Rare early examples, like the 1893 "Soldiers that Shoot" set, have fetched £492 at auction, while plug-shouldered variants of sets such as the No. 94 can reach £3,000 based on condition and scarcity. Britains figures played a significant cultural role in children's play, fostering imagination through wargaming and providing informal historical education via detailed representations of military uniforms and events. H.G. Wells's 1913 book popularized the use of toy soldiers like those from Britains for tabletop battles, promoting strategic play that simulated real conflicts and influenced generations of hobbyists by blending with lessons in tactics and . This enduring appeal extended to inspiring modeling as a means of learning about past campaigns, with Britains' accurate depictions drawing from sources like period illustrations to educate young players on regimental details. Dedicated collector communities have preserved Britains legacy through clubs and auctions, including the British Model Soldier Society (BMSS), the longest-established association for enthusiasts, which hosts annual shows, member auctions, and exhibitions focused on figures like hollowcasts. Notable auction records highlight their value, such as a scarce Boer War Service Supply Column set selling for $22,800 in 2015, and a rare 1897 set achieving $15,600 in 2017, underscoring the market's emphasis on and completeness. The William Britain Collectors Club further supports preservation by offering exclusive figures and resources to members worldwide. Britains pioneered industry standards in toy soldier production, introducing hollowcasting in 1893 to enable cost-effective, detailed lead figures that set a benchmark for realism and uniformity. Their consistent 1:32 scale (54 mm) ensured proportional accuracy across , , and horses, a practice that became the norm and was adopted by competitors for compatible collections. This emphasis on researched authenticity—drawing from extensive references like artifacts and illustrations—influenced the shift toward high-fidelity modeling, elevating the entire sector from simple playthings to collectible art forms. In modern times, collectibility has expanded to include Deetail plastic figures from the 1970s–1980s and contemporary W. Britain metal pieces, traded actively on online marketplaces like , where lots of vintage Deetail U.S. 7th figures routinely sell for $50 or more. Enthusiasts gather at conventions such as the Toy Soldier Show, Gettysburg Toy Soldier Show, and BMSS annual events, where Britains items are prominently featured for trading and display, sustaining a vibrant global community.

Modern Operations and Licensing

Since 2011, the brand has been owned and operated by , focusing on agricultural and construction-themed models that emphasize play value and collectibility. In parallel, the W. Britain sub-brand, specializing in high-end metal soldiers and military figures, has been independently managed by On The Mantle, LLC (doing business as W. Britain Toys) since May 2020, with operations relocated to , where the company retained its staff and expanded local manufacturing capabilities. This structure allows W. Britain to prioritize premium, hand-painted metal-cast figures researched for historical accuracy, while oversees broader production of plastic and die-cast farm and vehicle models. Britains products are distributed globally through major online retailers such as and a network of specialty toy and hobby stores, including outlets like Ernest Doe and Jadlam Toys & Models in the UK. Manufacturing for the core Britains farm and vehicle lines occurs primarily in to maintain cost efficiency and scale, utilizing advanced techniques for consistency in 1:32 scale models. In contrast, W. Britain has shifted some production to its facility to support domestic operations and mitigate disruptions. Licensing partnerships play a key role in enhancing product authenticity and appeal, particularly for themed sets. For Britains farm toys, collaborates with agricultural brands like JCB, New Holland, and to produce officially licensed replicas, such as the JCB Union Jack Backhoe 75th Anniversary edition. W. Britain partners with historical and collector organizations, exemplified by exclusive sets created for the Ontario Model Soldier Society, ensuring accurate representations of in limited-edition figures. Looking ahead, both brands emphasize expansion through dedicated online stores and digital catalogs, aligning with the toy market's projected growth in online sales at a CAGR of over 4% through 2032. W. Britain continues to release new figure lines, such as upcoming Civil War and Napoleonic sets, while Britains plans 2025 farm introductions like telehandlers and tractor accessories to sustain collector interest. These efforts position the brands to capitalize on rising demand for interactive and heritage-inspired toys in a digital-first .

References

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