BRITAINS AND OTHER INTERESTING TOY SOLDIERS Themes and Highlights from Sixty Years of Collecting

John Franklin has spent more than sixty years assembling a substantial collection of traditional toy soldiers, principally those produced by Britains, while also incorporating a range of notable examples from other makers. In this volume, he presents the depth of knowledge acquired through decades of experience and extensive research, conveying above all his enduring passion for the subject.
Franklin recounts how his interest in toy soldiers originated in early childhood and gradually developed into a dedicated lifelong pursuit. Subsequent chapters explore the thematic directions his collecting has taken—such as Britains’ Special Painting Orders and Indian Army pipe bands—and address a number of questions concerning the production, classification, and identification of specific sets. Some of these issues he has resolved through meticulous investigation; others remain open lines of enquiry.
The book is rich in anecdotes, technical detail, and practical guidance for collectors. More than anything, it serves as an affectionate survey of a six-decade endeavour. Over four hundred photographs display a significant portion of Franklin’s collection, offering a visual procession of miniature pageantry and craftsmanship.