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YOUR SOUTH FLORIDA TOY SOLDIER CLUB NEWSLETTER

November 15, 2020

Welcome Our Salute to Napoleon!

A group of our deeply knowledgeable members have contributed photos and text for a look at some of the fun of they have collecting Napoleon figures and creating historical dioramas. Enjoy the journey.

Napoleon sizes up the battlefield with his officers.
Napoleon sizes up the battlefield with his officers.
By Curt Sleight
(Shown is part of a 14-piece diorama, that took Curt 10 months to create) Mike Posso provided a display of 8 well known Napoleonic Era Figures from his general staff.
Mike Posso provided a display of 8 well known Napoleonic Era Figures from his general staff.
From Left to Right: Dorsenne, Berthier, Davout, Ney, Napoleon, Poniatowski, Bessieres & Murat
The figures were produced by Chintoys of Russia. These remarkably detailed figures are made of plastic and are packed 8 to a set unpainted.

 

 

Curt's diorama consists of 54mm Charles Stadden and Metal Models from France.
Curt's diorama consists of 54mm Charles Stadden and Metal Models from France.

This portion shows the topographical maps of the type consulted by Napoleon. He placed great reliance on the maps to plan and execute his military campaigns.

The pace of building the diorama was determined by the time it took to find, assemble and paint suitable 54 mm figures. The detail that Curt produces is amazing!

Club founder, Frank Burns, submitted four Napoleonic calvary figures.
Club founder, Frank Burns, submitted four Napoleonic calvary figures.

The flag bearer is Russian made and the others, a chasseur and two Polish lancers are by Charles Stadden.

Stadden had a career with the British Royal Army and served in many important engagements. After WW2 he decided to produce model soldiers on a commercial basis. His engineering experience in the military enabled him to create many revolutionary manufacturing techniques.

He was also a talented artist and many of his watercolor and oil paintings adorn the walls of military museums and are found in private collections.

This is a full view of Curt's work This is a full view of Curt's work showing the ruins of a building along with other intriguing pieces. He plans to bring the diorama to our next meeting when we are ready to reconvene. Jim Spina offered a look at a porcelain figure of Napoleon made in Germany about 1910 by the Rudolstadt company. It stands 11 inches tall.

CLUB NEWS AND UPDATES

From President Mike Skurda

As most of you know, we will not hold a show in 2021. We also plan to hold upcoming club meetings after the vaccine for the virus is available to our members and their families. Our next show is planned for the snowbird season of 2022.

Accordingly, the officers feel that we should roll over the dues paid for 2020 to cover 2021 as well and we wish our members and friends a happy and healthy Thanksgiving. The theme for our December newsletter will be "Things on Wheels". Send pictures/text to Jim Spina.

Collectibles For Sale or Trade by Club Members;

Frank Burns has back issues of the Old Toy Soldier Newsletter for sale. The information contained in this publication is excellent and valuable for enhancing collector knowledge. (561 732 7295 )

Alan McGhee recently purchased a large collection of figures made by Thomas Gunn, Collectors Showcase, Britain's, & Mounted Delprado. If you have interest, call him at 954 699 6040 and he will provide you with a list of pieces. Most set are boxed and offered at a substantial discount from retail prices.

Longtime member Hal Seitz is in the process of downsizing his collections. Give him a call at 954 749 1090 for information.


Other Notes:

The current issue of "Antique Toy World" announced the loss of one of our hobby's "founding fathers". Don Pielin died in September at the age of 78. He was one of the key persons who created the Chicago Toy Soldier Show in 1980.

He was a prolific author and wrote or co-wrote several books including The American Toy Soldier, Art of J. Edward Jones, & American Dimestore Soldiers and Figures. He will be missed by his collecting friends.

Submitted by: Jim Spina Secretary email: 2828jimspina@gmail.com

 

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