I found this link to a fascinating page with information on old German toy soldier manufacturers etc-
http://www.zinnfiguren-bleifiguren.com/
Be prepared to lose yourself for ages in the fascinating detail, including old catalogues.
As many of you know my forebears on both sides came over from German around 1900 ( there is a Mackay bit of the genes too in terms of Granny ) and I am fascinated by the German toy soldier scene that they would have known in their youth over there. I wonder how prevalent home casting was as a hobby , if it represented a particular demographic. Where do manufacturers like Hyde come in ? I am fascinated by the position of this homecasting scene in hobby and family life. Was it something you did with dad in the garden ? Did you just melt metal with friends or brothers? As Schneider for example make moulds for charms and civilian, animals etc I assume girls were into homecasting too. Lots of questions, any thoughts folks?
Amazing site. This is surely a tribute to one of the better aspects of the internet - enabling one man's obsessive interest in a subject, however obscure, to be shared with the world. Enjoy yourself - but remember to set an alarm when you need to cook dinner, or go to bed.. :)
ReplyDeleteGlad you found it interesting. I shall endeavour not to get lost in this Tin world...
DeleteThere are many photos from the late C19th showing families sat around a table, Papa pouring lead into the mould, a boy and girl looking on eagerly while Mama paints the castings. They may have been publicity images to promote the sale on homecasting moulds as an enjoyable pastime for the whole family.
ReplyDeleteHomecasting achieved some popularity in the US between the wars but apart from that it seems to have been a predominantly German pastime.
I wonder if such a scene took place in the Grubers or Egners long ago and far away. I must look out for such photos...
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