William Britain, a gifted toymaker, founded his company in the late 1840,s in North East London.
Eldest son William Britain Jnr invented the hollow casting process for lead soldiers in the 1890's.
Britains toy soldiers were manufactured to the scale of toy trains, resulting in the 54mm standard size by which soldiers are still produced today.
WW1 saw the factory convert from toy production to wartime materials, but the export of toys continued.
The home farm range was introduced following the war. Britains diversed the toy lines to include motor vehicles, zoo, circus, and garden themes.
After offering its largest toy line ever in 1940, the factory was once again plunged into wartime production.
By 1953, Britains had returned to normal production and faced considerable competition from plastic toys.
Britains bought leading plastic toy manufacturer Herald in 1959 and had a well established foothold on the market place.
Hollow-casting ceased in 1966.
The company thrived over the next four decades.
Diecast metal soldiers were re-introduced in the 1990,s . The company was sold to Ertl in 1997 and remains under Ertl today.
*GRADING SYSTEM EXPLAINED*
KHAKI INFANTRY #7302 Figures condition = 10/10
Box condition = 6/10
Made by Herald in Hong Kong.
Mint figures which are stuck by base to inner card. Window of box is fully detached and is torn.
Box has general wear and tear. ...
BRITAINS #2075 SHOW JUMPER AND RIDER Figure condition = 10/10
Box condition = 7/10
Mint figures inside a box which has some wear, window has some denting.
Overall box is in very good condition.
Adult collectors only.
UK customer please do ...
BRITAINS #2001 BLACK BEAUTY Figure condition = 10/10
Box condition = 8/10
William Britains Black Beauty was made in 1974, figure is in mint condition.
Box is in very good condition grubby in parts and wear to corners and edges.
Beco...
SHOW JUMPING MILITARY RIDER & HORSE #2077 A+/B-A
Made by Britains.
Mint figure includes fence which appears complete.
Box has discolouration general wear and tear with creasing.
Adult collectors only.
UK customer please do not choose large parcel delivery for this item only.
BRITISH SCOUT CAR 1/32 SCALE #9781 Model condition = 9/10
Box condition = 8/10
Inner card condition = 7/10
Made by Britains in 1974.
On one small raised area there appears to be some light wear.
Includes unused decals.
Inner card stand ...
BRITAINS KNIGHTS OF THE SWORD #17558 Figures condition = 10/10
Card condition = 9/10
Britains Knights of the Sword which are in mint condition, never opened.
Card is in excellent condition.
Includes one pair of mounted knights.
Made in ...
BRITAINS KNIGHTS OF THE SWORD #17558 Figures condition = 10/10
Card condition = 9/10
Britains Knights of the Sword which are in mint condition, never been opened.
Card is in excellent condition.
Made in China 2004.
Not suitable for chil...
GERMAN OFFICER WITH WHIP Figure condition = 10/10
54mm figure manufactured by Britains in 1985, figure is die-cast.
Unique figure which was owned and painted by multi award winning artist Mr G. Hanger who is widely recognised as bein...
SELECTION OF 7 45th BENGAL INFANTRY "MARCHING THE TRAIL 1890'S" Figures condition = 10/10
Manufactured by Britians, possibly made from lead.
These 54mm figures were owned and painted by multi award winning artist Mr G. Hanger who is widely recognised as being one of the l...