Posted 12 years ago
Dr_Rambow
(88 items)
I'm on the fence about these, can't tell if they are period or modern. They don't match up with the makers I know (which basically comes down to Grey Iron). There range between 1 1/2" and 2 1/2" tall, were either painted silver or have a thin nickel coating. In any case, these were fairly rusty when they were given to me.
It's difficult to date when these soldiers were cast, but patina would be one way of estimating age. What you mention as nickel plate is more likely higher tin content in the lead mixture.
Here is a link to a page that shows some of the moulds that were available from different manufacturers back then.
http://www.concentric.net/~richcamp/tmidinfo.htm
Have fun.
Would more tin cause a bright orange oxide (isn't it white)? Before I took these images removed/oiled the active rust on these things. The back side of the broken gun in the first image was orange like a pumpkin with the stuff.
In other news, the guns *might* be the same as on this catalog sheet, but not all of the other figures match up.
http://www.concentric.net/~richcamp/tmpics23.htm
In any case, thanks for the link. I suppose their origin will be revealed in good time.
I would say that the image of the gun shown in the link is a very good match to your guns. I noticed in one of your other posts on lead figures that you found a mould. Would love to see a pic of that.