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South Australian Lancers


Dirk
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In keeping with the toy soldier theme, here is a set of South Australian Lancers made by Britain's Ltd c. 1901-1919 and features their original box. Britain's standardized their boxes by the late 1890's so Infantry sets with moveable arms had 8 figures per box while cavalry sets had 5 figures. They are marked "Wm Britain copyright 1 1 1901." This particular set of soldiers has an interesting history. The first version, which is insanely rare, was made from 1896 until 1901, when the company changed the uniforms and headgear from a blue jacket and slouch hat to a khaki uniform and the spiked helmet shown here. Collectors have debated if this regiment even existed, but author, and Britains authority Joe Wallis found documentation the regiment listed as the South Australian Lancers did parade in 1897 for Queen Victoria's Diamond Jubilee. The Britains Company was very particular about ensuring the accuracy of their figures uniforms, often a point of detraction for their German made rivals. This 3rd version set features what is called the "one eared horse" as the horses ears were molded together. A later version would have separately molded ears for the horse. Given these likely date before WWI they would fall into the collectors category of an "Ancient" version of the set, which continued be made until 1941.

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A detailed shot of the Officer and two Troopers. Not as finely painted as their German or French counterparts, but they have a great Edwardian feel to them when compared to Britain's painting styles that followed in the 1920's and early 30's. Below is a trooper as he appears on an Richard Simkin Lithograph. The Britain's company was influenced by prints by this artist to create figures in similar poses.

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