This series was originally created in the UK by Pat and Olive Bird who subsequently emigrated to the USA. Despite the number of different figures produced there is now virtually no info on them on the net - does anybody have any photos or info on the availability of figures for sale. I seem to remember reading some time ago that all of the molds are in existence somewhere but are subject to some sort of legal dispute.
Many thanks
David
The Bird’s sold the molds, name & business to another party, whose name escapes me. The new owner was not a great caster or business man. The quality of the castings went South & prices went up. Eventually, the new owner moved to Hawaii & tried to continue the business. Problem was, he was charging full shipping rates from Hawaii to the mainland Distributors, which dramatically increased the cost of the figures. The business went bust. That’s all of the story I know. They were really excellent figures & I have several that I have painted & a few left in my unpainted stash.
Regards, Rick
Hi Rick
Thanks very much for the info.
Like you I have several painted figures and a larger unpainted stash. My huge regret is that as part of the Indian Army series they did a figure of 2 men on an elephant - magnificent at that scale. Saw one unpainted in a shop when it first came out but have never seen a painted example. Guess I will just have to keep scanning ebay.
All the best
David
David, They show up now & then on eBay & at shows, but they are rare & very expensive. I always wondered what happened to the original molds & hoped someone would re-introduce the line. But it’s been several years now & hope is dimming.
Regards, Rick
From what I’ve read from Shep Paine the only problem with them was they were usually to short in the legs but once corrected they were superb figures. I just wish I had bought some back in the day when I had the chance.