Dorset Soldiers

"Dorset Soldiers have been producing toy style 54mm lead soldiers for collections since 1976. We offer everything from a spare part to repair a wounded 'old soldier', through castings for you to complete to your own individual taste, and of course, painted figures in a traditional style, both boxed and unboxed to suit your needs.

"We produce our figures in either painted or unpainted form."

PAINTED FIGURES

"Since 1976 we have been producing toy-style figures for the collector. These are created and moulded in our studio by our designers, to the consistent scale and standard that our customers have come to expect.

"Our 54mm figures are made of various mixtures of lead with tin and antimony, according to which is most suitable for each particular piece. Maximum detail is achieved with the use of a centrifugal casting machine.

"The next step in the process is to remove the 'flash' (the excess metal which forms at the mould parting line) to give a clean outline.

"Castings are then assembled and hand-painted in traditional gloss colours, for a better-than-traditional toy-style finish. Sets are then boxed in leatherette-covered boxes, the figures being protected by foam or bubble-wrap.

"The Painted Figures range featured in our full colour catalgue covers over 200 painted sets under the following headings:

• CIVILIANS
• FRENCH NAPOLEONIC INFANTRY
• FRENCH FOREIGN LEGION
• OUT OF AFRICA
• AMERICAN CIVIL WAR
• WORLD WAR I
• BRITAIN'S DEFENDERS 1900 - 1990'S
• MEDIEVAL
• Napoleonic French
• French Foreign Legion
• 19th Century civilians

CASTINGS

"Our castings are designed for those collectors who wish to contribute something of themselves to their hobby.

"Many of our 54mm white metal figures are complete, and only need to be 'flash-cleaned' with a knife and file before painting. Others require parts such as heads, arms and packs, which can be purchased from our lists. Some of these parts are also suitable for repairing your own old, broken soldiers. We recommend 'thick' instant glue for assembly of these, and our vehicle kits. We will be happy to quote for 'flash-cleaning' and assembly of items. Heads can be removed from figures, and a hole drilled at no extra cost. You only pay for your choice of replacement head from the list.

"If you cannot find the casting for the figure you want to make, please contact us and we will be pleased to supply the parts you need. We are always happy to consider producing special commissions. Please contact us for details.

"Our Castings List covers over 2000 castings, under the following headings:

• BRITISH ARMY AT HOME
• BRITISH ARMY OVERSEAS
• FRENCH ARMY
• INDIAN ARMY
• SCOTS REGIMENTS
• NAVAL, COLONIAL & MISCELLANEOUS
• OPPOSITION FORCES & NATIVE NON-COMBATANTS
• ARTILLERY & SUPPORT GROUPS & VEHICLES
• HEADS, ARMS - To convert or complete other castings or to repair broken old soldiers.
• CIVILIANS & CIVIL VEHICLES
• POSTAL ITEMS
• MORRIS DANCERS
• THE THOROUGHBRED COLLECTION - A unique system to provide horse movement and variety for cavalry or artilliery.
• AMERICAN CIVIL WAR
• NAPOLEONIC WARS
• KNIGHTS - MEDIEVAL
• WILLIAM BRITAINS COLLECTION - Compatible figures & spare parts Remember, we can also supply our own "Dorset Extras," such as Milliput filler and boxes for your completed figures.

"As well as the items listed in our catalogue, we can also undertake low-volume production from your own existing patterns, or even have masters specially created. Apart from the collectibles featured on this site, we can also undertake work in the military, railroad and general casting fields. If you have a specific project in mind, we would be delighted to hear from you."