Posted 14 years ago
Dr_Rambow
(88 items)
Didn't really think much of these when they were given to me a few years ago (cast iron ones also came in this lot), but after seeing fourpeepsake's AA gun of the same style/maker, I thought I'd give them another look.
I'd be interest in knowing more, if anyone has any ideas.
Did the person who gave these to you have the mold and make them? From what I can tell, they look newer with old molds. By newer...70s???? There was a surge of making lead soldiers then with the old molds. Very cool. Love the planes!!
This is my theory, many folks on CW could have other ideas.
OK, just read your title. (its early) I don't think they sold these as a kit. I think you got them from the generation before you. Again, I think 70s.
I have a few of these that were handed down to me from my Father. He cast them in his youth (1930's) and I would think from your picture that yours may have been cast quite some time ago due to the patina which appears similar to mine.
Home casting kits were quite popular in the 30's and there were a number of mould makers like RappaportBros., A C Gilbert, Home Cast and the like. The moulds are very collectable.
I initially thought they were modern castings when I first saw them. They aren't like Barclay soldiers that turn black (under the right conditions), the powdery white patina is what shows the age.
Speaking of the molds, I actually found one in a old garbage pit in the woods behind my near 100 year old house. The property used to be a farm, so there are a few such piles around. I've still yet to identify it, but suffice to say the molds have been around for ages!