Description: C1920s vintage assortment of Britains toy zoo and farm hollow cast lead animals, zoo enclosures, zoo scrolled sign, background enclosures and scenery. Notable is lead hand-painted ‘ZOO’ scrolled green and gold banner. In total the set comprises: X14 fences or enclosures in black with green X1 green ladder X2 lead modelled painted scenery - the smaller is stamped ‘Made in England by Britains Ltd, No 056’ X1 hand-painted bush/flowers X1 Polar bear (no arm) X1 Chimpanzee (no arms) X1 Zebra (stamped Britains) X1 Gorilla (missing an arm) X1 ZOO banner X1 Donkey (x3 legs) X1 Hen X1 Horse X1 Swan (no head) X1 Antelope X1 Vulture (marked Britains but made in plastic) BRITAINS William Britain was a skilled toy-maker who was born in Birmingham in 1828. In 1921 Britains Ltd launched a range of painted lead farm figurines, from animals to farm workers and their accessories. What stood out was Britains’ attention to detail. Each item was carefully sculpted before a mould was made and each breed of animal was uniquely created. The zoological series appeared between the Wars, and consisted of a wide range of accurately modelled painted lead zoo animals, along with visitors, zoo staff, animal enclosures, fencing and scenery. It was instantly popular. They also began adapting their products to suit plastic. The conversion of earlier moulds to suit the new medium took time and it was only in the 1960s that production of lead figures ceased. Britains zoo animals were a very successful series and are now highly desirable with collectors. These are a wonderful set, which need to be treasured once again. Will be carefully packaged.
Price: 45 GBP
Location: Worthing
End Time: 2024-12-04T08:17:16.000Z
Shipping Cost: 32.42 GBP
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Item Specifics
Returns Accepted: ReturnsNotAccepted
Vintage: Yes
