A lucky find at the local car boot sale were these two rather undersized Romans, 50mm and solid lead, they've both seen better days and are now rather scuffed but I could see from what remained that they were once figures of quality.
Under the wooden base I could just make out the words: Hummel Burlington Arcade London W1, which translates as "Expensive!" For those who've never been there, Burlington Arcade, off London's Piccadilly, is an avenue of eye wateringly expensive shops, one of which was Hummel's where you could buy exclusive connoisseur model figures made by the likes of Richard Courtenay and Frederick Ping.
At some point in history these chaps have changed places, the hand painted title on the black wood plinth states he is a Roman Centurion, but the figure mounted on it is clearly a Legionary while the one to the right with vine cane and transverse horsehair comb on his helmet is the Centurion.
It wasn't until I got them home that I noticed the "P" enclosing "ing" hand painted in gold on the reverse of the base, the signature mark of Frederick Ping.
The most notable thing about Ping figures is that he started with a basic mannequin and dressed it using lead sheet, as on the tunic, belts and cloak of these, other elements such as armour were built up with solder. For this reason his figures tend to be portrait style rather than action figures like those of Courtenay, with whom he collaborated and who's moulds he inherited on that sculptors death. Another characteristic of Ping are the relatively large square lead bases, and while the figures are generally described as 50mm if you use the modern practice of measuring from the top of the base to the eye line the are more like 45mm.
Ping often worked to commission and among his works were a series of 12 "Worlds Greatest Generals" for Shamus O D Wade and a number of intricate "Theatre Sets" for the actor Peter Cushing, which I was lucky enough to view when they were sold through Phillips Auctioneers.
Fascinating, Brian. I justify my collection of toy soldiers by claiming they are usable for wargames, so I stick to certain scales and periods. But I'm always interested to see what 'real collectors' have acquired, and how they judge their new acquisitions. Would you consider these to be among the most noteworthy figures in your collection? Are you aware of other collectors of Ping figures? Can these be given a date of manufacture?
ReplyDeleteMichael (Wargaming with...)
Hi Michael, my real collection is toy soldier books, catalogues and magazines, I am drawn to the aesthetics of miniatures, I'm fascinated by their history and production. I have been acquiring toy soldiers, primarily for 54mm wargaming since 1960 and the most noteworthy are the ones that I or others have converted, because each of these are unique and we each leave something of ourselves in what we make. Going by the simple wooden block bases I would say these Ping figures date from the 1950's, I don't know anyone who collects them but there is a certain market for these early connoisseur models. Unlike most collectors the concepts of mint condition, original boxes, complete sets etc. are of no interest to me, a toy which has never been played with has never fulfilled it's purpose.
DeleteLovely reply, thank you!
DeleteMichael
Most interesting and all new to me. An excellent find .
ReplyDeleteAlan Tradgardland
Hi Alan, to be honest they're not really my kind of thing but I couldn't bring myself to pass by and leave them floundering in a junk box.
DeleteTwo wonderful pieces to find at a car boot sale Brian! I'm glad that you were able to save them! I totally agree with your reply to Michael, our passion is toy soldiers and they were meant to be played with and enjoyed!
ReplyDelete