Vintage probably Britains Lead Farm & Zoo Animal Collection Cows, Pigs, Turkey

selling these as one wonderfully evocative mixed vintage farm and zoo figure collection rather than trying to attribute every individual piece to Britains. Several have the appearance and scale of Britains hollow-cast figures, but with no visible marks and considerable age-related paint loss, we cannot attribute to any maker

Various sizes

2 cm to 8 cm approx

Britains is certainly relevant history: the company pioneered hollow-cast lead figures from the 1890s and launched its famous Model Home Farm range in 1921, later expanding into zoo figures. The company increasingly moved towards plastic figures during the 1950s.

this group at £48. Recent mixed Britains/farm lots have sold around the £30 plus mark, while better or larger lead collections can reach considerably more; individual vintage Britains-style elephants and other animals also have their own collector value.

Vintage probably Britains Lead Farm & Zoo Animal Collection – Cows, Pigs, Turkeys, Elephant & Farmer

Price: £48

A wonderfully nostalgic collection of vintage farmyard and zoo figures, full of the wonderful playworn character that only genuinely old toys acquire.

The collection comprises approximately 13 assorted figures, including a large grey elephant, cattle in various poses, two black pigs, two turkeys, a dog, smaller resting animals and a farm worker carrying a fork.

Several of the figures appear consistent in style, construction and scale with the traditional hollow-cast lead figures produced by Britains, although there are no sufficiently clear maker's marks on the collection for us to confidently attribute every piece. It is therefore being offered as a mixed vintage collection, potentially including Britains and figures by other contemporary British manufacturers.

Maker History

Britains became one of Britain's best-known manufacturers of miniature figures after pioneering the hollow-cast lead manufacturing process in the late 19th century. Their celebrated Model Home Farm range appeared in the early 1920s and grew to include an extraordinary selection of cattle, pigs, sheep, poultry, farm workers, buildings and accessories.

Zoo animals followed as Britains expanded beyond its military ranges, creating miniature worlds that generations of children could build and rearrange. By the 1950s the traditional painted metal figures began to give way to the new generation of moulded plastic toys, making surviving earlier examples increasingly appealing to collectors.

This collection has clearly been played with and enjoyed. There is extensive age-related paint loss, rubbing, chips, surface wear and general knocks throughout, with some figures showing heavier losses than others. We have deliberately left them exactly as found rather than attempting restoration or repainting.

The wonderfully worn cows, colourful turkeys and imposing elephant give the group tremendous decorative appeal. Displayed together they make a charming little slice of mid-century childhood and would look fabulous in a collection of vintage toys, agricultural memorabilia or country-house curiosities.

Why we love it

It is the mixture that makes this collection. The slightly battered livestock, proud turkeys, farmer and rather unexpected elephant feel as though an entire childhood toy box has survived intact. Their worn paint doesn't detract for us – it tells their story.

Condition: Vintage playworn condition with considerable paint loss, rubbing, knocks and wear consistent with age and use. Please study photographs carefully as they form an important part of the description.

Material: Predominantly painted metal/lead with possible mixed materials within the collection.

Quantity: Approximately 13 figures.

Date: Predominantly mid-20th century, with some pieces possibly earlier.

Maker: Britains style; several figures are believed to be Britains or associated period manufacture, but individual attribution cannot be guaranteed without identifiable maker's marks.

Due to their age and probable lead content, these are sold as adult collectors' display items rather than children's toys.

As with all our vintage and antique pieces, signs of age and previous use are part of their history and charm. Colours may vary slightly according to screen settings. Our description is given to the best of our knowledge from our own research and examination of the item.I particularly like “Vintage Britains Style Lead Farm & Zoo Animal Collection” for eBay/Etsy because it captures both search terms without claiming the whole group is definitely Britains.