B is for Babes . . . in Toyland!

The folder these were in is a new one which was going to sit in the long queue until I could get the Marx originals out for full comparisons, not that I have many, a couple of damaged 60mm's I think and some of the HO Miniature Masterpiece/Disneykin ones (actually around 1:64th - if cartoon characters can have a scale?), but having bumped myself into yesterday's post these might as well go here for now, and we'll have a better look at all the cake-dec' soldiers in a year or two.

A complete set as sold by Wilton, they are - as mentioned yesterday - copies of the Marx set, Marx actually had a fourth pose, standing to attention (Private's Valiant and Hooligan!), but Wilton only copied the marching figures, who, using the Marx names are, from the top-left to bottom-right; Privates Chivalrous & Courageous (drummers), Trustworthy & Archibald (riflemen) and Gallant & Fearless - trumpeters.

The only real difference is in quality, the Marx are better finished and painted, while the Wilton's are probably a tad smaller, I haven't checked. It also looks like the bases are bigger, to anchor them firmly in the icing!

The set was in Wilton's catalogues for over twenty (maybe over thirty-) years, so the figures aren't even slightly rare, and there are always several mint sets on evilbay, but a lot of sellers try to price scalp as if they are Marx, so try not to pay over the odds, I bought a tatty-carded set to keep the cost down!

Compared with the slightly comical, but not so cartoonish guard from George Musgrave's Gemodels on the left, on the right and from the 1966 catalogue, another set of cake decoration soldiers from Wilton, these being made of real cloth and - I think (?) - pipe-cleaners and likely to be rarer, but won't find a home in my collection, they're just a bit too 'off-the-wall'!

 That scruffy card!

 

And I've added a shot to yesterdays post.