Hen
possibly Britains Ltd.
Category
Toys
Date
circa 1940
Materials
Lead
Measurements
24 mm (length); 20 mm (height)
Place of origin
London
Order this imageCollection
Sudbury Hall Museum of Childhood, Derbyshire
NT 659288
Summary
A circa 1940 'Britains Ltd.' (possibly) painted metal (lead) model hen or cockerel (Model Home Farm series). She is painted white with a red head and grey and pink feet. The Model Home Farm series was introduced in 1921; finely detailed and hand painted. Over time the hollow-cast moulds became worn and in some cases the markers stamp became unidentifiable or missing on a model that was made by Britains. The company was founded in 1893 by William Britain Jr and has been branded under numerous names such as as 'W. Britain', 'Britains Ltd' and 'Britains'. But most commonly referred to as 'Britains' by collectors and enthusiasts. The company is still in production today. The success of Britains saw the emergence of other manufacturers including Taylor & Barrett, F. G. Taylor, Charbens, Pixyland / F. Kew and Company, Cherilea, Timpo and John Hill & Company.
Provenance
Donated to the Museum of Childhood by Miss Sarah Hosking in 1983.
Makers and roles
possibly Britains Ltd., manufacturer possibly W. Britain , manufacturer