Figure
Britains Ltd.
Category
Toys
Date
circa 1940
Materials
Lead
Measurements
49 mm (height);
Place of origin
London
Order this imageCollection
Sudbury Hall Museum of Childhood, Derbyshire
NT 660165
Summary
A circa 1940 'Britains Ltd' painted metal (lead) model of a yokel, known as 'The Village Idiot' (Model Home Farm Series). He is wearing pink smock, brown trousers and brown hat - all painted on. One arm, carrying a straw, is articulated. His feet are missing. The story goes - when Britains presented their Model Home Farm series at the British Empire Exhibition (Wembley in 1924) King George V and Queen Mary noted the lack of a 'village idiot'. Britians proceded to create one by Royal command. The Model Home Farm series was introduced in 1921; finely detailed and hand painted. 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.
Makers and roles
Britains Ltd., manufacturer W. Britain , manufacturer