Footballer
W Britain
Category
Toys
Date
circa 1904
Materials
Painted metal and printed cardboard
Measurements
51 - 60 mm (height of footballers); 277 mm (length of box); 140 mm (width of box)
Place of origin
London
Order this imageCollection
Sudbury Hall Museum of Childhood, Derbyshire
NT 660253
Summary
A set of footballers and their original box, made by Britains Ltd (circa 1904). There is a full team of eleven model footballers, each handpainted in red and white, with black socks, brown boots. Some of the footballers are in a running position and one has jointed arms. Underneath four of the footballers are pasted paper handwritten labels, reading as follows: 'C / McNEIL / L.' 'I. / HODGSON / R.' 'L / McKINLAY / B.' 'I / MCDOUGAL / R.' The others are missing or have been left blank with the manufacturer's name and year embossed onto the metal base. The box (not currentl on display) is made of cardboard, covered with green glossy paper, with a white paper label pasted onto the lid. On the label, within a blue patterned border reads in printed blue ink: 'FAMOUS / FOOTBALL TEAMS / MANUFACTURED BY / W Britain / IN LONDON, ENGLAND / Copyright Models.' In a rectangle opposite 'W Britain' is an additional rectangle, this has had a cardboard rectangle pasted onto it and reads 'ARSENAL' in handwritten pencil and handpainted red paint. The left hand edge of the box is missing. Total number of items is sixteen
Marks and inscriptions
On base of metal footballer: W BRITAIN JR / COPYRIGHT 7.9.1904
Makers and roles
W Britain, maker