Toy figure
William Britain
Category
Toys
Date
Unknown
Materials
Metal
Measurements
Each arm - 39 mm (length)
Collection
Sudbury Hall Museum of Childhood, Derbyshire
NT 664500
Summary
Two identical metal arms, each painted green with a hand holding a copper-coloured rifle. There is a hole at the shoulder end where it would attach to a model figure of stereotypical representation of a Native American. There is some paint erosion. Toy soldiers have been popular since at least the 18th century. In 1893 William Britain, a British toy manufacturer, invented a method of hollow casting that made the brand, Britains Ltd., a market leader. Britain produced toys which replicated famous conflicts, including those known as the ‘Indian Wars’ in the western United States (1811-1924). These conflicts had been fictionalised and brought to British audiences via Wild West stage shows and later Western films. Caricatures in these entertainments informed the game of 'Cowboys and Indians' which became popular in the United States and United Kingdom. The representation of Native Americans in these toys does not reflect the diversity of Indigenous nations, and perpetuates a stereotype of Indigenous peoples as aggressive antagonists.
Makers and roles
William Britain , maker