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The Metal Toy Soldiers of

Wm. Hocker, Proprietor

Naval Brigade - Replica Metal Soldiers & Hockers

Barry Hards - 4Mar22 1:18AM

I thought my American cousins would appreciate seeing my most recent reinforcements of a full Naval Brigade, made as a special commission by Andrew Stephenson of Replica Metal Soldiers. This set is based upon the largest boxed set ever made by Britain’s, number 73, and Andrew has numbered this set as ‘73N’ in recognition of the original. My father and Uncle shared the original set 73 in the 1930s, which is now in the proud possession of my cousin, hence the need to get one for myself, albeit with a naval theme. The sturdy box was made by my renowned toy soldier collecting comrade Paul Cattermole. I think you’ll agree Bill’s own Naval Brigade sets make great companions, as well as providing some additional firepower.

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1. Alexander Jordan - 6Mar22 8:08AM

Beautiful Royal Naval Brigade large set(s) there. Look forward to seeing any photos of these sets on display/diorama!

2. Paul Cattermole - 6Mar22 11:54AM

I can only lay claim to the woodworking element of this grand design - Andrew Stevenson had the task of constructing the many card partitions!

3. Paul Cattermole - 6Mar22 12:01PM

A box to delight any boy. (Or Barry, for that matter).
Andrew had access to an original, pre-war example of a Set 73, which forms part of the BMSS Collection. Taking those measurements, we tried to keep as close as possible to the original dimensions, while allowing for the additional weight of the solid recasts. MDF was chosen in place of the original pine, for dimensional stability, and as it was easier to achieve a clean, sprayed finish.
NOTE: We are trying to share more pictures here, but there seems to be an error on the page - Whenever you add to the thread, it keeps reusing the first image you posted, irrespective of which picture file you\'ve just selected. Help Bill!

Since 1983