Wm Hocker | Dispatches

The Metal Toy Soldiers of

Wm. Hocker, Proprietor

"Bachelor's Choice" circa 1897

Randy Bond - 16Jun11 2:11PM

This diorama was influenced by Winslow Homer's 1869 wood engraving The Beach At Long Branch done for Appleton's Journal. Homer's illustration depicts a top-hatted gentleman surrounded by a bevy of eligible young women out promenading along the beach. In the Victorian era a situation like this was referred to as "walking the gauntlet". In the latter half of the 19th C, seaside resorts became locations where individuals could transgress the traditional rules of conduct. The beaches became sites for summer romance allowing young women to show off their beauty and look for possible mates.

Figures from Wm. Hocker sets 228 and 118

Additions and Comments
You must be a logged-in client to add your comment to this topic.

1. Randy Bond - 16Jun11 2:12PM

Black & White Diorama

2. Randy Bond - 16Jun11 2:13PM

Color Diorama

Since 1983