Bill the Bandman - The name itself has become synonymous with miniature marching bands, sitting bands, bands' bands. If it can be found or built, Bill has it - either in his store, or in his enormous personal collection, reputed to be one if not THE - largest collection of miniature military bands in the world.
Bill's fabulous collection consists of over 400 bands by 155 different makers, from an astonishing thirty-six countries. They range in scale from 40mm to 60mm, made from lead and composition. Beow is just a tiny sampling of some of his collection, as displayed in the 2003 Old Toy Soldier show in Schaumberg, IL.
We hope you will enjoy them, and will visit Bills website. Better still, try to visit Bill!
We are currently featuring the art of:
Edward H. Burley
Burley's Toy Soldiers & Military Bands . 5620 Bayshore Road, Palmetto FL . USA
Ed Burley is a talented designer of 54mm marching bands, based mostly on American Armed Forces, including some delightful dimestrore conversions. Just take a look at some of his samples and see for yourself. Of course there isn't enough room here to show them all to you, but you can certainly get an idea. Ed will be more than happy to provide you with his complete listing and prices if you email him or call his toll free number.
A stirring US Army Color Guard
A marching US Navy Color Guard
And a US Marine flag-bearer from 1915 and the first World War
Bands, Bands, Bands!
On top, a British Royal Marine Band
Below, a US Naval Band in winter blues,
and last but not least a 19th Century Prussian Band
And last of all, three excellent examples of Dimestore figures converted into memorable WWI pieces
--A pair of Navy stretcher-bearers with a patient who really looks as if he's in pain,
--A very charming Red Cross worker with a K-9 Corps dog, ready for action,
--And a whimsically humorous motorcyclist cutting a "wheelie" as he races through western France.
We appreciate Ed's samples, and are proud to have such a talented member of the TSCA.
John Sparmblack has been painting and designing beautiful horse-drawn carriages for over thirty years. In fact, these are some of the most beautiful figures of their kind that i have ever seen. Absolutely perfect for the Christmas Village collecor, the horse-and-buggy era collector, or for anyone who admirers this kind of exquisite work When no other model kits of horsedrawn sleighs were available, these were. He also can do custom-made dioramas as well.
If you are interested in these fine figures, feel free to Email John for complete price listings. Meanwhile, enjoy the pictures.
Like a Currier & Ives print, this beautiful one-horse-open sleigh would complete any Christmas scene. The Hackney horse pulls the sleigh with its characteristic high-stepping gate, and the sleek Albany sleigh is actually a miniature reproduction of John Sparmback's own full-sized one. The model is made of metal and resin.
With even more Currier & Ives elegance, this winter wonderland diorama features a box sleigh (also known as a stage sleigh) pulled by two horses.
Shown from several different angels, the quality and the detail speak for themselves -- as does a sense of humor, when you notice the baggage falling off the roof, while the unfortunate workman sits dazed in the snow as the load spills down...
These black & White pictures roughly outline the units as they are sold, so you may wish to ask Kohn himself for the detailed information. He also has a harness available (not pictured), and may be working on a third design as well.
One of our many services is to feature the wares and creations of our many designers and creators of toy soldiers. On this page, we will feature up to three manufacturers at a time--tell you a little about them, and offer a few selected illustrations of their work. Below is our current roster of talented designers:
1. William "Bill the bandman" Kilborn
2. Jack Sparmblack -- of Sparmblack Miniatures
3. Ed Burley -- of Burley's Toy Soldiers & Military Band
