Explore Our Range of Animal Figures

When you're in the market for animal figures, whether it's for play, decor, or collecting, there are several important factors to consider when making your choice. Start by defining your purpose – whether you're seeking realistic replicas, stylized figurines, or educational models. Quality is of the utmost importance, so opt for figures crafted from robust materials that capture intricate details and accurate features of the animals. Additionally, think about the size of the figures, whether you prefer smaller collectibles or larger display pieces. Research the manufacturer or brand's reputation for authenticity and craftsmanship. If you're purchasing figures for children, prioritize safety by ensuring they are made from non-toxic materials. Comparing prices from different sellers is crucial, remembering that higher-quality figures may come at a premium. Reading reviews and seeking recommendations can offer valuable insights into the quality and satisfaction of specific products. Ultimately, your choice should align with your preferences and intended purpose, resulting in animal figures that bring joy, knowledge, and aesthetic appeal to your collection or living space. Personally, I have cherished memories of my father gifting me Britains toys after his workday. The nostalgia I hold dear is not only for the toys but also for the now-defunct glass-fronted display cabinets used to showcase them. While you can still find Britains toys, particularly farm vehicles, available in stores today, 'wild' or 'zoo' animals, the focus of our discussion here, are no longer available for purchase.

A Brief History of Britains

If you're wondering, the name "Britains" isn't connected to the United Kingdom but to its founder, William Britain. Before a merger in 1959, initiated by William Britain's grandson, Dennis Britain, the company was known as Herald Miniatures. The original name of the company was Zang, founded in 1946 and named after Polish engraver and metal dealer Myer Zang. The company was rebranded in 1955. There's a wealth of history behind these businesses beyond what meets the eye; for a more in-depth exploration, you can refer to Cole (2004). In 1965, production shifted to Hong Kong, and the words "made in Hong Kong" are etched in my memory, much like the mold release on the molded plastic from my childhood. These plastic versions of animals weren't entirely original; they were based on designs for metal models dating back to 1929 (which featured zoo animals right from the outset). I won't delve into the extensive history of injection molding technology and materials used for creating plastic models (as covered by Cole, 2004). Suffice it to say that plastics, particularly polythene and PVC, offer superior fidelity, detail, and durability compared to metal, enhancing playability.

The Emergence of Zoo Animals

Britain's farm animals made their debut in 1955 Herald articles. In 1961, the range expanded to include sheep, foals, turkeys, dogs, goats, and rabbits in addition to the previously mentioned cattle, pigs, geese, ducks, and chickens. The line even included complete plastic farmyards for children to enjoy. Of particular relevance here, 1960 saw the introduction of plastic zoo animals, including bears, lions, tigers, a 'panther' (which appears to be a miniature leopard), kangaroos, an ostrich, a baby rhino, a pelican, a penguin, a sable antelope, a springbok, and a wolf.

'Multi-Part Models': Separate Bases, Mobile Necks, Jaws, Antlers, Tusks, and Elephant Ears

Advancements in molding expertise and technology contributed to these developments. Since 1956, when Herald first began producing horses that could be plugged into separate molded foundations (miniature representations of their envisioned settings), artists had the freedom to pose figurines that would have otherwise been unable to stand on their own. Some zoo animals produced after 1961 also came with their own individual bases. This included a newborn giraffe, baboon, flamingo, stork, and a standing (and oddly proportioned) baby bear (originally a brown bear, later changed to a polar bear).

Zoo and Farm Sets and Accessories

Notably, Britains produced not only toy animals but also various accessories, such as zoos, cages, replica flora, and more. They are renowned for crafting some of the finest model trees ever made. While I could expound on this topic, I digress. Since the 1960s, several other zoo sets have been created, each featuring unique rock pits, pools for penguins and pelicans, and so forth. In 1968, Britain introduced a line of "minisets," essentially dioramas that owners could assemble themselves; many of these featured zoo animals.

Competitors, Replacements, and the End of an Era

Never before has a company produced such a wide variety of animals in a size that, for some reason, offers a remarkable degree of "playability" like Britains. However, it's important to note that the company's models were crafted from very brittle, shiny plastic that couldn't withstand even the slightest impact. This has been a significant drawback, especially for the several Starlux models I own.

Discover Animal Figures by Sinicoo

• Highly Detailed: Meticulously hand-painted for a lifelike appearance.
• Safe Materials: Crafted from durable, non-toxic plastic with no unpleasant odors, ensuring children's safety.
• Skill Development**: Fosters dexterity and sparks imagination, educating children about essential farm concepts.

Explore Animal Figures by JoyFan

• Realistic and Safe: Made from hard, eco-friendly PVC plastic with realistic details and beautiful painting, ensuring safety.
• Educational Fun: Enhances children's vocabulary, color recognition skills, and language abilities through imaginative play.
• Perfect for Occasions: Ideal for animal-themed parties, educational purposes, birthday party games, and decor.
• Great Gift: A fantastic birthday gift or prize for kids, offering both play and decorative value for their rooms.
• Educational Toys: These figures serve educational purposes, promoting creative play, party favors, and crafts. They aid in improving children's concentration, insight, imagination, and creativity.

Key Features

• Realistic Detailing: Animal figures are often intricately detailed to accurately represent the animals' fur, feathers, scales, or skin textures.
• Material: These figures can be crafted from a variety of materials, such as plastic, wood, clay, metal, each offering different levels of detail and durability.
• Pose and Position: Animal figures may depict animals in various poses, capturing their natural behavior and dynamic movements.
• Size and Scale: These figures come in different sizes, from small collectibles that fit in your hand to larger decorative sculptures suitable for display.
• Color and Paintwork: The color and paintwork on animal figures are crucial for realism and aesthetics, often mimicking the animals' natural colors and patterns.
• Educational Value: Many animal figures are designed to be educational tools for children, helping them learn about various species, habitats, and characteristics.
• Playability: Some animal figures, especially toy versions, feature movable parts like limbs or wings, adding interactivity for play.
• Collectibility: Certain animal figures are part of collections, catering to enthusiasts who appreciate the craftsmanship and accuracy in depicting different species.
• Display Bases: Some animal figures include display bases, enhancing their presentation and providing context for the animals' environments.
• Dioramas: Specific animal figures are part of dioramas, three-dimensional scenes recreating natural habitats or specific moments in animals' lives.
• Artistic Interpretation: While many animal figures aim for realism, some may be stylized or artistically interpreted, emphasizing specific features for creative or decorative purposes.
• Cultural and Mythological Significance: Animal figures can hold cultural or mythological importance, representing symbols or beliefs in various societies.
• Handcrafted vs. Mass-Produced: Some animal figures are individually handcrafted, while others are mass-produced. Handcrafted ones may have unique details but can be pricier.