Paris Toy Soldiers
The toy soldiers stores
Looking for the perfect place to buy toy soldiers at fair prices in Paris or in France? Whether you're a collector or a tourist, our shop offers a one-of-a-kind experience. We specialize in collectible toy soldiers, vintage toy soldiers, and handcrafted historical figures that attract enthusiasts from all over the world.
Why Visit Our Toy Soldiers Shops ?
Keeping the Tradition of Toy Soldiers Alive in Paris
Nestled in the heart of Paris, our shop is a living tribute to the art of historical figurines and toy soldiers. Since 1775, we have brought the past to life with cast pewter, showcasing models and uniforms of the greatest armies and commanders with a rare intention to details. From Emperors leading the Roman legion in ancient Persia to Napoleon Bonaparte in middle of his Imperial guard regiment or Duke Wellington commanding his redcoats infantry at Waterloo, our figurines capture iconic moments that shaped history. Our selection of mounted models will transport you to the clash of cavalry and the roar of artillery, as battles unfold in a stunning diorama or war chest. But our shop is not just about selling figurines; it’s about preserving the techniques and history they embody. From the figurines molded with lead sheets by artists like Bernard Vanot or Josiane Desfontaine to the modern green plastic soldiers, each piece reflects the interest of collectors. Using traditional techniques and expert craftsmanship of the best figurine makers as Figurart or W.Britain, we bring history to life through realistic sculptures with dynamic poses, uniforms and accessories. We also guide hobbyists in assembling model kits and painting their armies for wargaming, recreating authentic battlefields and ensuring that the legacy of toy soldiers is passed down to future generations.
Toy Soldier: A Bridge to History
CBG-Mignot lead soldier representing a trumpets of Chasseur à cheval de la Garde - 1960 French manufacturing
Tin soldiers have long been a captivating gateway to understanding the past. Our collection spans centuries, from ancient times to the modern period. Step into the medieval world with a old crusader clad in weathered armor or an host of colourful French knights charging on the battlefield Battle of Agincourt. March through the Renaissance with landsknechts and conquistadors or stand alongside the disciplined ranks of Frederick the Great's Prussian grenadiers. Relive the terrible battles of WWI with tranches dioramas or the beaches of Normandy during WWII, where marines storm ashore trough waves with a simple rifle in hand or a heavy packed machine gun on tanks. Recreate the dramatic clash at Isandlwana or the famous defence of Rorke's Drift during the Zulu War or revisit the American Revolutionary War with iconic figures like George Washington. Each figurine, from a humble soldier to a distinguished commander, tells a story and brings history to life from the farthest eras.
Vintage
Toy
Soldiers
Blog
This blog is dedicated to vintage toy soldier collections, exploring the artistry and craftsmanship of legendary brands like Lucotte, Britains, CBG Mignot, Elastolin or many others. Collectors and enthusiasts will find insights and stories of rare and remarkable finds.
Our Toy Soldiers dealer's Shop in Paris
Vintage and Collectibles for Enthusiasts
Our shop is a haven for collectors, offering a curated selection of fine painted figurines, tin soldiers, and vintage green army men. With a large selection we cater to both seasoned collectors and newcomers alike.
Our mission is to serve as an encyclopedia;
From the classic 70's Airfix and Britains plastic soldiers to high-quality resin model kits, the art of miniatures has continuously evolved, offering ever-increasing detail with each technological advancement.
Soft plastic, hard green plastic, high quality scale model or classical pewter and lead soldiers or zinnfiguren, we are showcasing the world of toy figures with elegance and variety. Whether you're passionate about the Napoleonic Wars, WWII, or ancient battles fought by Hannibal or Caesar, you'll find inspiration to enrich your toy box from new warriors, a cannon or maybe an helicopter to to transport your army men to a new display ?
Ernst Heinrichsen - Zinnfiguren or Tin flat figures representing oriental warriors - Nürnberg 1900-1930
The Oldest Toy Soldier Shop in Paris
Au Plat d'Étain is a Parisian shop founded in 1775, specializing in collectible figurines, particularly lead soldiers. Located at 16 Rue Guisarde in the 6th arrondissement, near Saint-Sulpice Church, it is renowned for its rich collection of historical figurines, ranging from soldiers of the Ancien Régime to scenes from the World Wars.
The shop has hosted famous clients, such as General Charles de Gaulle, who bought figurines to recreate historical battles. Au Plat d'Étain also offers services for repairs, restoration, and advice for collectors.
The figurines, often handmade and painted, are created by well-known manufacturers such as CBG Mignot, Lucotte, and Marlborough,Britain's. The shop caters to both seasoned collectors and newcomers, offering a wide variety of scales and styles.
CBG-Mignot lead soldier representing Flags bearers from Paris districts of the French Revolution - 1980 French manufacturing
Visit Our Workshop in Compiègne
An expertise made in France.
Figurart is an art workshop founded in Compiegne by Helen Bourch and Benjamin Zerbib , specializing in the creation of figurines and miniatures in metal and resin. The workshop combines tradition and modernity by offering figurines that are entirely sculpted, cast, and hand-painted, showcasing exceptional French artisanal craftsmanship.
Recognized for its expertise, Figurart collaborates with prestigious museums and specialized shops in France and internationally. The workshop also offers restoration services and reproductions of art objects, contributing to the preservation of cultural heritage.
Figurart's meticulous work has been praised by various media outlets, particularly for its role in transmitting history and French artisanal know-how. To learn more or discover their creations, the workshop has an official website: figurart.fr.
Figurart - Tin figurine representing the Queen Elisabeth II - unfinished cast and mold
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Paris Toy Soldiers is an online shop that promote W.Britain's dealers in France
A Toy Soldiers Story since 1893
W. Britain is a highly regarded ex British brand now based in USA and known for its detailed, collectible toy soldiers. Founded in 1893 by William Britain Sr., the company is one of the oldest and most iconic producers of military miniatures. They initially gained fame for pioneering a hollow-casting technique, making their figures lighter, more affordable, and easier to produce compared to traditional solid lead soldiers.
W. Britain specializes in a variety of themes, including military and historical figures. Over the years, they've created collections representing British, American, and other international armies, from Napoleonic soldiers to World War I and II troops, as well as American Civil War figures. Their models are typically in 1:32 scale (about 54mm tall), and they’re known for their fine hand-painted details, which make them popular among adult collectors.
After more than a century in the industry, W. Britain is still celebrated for its craftsmanship and quality, and they continue to release new collections and limited-edition figures. Today, many collectors value both the historical and artistic significance of W. Britain toy soldiers, and older, rare figures can be quite valuable.