In 1825 Mignot joined with Messrs. Cuperly, Blondel, and Gerbeau (skilled craftsmen of the Luccotte firm of miniature makers) to form C.B.G. Mignot, with himself as the chief stockholder. The new firm produced their own miniatures as [...] Click here to continue reading.]]> C.B.G Mignot Miniatures

A manufacturer of miniature soldiers and other figures, the firm was founded in Paris, France in 1800 by Henri Mignot, a maker of toys and “flat” miniature soldiers, and is still in business today.

In 1825 Mignot joined with Messrs. Cuperly, Blondel, and Gerbeau (skilled craftsmen of the Luccotte firm of miniature makers) to form C.B.G. Mignot, with himself as the chief stockholder. The new firm produced their own miniatures as well as limited editions using Luccotte molds acquired in 1825. Later Mignot examples differ from Lucotte in that they were singly cast, without separate removable parts and accessories. Mignot boasted over 20,000 molds of warriors from Ancient Rome to WWII.

A metal worker by trade, and perhaps not wanting to copy the German flat soldiers of the time, M. Lucotte produced the first “ronde bosse” or fully-rounded figures which became known as Lucotte’s Petit Hommes, his [...] Click here to continue reading.]]> Lucotte Miniatures

Miniature toy soldiers were manufactured by Lucotte Miniatures in Paris, France from 1780 to 1825, when they were acquired by Mignot. One of the earliest such manufacturers, their work can be recognized by the trademark “L.C.”.

A metal worker by trade, and perhaps not wanting to copy the German flat soldiers of the time, M. Lucotte produced the first “ronde bosse” or fully-rounded figures which became known as Lucotte’s Petit Hommes, his “Little Men.” As business increased, the “Little Men” name would be replaced by the trade mark “C.B.G.,” which stood for the craftsmen Cuberly, Blondel, and Gerbeau. Under their mark, some very high quality fully-rounded figures were sold by the box. These were known for their anatomical detail and meticulous painting, and the early examples can be distinguished by their separate removable parts. The company enjoyed great popularity and many of its figures replicated members of Napoleon’s army.

The Courtenay specialty was very limited production figures, especially pewter royalty figures including Knights of the Round Table.

Peter Greenhill purchased the Courtenay molds in the early 1960′s and continues to market miniatures under both the Courtenay and Greenhill [...] Click here to continue reading.]]> Courtenay Miniature Firgures

Courtenay Miniatures of Duran, England was founded in 1938 by Richard and Vida Courtenay as an extension of Doran toy makers which dates back to 1892. They continued in production until 1963.

The Courtenay specialty was very limited production figures, especially pewter royalty figures including Knights of the Round Table.

Peter Greenhill purchased the Courtenay molds in the early 1960′s and continues to market miniatures under both the Courtenay and Greenhill names.