1936 Britains Circus Ringmaster & Horses Lead Figure Set

A magical 1936 Britains circus set featuring a ringmaster with a moving arm and two beautifully posed prancing horses, capturing the drama and excitement of the traditional travelling circus in miniature.

Made by Britains Ltd, the set brings together three hand painted lead figures from the company’s early circus range. The ringmaster stands at the centre with his raised arm, while the two horses have an energetic prancing pose and original circus decoration that gives the little group an immediate sense of movement.

There is something particularly evocative about early circus toys. Before television and modern entertainment, the arrival of a travelling circus was a genuine event, and Britains captured some of that excitement in miniature through theatrical characters, performing animals and carefully painted details.

Dating from 1936, this is a lovely example of early British toy making, with the small scale making the painted details and poses all the more impressive. The three figures work beautifully together as a complete little scene, with the ringmaster’s stance giving the horses a sense of direction and purpose.

The horses show some paint loss to their legs, while the ringmaster remains in excellent condition. These honest signs of age add to the sense that this is a genuine survivor from the golden age of lead toy production.

A wonderfully atmospheric piece of miniature circus history, full of movement, character and the magic of early play.

Details

Type: Circus figure set
Maker: Britains Ltd
Era: 1936
Material: Hand painted lead
Collection: Circus series
Figures: Ringmaster and two horses
Feature: Ringmaster with moving arm

Dimensions

Horse 1: Height 6 cm, Width 2.5 cm, Depth 9.5 cm
Horse 2: Height 6 cm, Width 2.5 cm, Depth 9.5 cm
Ringmaster: Height 5.5 cm, Width 2 cm

Condition

The horses show some paint loss to the legs. The ringmaster is in excellent condition. Please study the photographs carefully as they form part of the description.

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