A striking 1940s Britains Zoo polar bear in hand painted lead, finished in soft cream tones and modelled on a larger scale that gives this Arctic animal a lovely sense of presence.
Made by Britains Ltd as part of the Zoo Series, this beautifully formed figure captures the appeal of early British animal modelling. The polar bear has a strong, naturalistic shape, with its raised head and sturdy stance giving it an unmistakable sense of character.
At 5 cm high and 4.5 cm long, this is a larger scale example within the Britains animal figures, making it particularly satisfying to handle and display. The soft cream colouring and aged surface also give it a lovely understated quality.
Britains zoo figures brought animals from around the world into miniature form, reflecting the fascination with wildlife and the popularity of zoo visits during the early and mid twentieth century. This polar bear is a particularly appealing example, combining that sense of curiosity with the craftsmanship of an original hand painted lead figure.
Some paint loss is present, consistent with age, while the figure remains structurally sound.
A distinctive Britains Zoo figure with strong presence, gentle colouring and an enduring fascination with the natural world.
Details
Type: Zoo animal figure
Maker: Britains Ltd
Series: Zoo Series
Era: 1940s
Material: Hand painted lead
Character: Polar bear
Scale: Larger scale figure
Dimensions
Height: 5 cm
Width: 4 cm
Depth: 4.5 cm
Condition
Good vintage condition with some paint loss consistent with age. Structurally sound. Please study the photographs carefully as they form part of the description.
Please note
Original vintage lead figure intended for adult display only. Not suitable for children due to its age, material and small parts.
Shipping
Small and medium UK orders are carefully packed and sent by Royal Mail Tracked 48, with tracking provided so you can follow your parcel from dispatch to delivery.
All orders are carefully packed in Surrey to help ensure your purchase arrives safely.
