M-443: Military Miniatures Collection

DATE: c.1960s

SCOPE: This collection consists of four boxes of vintage die-cast military toys from the 1960s. These toys are primarily from the Strombecker Military Miniatures Company, and represent miniature sets from the American Revolutionary War, Civil War, World War I, World War II, and some foreign troops. The collection also consists of several years worth of the publication "Military Miniature Collector." Also includes miniature catalogs and scrapbooks, with original packaging and communication between the original owner and the Military Toy manufacturers concerning broken pieces, refunds, etc.

HISTORY: Die-cast toys and models were first produced in the early 20th century, although their popularity and quality steadily increased and evolved through the 1950s. "Military minaturism" is a distinct sub-genre of the collection hobby which places a strong emphasis on realism and historical accuracy. Color choice of painting and finishing as well as knowledge of events, history, and geology are key components of the hobby. This collection of military miniatures represent a period of time in military miniaturism from the mid-1950s through the late 1960s.

PROVENANCE: This collection was donated to the Mercantile Library in 2018.

EXTENT: 4 boxes, 25 trays of die-cast military miniatures including figures of soldiers, horses, weapons, and vehicles, 8 binders of catalog and 2 spiral notebook scrapbooks

ACCESS: This is collection M-443. This collection is available for on-site use only in the Rare Book and Manuscripts Reading Room. Some of the collection may be photocopied, digitally scanned or photographed, depending on condition. Researchers are advised to call ahead concerning changes in hours due to University intersessions and holidays. The St. Louis Mercantile Library is located on levels one and two of the Thomas Jefferson Library building. More information about conducting research with the archival collections of the Library, including current building hours and reading room policies, can be found on our Research page.

RESTRICTIONS: None

Preferred Citation note: The preferred citation for this collection is “From the Special Collections of the St. Louis Mercantile Library at the University of Missouri – St. Louis.”

 

INVENTORY

Catalogs:

  • 1954 – Britain’s Supplementary New Lines 1954, 109th Edition

  • 1960 – Military Miniature Collector Volume 2, index – compiled by Norman M. Gibson

  • 1961 – Military Miniature Collector, Volume 3 Index – compiled by Norman M. Gibson

  • 1961 – Military Miniature Collector, Volume 4 Index – compiled by Norman M. Gibson

  • 1963 – Military Miniature Collector Volume 5 – published by Bob Bard

  • 1964 – Mili History Index Volume 6 – compiled by Norman M. Gibson (2 copies)

  • 1966 – Milihistoriot, Formerly Military Miniature Collectors, Military Miniature Collectors and Historians, published by Bob Bard

  • 1967 – Milihistoriot, Formerly Military Miniature Collectors, Military Miniature Collectors and Historians, published by Bob Bard