Question: Do have People Ask For Figure Size in Inches? Our very good friend Erwin Sell asked in the comment section. We have his comment below.
Question: Do have People Ask For Figure Size in Inches? Erwin Comment
Few Silly question out of the context as I do not know where to post it.
For years I never had any issues describing or asking for toy soldiers and figures measures in (mm) not inches in US.
Recently I have several buyers asking me and even telling me to correct measures.
Its my imagination or only me!?
Is not more common and used the mm measure over inches in this hobby!?
As per say 54 mm,60 mm and are we more use to it that in inches here in US or I’m wrong on it?.
Because I had always used and see described in(mm ) or scales I will though Even in US the measure is well know over inches.
I will appreciate any comments by US collector specifically if is ok please.
Thank you.
Best regards.
Question: Do have People Ask For Figure Size in Inches? My Thoughts
I have had some people ask me the height of figures. Most times that is all that is needed. We only talk about inches on a figure when two inches or bigger. I do not know of anyone tell to change it to inches. If they did I would tell to go away and would block them on Ebay.
There are web sites that will convert the mm to inches which a person can use. a question I could see if a figure you are selling is compatible with another company. We saw that just recently when our very good friend Andrey compare various companies to the No Name Greeks.
In closing if you have a question like this contact me and we will turn it into a posting.
Ed Borris said this on the topic.
I always use MM, if I were to ventue a guess I’d say that some people no longer have faith in the manufacturers to list the correct size in MM, they call 60mm 54mm and on and on, so to avoid this issue when ordering figures inches would tell them how they would fiin wit their current figures.
Thanks Ed x your input.
Make sence.
I will like heard more of course ….
I had 3 separed question in less a month and x some reason sound odd to me so often resently.
One was even try to educate me.But he got his response.
I will post it later…
Partially from one person who wrote ask me it says this…
(I requested the measurement in inches since here in the U.S. we mostly use inches. I used a converter table and it said 54 mm = 2 1/8 inches. Are each of the figures that small? The Shepherd with sheep seems to be bigger……)
I have others similar recently ,so that is why I become curios about it.
Well, One of things people ask almost immediately when a new sets comes out is how tall is it and does it ft with XXXXXX or YYYYYYY figures. Most want to see pictures of them next to the other manufacturers so it would seem some folks are trying to avoid the wait of posting comparrison figures and measuring their own figures and that would give them their answer without the wait. I’m not that concerned with the height of figures, I’m more concerned about how does the size of the musket of XXXXXX compare to YYYYYY, if they are the same size or close I’m good with them regardless of height. ( you could insert sword, pistol, battle axe whatever weapon they use with the figures you collect)
I actually look same way if I see a figure a bit biger and tall but w same scale weapons I can blend then easy.
But if opposite happen then not.
A person could be easy over a foot taller but if both carry same weapon such a M1 it has to be same or very close.
Mr Admin. There are circumstances, especially on ebay, where a figure (for me, with horses) is described as 54mm, I buy it, and it is way too small, or too big (New Ray monster size horses for example). I bought 2 painted horses from LeMax Holiday Collection. 1 drinking, 1 skittish. Not knowing anything about them, I asked seller to measure bottom of hoof to top of head. I got them, and they are perfect size. Saved myself from wrong purchases by doing this, too. But only if I am unfamiliar with the brand. I feel Britains Detail and Timpo are too small. For my purposes anyway. Have the TSSD, Italieri, Replicant (1 pose), XForce, Imex, Stuart, etc. Don’t like Hoeffler and Dulcop, strange looking. Wish Conte had loose horse figures. Regards
If you are not sure on item ask the seller. I do mm because my listings go world wide.
I think mounted figures are harder as figure is in a mounted forward pose with legs often bended or else.
Also horses are some times done in not match with figures and real horses could be taller than other too.
So that is a hard ball there …
Pretty much same happen with many makers back in years when doing the prone pose.
I will mention one brand with that problem.
MPC WW2 prone pose in Germans,Russian and Japanese are way taller figure than rest -off scale by human body ,but mass and weapon seems OK as LMG bipod .But the same had happen in others where the weapon is enlarged and then it is clear show a disparity.
In resent production artist had taken better consideration with this issue
best….
I have seen sellers listing soldiers both ways. Generally, if a soldier is not a true 54mm figure, they will list it in inches as well to give the buyer a better sense of how big the figure is.
I think it is really a matter of preference and reference point for the buyer and seller. Most non-US sellers never list a price in inches but some US ones do.
I have also had conversations where the discussion of dimensions switches back and forth. This is especially true if you are talking to someone who does not collect toy soldiers exclusively or has no background in it. It is far easier for people in the US to imagine how big something is when you tell them it is 2 inches rather than 50mm.
I use mm in listing on EBay. For example Marx recasts such as 7th Cav, I’ll say “54mm same size as Marx originals”. Others I’ll say “60mm will go with TSSD or Paragon (ACW, Indian Wars). And last I’ll say 70mm same size as Auburn. Some buyers will still ask how tall they are in inches. I forgot 45mm but again like with the Gort Dearborn Marx reissues I’ll say “45mm same size as original Marx”.
Mike
The U.S toy companies sell figures that are the same size as toy soldiers, they always market them in inches. For example the AOME was called 3 inch scale, the McFarlane Game of Thrones 2 inch as well as the Star Wars figures from last year. Americans new to the Toy Soldier hobby might want the inch measurement.
Tom.
Personally I think. That terminoligy come from action figures retail way traditional.
It is s not related to the toy soldier hobby world as per say, neither used by gamers or even in the HO or kits hobby .
GAMERS use the more tradition 20 , 30, 45 mm scale terminology.
Kits are listed in scale or mm/cm
Action figures are the one call by inches.With european firm figures such PAPO/PLASTOY call by European in mm and US in inches when listed by main retailers.
I’m was inquiring in our hobby in this case because what had happen to me very recently to me in short time.
The compare chart w other figures is actually one thing I generally do in my ebay sale list with one of the pictures.
As I generally include a common other scale figure x compere only per listing.
In our hobby mm are the most common as far I see.
Sample since early guides or catalog of toy soldiers such Marx, IDEAL, LIDO, MPC, TIM MEE and others I see then listed and described in mm almost all time.
Hobby retailers such TSC, HB, MTS, CTS and few others list most using mm or scale numbers. Not inches.
Most in inches are those big MARX or others above 90 mm traditional Marx of toy soldier range .
Here in This hobby we talk at all time with mm measures or scales.
So as other mention I think these person asking that way are not traditional toy soldier collectors.
Beside in US metric measures are used in many things x long time.So is not like only inches used.
Yards/Meters are used in craft, fabrics, clothing and even in lot/land parcel measures and fencing as well.
In figures I consider the inches very non accurate while mm is more accurate in my opinion.
My thought .
Best….
Inches or MM, it makes no difference. All makers seem to lump figures into the 1/32 nd
scale, even though most of them are not. Some are really 1/35 th and some are 58 mm or taller.
Perfect example is the Marx Blue and Gray , which gave you First Series figures which are 56-58 mm tall and then Centennial poses which are 1/35th or about 52 mm tall.
All in the same set!!
For me, the standard is the Marx/Airfix size figures which seems to be headed for extinction.
The Conte/TSSD size seems to be winning.
It is interesting that most toy soldier manufactures mention figure heights in mm. For instance 54mm is the very common scale for toy soldiers,metal ones in particular, you hardly ever hear anyone say that a toy soldier is 2 1/4″ inches tall. DD
Hi Erwin, I don’t think this is accurate when dealing with Marx. Check out Sears catalogs and the figures are always mentioned as 2 1/4 inches tall. It’s usually right at the end of the description. “The Big ToyBox At Sears” has many, many examples of this.
“Sample since early guides or catalog of toy soldiers such Marx, IDEAL, LIDO, MPC, TIM MEE and others I see then listed and described in mm almost all time.”
I’m not sure about the other brands. I’ll take a look, later.
Bill Nevins-Sorry using last name ,just to make sure I reply to right person.
You mention something that made me think after.
If back in times those catalogs show the usual US measurement and after the figures become hobby collectibles is when were start to be cataloged under mm measurement more often .
I’m inclined to think that Books such Britain,OBrian,Opies and the latest hobby toy soldiers(not quite toy soldiers as were more in to the Kit Hobby miniature world series ) from brands such Atlantic,AIRFIX,MATCHBOX ,ESCI did influence here in US to start using the European measurement here by collectors over the inches!!!.
My thoughts…
Bill.You most miss understanding me.
Or did not explain my self clear.Sorry.
I’m reffering post toy soldiers era.
When it become a hobby x us.
Referring to guides such Tim Geper Guide.O Brian books, and the sites with refference such as Kent site.
Back in those times it is same as today in retail mentality here in US exclusively to be using inches.
Once collecting them ecome a hobby after toy soldiers era died down from stores as main toys and become collectibles.
Those calling the toy soldiers in guide, magazine and at toy show or here in forum uses the mm size terminology most time.
That what I was meaning too.
Best….
OK, I get it. My mistake.
I must admit to liking the larger size figures more and more. There is so much more detail to them.
No ,it was probably me in way I did wrote Bill.
I do too like a lot of 60/70 Marx and other brands poses detail.
May be because the artist had more space to carve when making it!?
Yet I like many of 54 mm .In Marx there is something I never like much in the 54 mm rage personally. Specially the WW2 series ,the clothing looks too tide to body as if were too skinny or wet .May be my impression but also add to fact the figures lack a lot of ammo or gear on it.Wile the 60 and 70 mm are more body feel and often better in equipment, bags or gear.
Again my personal flavor ,not more.
Best…
I will usually include a commonly known figure [such as a Marx GI] in pictures with new figures, to show relative scale. I find this to be more useful than an absolute measurement. Occasionally, I will include a ruler, although I find this to be unsatisfactory due to parallax. Recently a friend took the trouble to send me a small folding metric ruler, which I use with figures of particular interest to him.
http://s1295.photobucket.com/user/BillyHillRN/media/Odds%20and%20Ends%20that%20dont%20fit%20anywhere%20else/Big%20Bucket%20of%20Monsters%205_zpsmurb0k6l.jpg.html?sort=4&o=34
http://s1295.photobucket.com/user/BillyHillRN/media/Napoleonic%20and%20Alamo/Chintoys%206_zpsnl6dpcwp.jpg.html?sort=9&o=14
On ebay ive seen sizes described as 1/32 scale, 2 Inches, and 54mm or 60mm, Which is fine by me as it all amounts to the same thing more or less. However if a figure is under 50mm or over 60mm I do think that people should say more or less the exact size of the figure as it can be accidently misleading and lead to dissapointment. I think if possible putting the figure next to other figures for comparison is always a good idea. Or sometimes if i really cant tell the height of a figure i will ask the seller if he/she can more or less tell me the height of the figure either in Millimetres or Inches as im not fussed.
I often do same as I mention before in my listing, I had also use scale ruler too ,but still either some buyers or person do not know other figure or else too and still insist in more data. If I have time I do respond with as much detail.
So is like you never get the perfect listing I guess. Also pictures/photos some times confuse a bit.
Yeah obviously people in the know about toy soldiers will automatically give or show a figures true height, And then again people who are not interested and are just selling there sons old collection will just give an approximate height if at all which i can understand, Which is why as i say i will ask the seller if im unsure to tell me an accurate height. If the seller dosen’t respond i will then have to decide on wether im prepared to take a chance on the figures or not.
I will give you an example, As you know Erwin and as ive mentioned on Stads before i collect Fantasy figures. Now if you look at the D&D Miniature figures 95% of them are to small or to Big to fit in with 1/32 scale figures. However there are a few that fit in with them brilliantly, And so through trial and error i have brought some of these figures, However the sellers never put the sizes of these figures for some reason so as i said ive asked the size of all the figures that i was interested in and ive aquired some lovely figures to add to my collection.
Hey guys I need some money to buy this.!?
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Marx-gunsmoke-figures-vintage/132019753543?_trksid=p2047675.c100011.m1850&_trkparms=aid%3D222007%26algo%3DSIC.MBE%26ao%3D1%26asc%3D38530%26meid%3D22cd336952414f058bc2293300a215de%26pid%3D100011%26rk%3D2%26rkt%3D12%26sd%3D391650809350
That’s looks like the same lot we were tossing around like a week or two ago.
Yes we talked about these items. They were made by a person in Colorado.
http://www.stadsstuff.com/?p=7831
Wow what are these figures made of Gold or Platinum?
For some sellers on Ebay, hope springs eternal.
They put an exorbitant price on something, just to see if maybe, just maybe, there’s someone out there who will actually pay it.
I see this phenomenom at flea markets and antique fairs all the time.
This seller is still throwing around the word “prototype”, but I think we established in the last discussion it isn’t that at all.