Most of my posts show figures from older makers, That doesn’t mean I don’t like newer manufacturers; there are many fine makers right up to the most modern. I have cameo collections of many these. Nostalgia always plays a part, so most of my collection consists of the earlier types. As this website grows I hope to show more examples of recent makers. Today’s post is dedicated to a maker of Heyde style sets. I have original Heyde figures, but my likes are eclectic, so when I saw these sets I, I wanted a themed collection of them.
The maker was Joe Shimek, and his Potsdamer Zinnsoldaten range deserve the acclaim it’s garnered both before and after he sadly left us. My cameo is from his Spanish conquistadors and the conquest of the South Americas sets. The peoples in these images are Incas, but Joe added others, such as Aztecs from time to time. They are playsets; beautiful and meant to be displayed as such, so don’t take his figures too seriously regarding exact types, uniforms, or weapons. They are beautiful and fun; ‘newer’ toy soldiers at their best.
Let’s start with the Spanish conquistadors. Joe Shimek used Heyde, Haffner and Spenchuk figures to base his on and added his own compatible sculpts. So, the first set of images are mounted and foot conquistadors; marching and in action.
Now lets add the Incas and items of scenery that make these sets works of art and imagination. Below are a couple of pictures of Inca warriors; with slings, spears and maces, all historically correct. A musician with a flute accompanies an Inca of high rank, and of course there are the spanish monks who brought them a new religion, whether they wanted it or not.
I’m still looking to expand this collection, especially more Inca’s and other indigenous warriors I know Joe made, and of course more of his charming accessories like those in the photo’s; the three-dimensional palm tree, with its little parrot is super, as is the larger set piece; also used for tiger hunts and other jungle sets. There is also a set piece of an Aztec lord being carried by his native bearers: Wonderful, I’ll find it one day.
Click on any image to enlarge. My next post will be either one of more early Cherilea plastics or of one of the only old school wargame armies that I have; a Hinton Hunt 20mm medieval one. I must find them first.
Jim's Vintage Toy Soldiers 