Given the consolidation (implosion) of Great Britain’s Armed Forces, and the succession of multiple owner’s of W. Britains Ltd., it is highly improbable that unlike in 1953 (Queen Elizabeth II’s Coronation), there will be a comparable recreation of King Charles III’s, ceremonies, by any toy soldier manufacturer, including Britains.
For the fortunate, but rapidly dwindling, number of old Britains toy soldiers (made < 1966) collectors, the author has researched and compiled a list of sets (w/numbers) which would be accurately representative of the participants in the forthcoming historical event. It has already been officially stated that it will occur Saturday, May 6, 2023, and will be shorter, more inclusive, and less expensive than previous coronations. That being the case, a toy soldier replication may be more achievable than thought (if you have the sets). Personally was shocked at how few the number of applicable sets. However, while several are relatively common, quite a few are very rare.
The Life Guards, No. 1
The Royal Horse Guards, No. 2
Royal Marines, marching at the slope, No. 35
Full Band of the Coldstream Guards, marching No. 37
King’s Troop, Royal Horse Artillery, No. 39
Scots Guards, marching at the slope, No. 75
Coronation Chair and Stone of Scone, No. 86D
Band of the Life Guards, No. 101
Gurkhas, No.197
General Staff Officers, Review Order, No. 201
The King’s Body Guard of the Yeomen of the Guard, No. 1257
Band of the Royal Marines, No. 1291 (2153, 2115)
The State Coach, No. 1470
Attendant’s to the State Coach, Footmen, outriders and Yeomen of the Guard, No. 1475 (9302)
Coldstream Guards, Marching at the slope, No. 1515
Band of the Royal Air Force, No. 1527 (2116)
Royal Canadian Mounted Police, dismounted, No.1554
The Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace, No. 1555
Princess Patricia’s Canadian Light Infantry, Review Order, marching at the slope, No. 1633
Drum and Pipe Band of the Scots Guards, No. 1722
The Life Guards, mounted and foot sentries, No. 2029
Australian Infantry Pattern 1948 Pattern Blue Ceremonial Dress, at slope arms, No. 2030
The Sovereign’s Standard of Life Guards (Escort), No. 2067
Royal Marines, at present arms, No. 2071
King’s Royal Rifle Corps, marching at the trail, No. 2072
Royal Air Force, marching at the slope, No. 2073
King’s Troop, Royal Horse Artillery, at the walk, No. 2077
Irish Guards, presenting arms, No. 2078
The Royal Company of Archers the King’s Body Guard for Scotland, No. 2079
Royal Navy, marching at the slope, No. 2080
The Sovereign’s Escort, Coronation of Queen Elizabeth, No. 2081 (large set)
Coldstream Guards, at attention, No. 2082
Color Party of the Scot Guards, No. 2084
Rifle Brigade, marching at the trail, No. 2091
Parachute Regiment, marching at the slope, No. 2092Drum and Pipe Band of the Irish Guards, No. 2096
Full Band of the Grenadier Guards, No. 2113
The Honourable Corps of Gentlemen at Arms, No. 2149
Dependent on how the term “more inclusive” is implemented there may be additional applicable sets.
Following are images of several of the sets listed above;
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| The State Coach, Set No.1470 |
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| A view of the same set in the box |
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| Another view of the same set displayed by the box |
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| Coronation Chair and Stone of Scone, Set No. 86 D |
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| The Yeomen of the Guard "Beefeaters", Set No. 1257 |
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| Band of the Royal Marines, Set No. 1291 |
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| The Royal Company of Archers, Set No. 2079 |
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| Honorable Corps of Gentlemen at Arms, Set No. 2149 |
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| The Sovereign's Standard (Escort), Set No. 2067 |
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| The Life Guards, Set No. 1 |
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| The Royal Horse Guards, Set No. 2 |
