Wednesday, December 28, 2011

Cooler Heads Prevail

 As I was parading the troops yesterday in preparation for making a list of "for sale" units...I was brought up short by the many messages I got expressing dismay that I was contemplating the sale of my stuff....and as Der Alte Fritz stated most eloquently, "Don't do it!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! " 
 And as the lads from both of my mighty Imaginations marched in review, there was not a dry eye on the Königliches Paradefeld...both the Grand Duchess and King Wilhelm were visibly shaken...
 So for now I've decided to hold off selling the collection...call me sentimental but it's the real reason that these fictitious little armies are so fascinating...they have character and a history that gives them a life of their own! An amazing thing really that I have not experienced with any of my many figure collections over the years.
 ...so I just told myself to hang in there and find a way to make ends meet some other way than selling things that are dear to me...
 So I'll leave you with some shots of the Grand Duchess headed back to her estate in her coach and four...

...and many thanks to those of your who contacted me with both offers for the collection and words of encouragement! I'll be in touch with some alternate plans.


17 comments:

Der Alte Fritz said...

I am sooooooo happy that you decided to keep your wonderful collection. I always enjoy your battle reports and marvel at all the home-made terrain that you have built for the 18th Century.

When I was selling minis last year, I always held onto the core part of my RSM SYW collection of Prussians and French. I can paint Austrians fast enough to replace the Austrian army that I sold, but the Prussians have sentimental value to me as it was my first wargame army of any kind.

I also had a replacement pair of Minden armies to use for Austria and Prussia. That helps.

You have such a nice collection of RSM - something that you should hold onto unless you need the money to pay the rent.

best regards

Jim (Der Alte Fritz)

Martin said...

Hi Littlejohn,

You made the right decision. I am amazed at the well painted detail on all of your troops. Unless it's a dire emergency, hold on to the things that mean a lot to you.

Capt Bill said...

I must say you have made the right decision! As much as I love your armies, they should not be broken up. Just keep posting pictures of these guys to inspire the rest of us. Best regards, Bill

tradgardmastare said...

Delighted to hear that you are retaining those splendid figures.I imagine you will keep hold of the terrain too. Well done sir! I look forward to many more battle reports upon your blog!All deserves to be kept together as one exquiste whole...

Mosstrooper said...

Think you have made the right decision in keeping your magnificent figures and I'm very sentimental about my figures too.

Archduke Piccolo said...

In the words of a Southern Man: 'good on yer, Mate!'
Cheers,
Ion

Bluebear Jeff said...

Perhaps there are some other periods that you could sell . . . I always advise disposing of Napoleonics (but then that is a period that I don't care for, after all).

I am glad that you're keeping your Imagi-National forces, sir.


-- Jeff

WSTKS-FM Worldwide said...

Hurrah!

Best Regards,

Stokes

abdul666 said...

Wise decision! You would have regret them dearly. They are beautiful, they are *your* creation -unique.
They contributed to great moments; hopefully they will see service again for your and our pleasure.

Prufrock said...

Beautiful figures! Started following your blog on the strength of this post. Cheers, Aaron

tidders2 said...

Good choice to keep them

looking forward to more 18C battle reports.

-- Allan

Keith Flint said...

Could I ask who makes the excellent coach and four?

Best wishes, Keith Flint

James said...

HUZZAH!

When I was unemployed, depressed and short of cash I thought about doing the same. A friend said "Don't sell any figures you will want to play with again someday". I didn't, got through the financial squeeze and am happy.

Better to sell your painting time to make a bit of extra cash. Or sell off the projects that you started and are never going to finish.

Mark Dudley said...

Wise move.

I have 28mm SYW, 30mm Old School as well as 40mm Prince August figures in my collection.

I keep returning to your blog to look at your figures and read the battle reports

Mark

Andrew said...

All I can really do is echo the comments of the other folks on here - you would likely regret it. I have just come across your page and I fell in love with the minis.

Many years ago in my youth - about 30 - I bought a set of Prince August moulds and had some of the SYW ones. I loved casting and painting the little devils. Although in the way of things I grew up and put these away, until recently....

I have come back to gaming in the last sixth months and about two months ago my mother asked me to check out some stuff I had left in her loft which she was just about to donate to a charity shop. There were some of my Prince August moulds. These are now here with me and your site has inspired me to get them out and start it all up again.

I have no idea where my original casts have got to but I will not be letting this new batch out of my sight.

littlejohn said...

Everyone,

I really appreciate the kind words of support!

I'm still going to have to make significant force reductions due to some serious discussions with my wife, but hopefully I can retain the core of the collection and rebuild to full glory soon...meanwhile the 40mm casting continues unabated! Posting on that soon! I'm planning a 40mm building tutorial as well using card models as the starting point...please stay tuned!

--littlejohn

joppy said...

I've just discovered your blog by following a link. I love all these little 18th century nations with their petty squabbling. I'm contemplating the revival of my old Rubovian army but have to complete something in 54mm 19th century first. -