(34) Barclay World War I Cast Metal Soldiers. Group of hand-painted metal soldier figurines in various roles and poses. 

Condition: Losses to paint on multiple pieces. 

Tallest Size: 2 1/4 x 1 x 3 1/2 in. 

Founded in New Jersey around 1922, the Barclay Manufacturing Company specialized in diecast toy cars and hollowcast “Dimestore” soldiers. The firm, established by Leon Donze and Michael Levy, became known for producing affordable figurines and simple, single-cast metal vehicles. Over the decades the company’s product line evolved, with soldier designs reflecting current military fashions and vehicles featuring distinct pinched flat axles. Around 1960 the company introduced a “Bottle Series” of tiny vehicles, though it struggled to compete with the rise of plastic toys and brands like Hot Wheels. Barclay ultimately ceased operations in 1971, unable to compete with plastics and a rapidly changing market spurred by Mattel “Hot Wheels,” but the firm’s trademark rights were re-acquired in the 1990s, and the company continues to manufacture solid metal reproductions of Barclay and Manoil Manufacturing Co. figures.

Losses to paint on multiple pieces. 

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