u/pgousev

⚔️ Abyssinian War – GJ Composition Figures 🛡️🇪🇹🇪🇹🇪🇹

Belgian Composition Toy Soldiers Depicting the Army of Haile Selassie (1930s).

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The Belgian company GJ remains one of the more enigmatic names in the world of pre-war composition toy soldiers. Active in Brussels roughly between 1935 and 1950, GJ produced a fascinating range of composition figures depicting soldiers, civilians, and exotic historical subjects for the Belgian market. Collectors believe that the initials “GJ” may refer to a Belarusian sculptor associated with the Brussels department store “Au Bon Marché.”.Unfortunately, very little documentation survives, and the true identity behind the company remains uncertain — adding even more charm and mystery to these remarkable figures. Figures produced before the Second World War generally carry the “GJ” marking beneath the base. Post-war figures are often unmarked, but collectors can still recognise them thanks to their particularly high sculptural quality, expressive poses, and attractive hand-painted colours. This rare GJ set depicts soldiers of the Ethiopian Imperial Army during the Italo-Abyssinian War (1935–1936). https://www.soldatini.eu/2026/05/abyssinian-war-gj-composition-figures.html

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Belgian Composition Toy Soldiers Depicting the Army of Haile Selassie (1930s).

The Belgian company GJ remains one of the more enigmatic names in the world of pre-war composition toy soldiers. Active in Brussels roughly between 1935 and 1950, GJ produced a fascinating range of composition figures depicting soldiers, civilians, and exotic historical subjects for the Belgian market. Collectors believe that the initials “GJ” may refer to a Belarusian sculptor associated with the Brussels department store “Au Bon Marché.”.Unfortunately, very little documentation survives, and the true identity behind the company remains uncertain — adding even more charm and mystery to these remarkable figures. Figures produced before the Second World War generally carry the “GJ” marking beneath the base. Post-war figures are often unmarked, but collectors can still recognise them thanks to their particularly high sculptural quality, expressive poses, and attractive hand-painted colours. This rare GJ set depicts soldiers of the Ethiopian Imperial Army during the Italo-Abyssinian War (1935–1936). https://www.soldatini.eu/2026/05/abyssinian-war-gj-composition-figures.html

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This striking boxed set of German paper figures from the 1930s depicts members of the youth organisations associated with the National Socialist regime: the Hitlerjugend (HJ – Hitler Youth), Deutsches Jungvolk (DJ – German Youngsters), and Bund Deutscher Mädel (BDM – League of German Girls).

Sets such as this were produced in Germany during the Third Reich period and formed part of a wider culture of youth-oriented propaganda and educational material aimed at normalising the regime’s ideology among children and families. https://www.soldatini.eu/2026/05/youth-organisations-in-miniature-german.html

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A few quick outdoor shots for Victory Day using some classic 7 cm Soviet figures from Mini Forma(Poland) and Reiner Krock(Germany). Amazing how a bit of moss, dirt, and broken ground can suddenly turn into a miniature 1945 battlefield. The first scene has that “push forward at all costs” feeling, with the red banner leading the way through rough terrain. The second one is more dramatic — flag up, rubble everywhere, and a strong Berlin 1945 atmosphere. One thing I really like about these older figures is the character. They’re not ultra-sharp modern resin pieces, but they have a lot of personality and movement. Reiner Krock’s sculpting especially always feels dynamic in photos. Simple setup, natural light, no fancy effects — just old-school toy soldiers doing what they do best. https://www.soldatini.eu/2026/05/victory-day-small-figures-big-history.html

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There’s something oddly satisfying about putting pre-war toys back “in action.” Here we’ve got a group of classic Lineol Flak and Luftwaffe figures from 1930s Germany—those unmistakable composition soldiers with slightly stiff poses but loads of character. The officers are deep in discussion (probably arguing about range tables…), while the crew gets on with the business of keeping the gun ready. You can almost hear the clatter of equipment and shouted orders. The gun itself tells a different story. It’s a modern plywood take on the famous German 8.8 cm Flak—one of the most versatile artillery pieces of its time, used both against aircraft and tanks. Sure, it didn’t come out of a 1930s German factory, but it fits surprisingly well with the vintage crew. With a bit of camouflage netting and some improvised field cover, the whole scene comes together nicely. Old Lineol craftsmanship meets a contemporary model—proof that you don’t need everything to be period-perfect to create a convincing and fun display. https://www.soldatini.eu/2026/05/flak-crew-in-position-old-meets-new.html

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If you’ve spent any time collecting 1/32 figures, chances are you’ve come across Starlux. These French-made classics have a style all their own—simple, sturdy, and full of personality. They were made to be played with, not just displayed, and that’s exactly where their charm comes from. Their German infantry sets, in particular, have that unmistakable vintage look that instantly takes you back to the golden age of plastic soldiers. Of course, no infantry feels complete without some armour rolling in. That’s where pieces from NewRay and Airfix come into the mix. NewRay’s tanks aren’t strict scale replicas, but they clearly channel the heavy hitters like the Tiger I and Tiger II—those massive machines that became legends on the WWII battlefield. Then you’ve got the trusty Sd.Kfz. 251 from Airfix, the workhorse of German mechanised infantry, designed to carry troops right into the action alongside the tanks. What makes this kind of setup fun isn’t perfect accuracy—it’s the mix. Different brands, different eras, all working together in one scene. It’s a bit nostalgic, a bit imaginative, and a good reminder that collecting toy soldiers doesn’t have to be serious business. Sometimes it’s just about letting the armour roll and enjoying the story they create. https://www.soldatini.eu/2026/05/old-school-soldiers-big-cats-starlux.html

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A notable recent acquisition: a boxed set of SA (Sturmabteilung) paper soldiers, reportedly produced in Germany in the 1930s. The set comprises marching figures, musicians, and a standard bearer, preserved in their original compartmentalised box, with additional uncut or spare figures retained on the backing card. The lithographic detail, uniform depiction, and overall condition are particularly strong for a fragile, paper-based medium of this period. As an artefact, the set provides insight into contemporary printing techniques, toy production, and the visual culture of the era, reflecting how paramilitary imagery was disseminated in everyday objects. https://www.soldatini.eu/2026/04/boxed-set-of-sa-paper-soldiers-germany.html

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This grouping showcases four German composition figures by Lineol, Kienel, Grundig, and Elastolin, all depicting the same model — Infanterie Wachtposten, Mantelkragen hochgeschlagen (an infantry sentry with the greatcoat collar turned up. Each maker brings subtle distinctions in sculpting, proportions, facial expression, and paint finish. https://www.soldatini.eu/2026/04/ww2-german-composition-figures.html

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A great example of wartime adaptation, this Young Patriot Army Combat set shows how the toy industry pivoted during World War II. With metal and rubber reserved for the war effort, companies turned to cardboard—resulting in sets like this, produced by Colorgraphic, Inc. in Chicago. The set includes a full paper “army”: troops in action poses, vehicles, and aircraft—all designed to be cut out, slotted, and played with. Lightweight, inexpensive, and surprisingly durable, these paper soldiers filled the gap left by discontinued pre-war toy lines. What makes it particularly interesting for collectors is the messaging. The box doubles as propaganda, urging children to “Build for Victory” and buy U.S. War Stamps—linking play directly to the home-front effort. This particular example is preserved in the collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum. https://www.soldatini.eu/2026/04/young-patriot-paper-soldiers-for.html

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An unmade paper model by Pellerin (France, 1914), portraying Serbian soldiers across a rugged landscape. Issued at the outbreak of World War I, it reflects early wartime storytelling—celebrating Serbia’s resistance through detailed, dynamic figures, field scenes, and even a small medical shelter. A striking blend of history, propaganda, and craftsmanship preserved on a single sheet.

https://www.soldatini.eu/2026/04/1914-paper-soldiers-heroic-serbian-army.html