Vintage 1930s Barclay "Dimestore" hollow-cast lead toy soldier operating an anti-tank artillery gun. Specifically, it is identified as Barclay item number B145
Historical Background
• The "Dimestore" Era: Produced primarily during the late 1930s leading into the World War II era, these figures were famously sold individually for a nickel or a dime at classic five-and-dime retail chains like Woolworth's.
• The Manufacturer: The Barclay Manufacturing Company was one of the premier American producers of cast-metal toy soldiers and vehicles during this golden age of American metal toys, often characterized by their charming, stylized appearance rather than strict realism.
• Material: These are hollow-cast from a lead-alloy metal (often referred to as slush mold or pot metal) and hand-painted.
Visual Characteristics
• Uniform & Gear: The soldier wears a classic khaki/brown uniform and a distinct silver-painted doughboy-style helmet reminiscent of World War I or early WWII gear.
• The Weapon: He is cast integrated into a large anti-tank or field gun artillery piece featuring massive brown wheels with red-rimmed centers and a long, ribbed silver barrel.
