Molds/Moulds

There are numerous different types of molds (or moulds as they are often called) These include both metal, and rubber. While there are also food moulds this website focuses on toy soldier model moulds.  Moulds from the 30's were typically produced using inexpensive zinc and today many of those are found to be warped, sometimes beyond use.

Origins and Early Adoption (Late 19th Century – 1930s)

From Factory to Home. The earliest molds used in the home were not necessarily sold to the public—they were often repurposed from factory molds or obtained by skilled metalworkers. As the toy soldier market grew, some firms saw demand from hobbyists and children who wanted to make their own soldiers at home.

Factories such as Britains Ltd. and Mignot in France made their own proprietary molds but didn’t initially sell them. However, German firms like Heinrichsen (founded 1839) had by the early 20th century started offering Zinnfiguren (flat figures) moulds to customers, primarily in Europe. Early moulds were made from cast iron—heavy, durable, and able to withstand repeated exposure to molten lead. These moulds often required a clamp or vise to hold the two halves together during pouring.

The Hobbyist Golden Age (1930s–1950s)
Between WWI and WWII, home casting became a recognized hobby, with advertising in both local and national newspapers (remember those?). Young boys and modelers could create historical, military, or cowboy/Indian figures using kits. It was inexpensive and provided both creative enjoyment and reusable tools. SAE (Soldier Artist Engineers) in the U.S. and various German manufacturers began producing moulds for home use. In Germany, companies like Berliner Zinnfiguren (still active today) provided both moulds and metal. Typical home casting kits from the mid-20th century typically included a two-part cast iron or more typically a die cast zinc mould; casting metal (usually lead or a tin-lead alloy) called a Pig; a melting ladle (sometimes electric, more often just a steel spoon); Clamps and a small instruction booklet. These moulds allowed for the creation of detailed 3D soldiers, often in 1:32 scale (about 54mm tall), or flat soldiers in traditional 30mm or 40mm Zinnfiguren style.

Safety and Health Concerns (1960s–1980s)
By the 1960s, rising awareness of lead poisoning caused many toy companies to switch to plastics. Lead casting at home became discouraged, especially for children, and was increasingly limited to adult hobbyists.

In the mid 1970's Prince August revolutionized home casting molds by using rubber molds reinforced with metal plates. Offering safer casting metals like Model Metal (lead-free pewter alloy). Selling themed kits (e.g., Napoleonic, Fantasy, Chess Sets). These were easier and safer for hobbyists to use. No vise was needed, and moulds were lighter and more detailed.

The popularity of Dungeons & Dragons and fantasy wargaming in the 1970s-80s inspired many companies to release fantasy casting moulds for dragons, wizards, and warriors.

Modern Revival (1990s–Present)
Though most miniature manufacturing today relies on plastic injection moulding and resin casting, a subset of collectors and craftsmen continue to use vintage metal moulds (often found on eBay or collector forums). New moulds are made using high-temp silicone or RTV rubber rather than metal, often for historical reenactment groups or artistic purposes.

Prince August remains one of the most prominent provider of home casting moulds. Other niche makers and hobbyists offer custom mould-making services, sometimes using 3D-printed masters and silicone moulds. The miniature wargaming community (especially historical gamers) occasionally use casting to replicate rare figures.

Mold-Making Techniques Over Time