Lead hare

This is a vintage hollow-cast lead toy soldier. These figures were mass-produced for children and collectors primarily in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Soldier Type: The figure depicts a soldier with a rifle and a helmet, wearing a uniform that appears to be from the late 19th or early 20th century. The specific military branch is not clear from the image alone, but such figures were commonly made to represent British, American, French, and German armies, among others. The style of the uniform, including the helmet and gear, is consistent with figures from conflicts like the Boer War or World War I. Time Period: The hollow-cast method was pioneered by the British company William Britain in 1893, making these figures more affordable and popular than solid lead models. The production of lead toy soldiers declined significantly after World War II, and they were largely replaced by plastic figures in the 1960s due to concerns about lead poisoning. The specific figure is likely from this time frame, prior to the widespread transition to plastic toys in the mid-1960s. Manufacturer: Common manufacturers of these types of soldiers include Britains, John Hill and Co (Johillco), and Timpo, among others. The manufacturer's name is often inscribed on the base of the figure, which is a key detail for identification and dating. Without this mark, the exact manufacturer is difficult to determine.