The Adam Park Project

Item Information:

Catalogue Number: 16/04/008 Source: TAPP Archaeology Surveys Location: No16 Adam Park Report No: Report No.11 Artifact Type: Toy Production Date: 2012-09-06 00:00:00 Dimensions of Item: 50mm x 20mm Copyright with The Adam Park Project

Other Description:

Three toy soldiers and figurines were found in the garden at 16 Adam Park. The most recognisable was that of a marching highlander in ceremonial dress. The figure is approximately 50mm high. The figure has broken off at the legs and the head is missing however traces of the colouring is still visible: the famous red jacket, white and black sporran, white socks with red tops and a green kilt striped with yellow. The base of the figure is inscribed with the words ‘Made in England’ and ‘Britain’. The loss of the head reveals that the figure in hollow cast and most likely made of lead.

Historic Context:

The nearest match is a collection of ‘Gordon Highlanders Marching At Slope’ made by William Britain, kit number 49004. This set of W. Britain figures were originally sold in the early 1900's linking the find with the earliest occupant of the house. The fact that it is hollow lead indicates this is not a later copy. Modern reproductions are not hollow cast as lead safety restrictions today prevents manufacturers making a truly hollow cast figure anymore but have to make do with lead-free solid cast figures instead. Ironically a detachment of Gordon Highlanders were held as POWs in the Watten Estate adjoining Adam Park in 1942