“Unsere Zukunft” (“Our Future”)

“Unsere Zukunft” (“Our Future”) – WW1-era German postcard.The caption says it all — “Our Future” — reflecting how military themes were part of everyday life and childhood culture during the First World War era. Signed by Austrian artist Josef Süss (1892–1961).

Krieg im Kinderzimmer (“War in the Nursery”)

WW1-era German postcard (1914–1918): “Krieg im Kinderzimmer” (“War in the Nursery”). Published by Albert Fink, Berlin (No. 908). A child’s bedroom becomes a miniature battlefield — a vivid example of how militarism shaped everyday life and even children’s play during the Great War.

🪖🚙 Classic plastic soldiers on patrol! 🚙🪖

A small battlefield scene featuring Peterkin Classics plastic infantry figures, originally produced by Newray (USA), alongside a cool plywood military Jeep made in China, complete with camouflage paint and netting.

ESCI 1/35 Modern U.S. Paratroopers (Italy, 1980s) 🇺🇸🪖

One of my favourite things about collecting vintage 1/35 plastic figures is rediscovering the classics — and ESCI was one of the kings of the genre in the 1980s. These Modern U.S. Paratroopers capture that unmistakable Cold War / early modern infantry look: sharp poses, great proportions, and loads of character. The sculpting style is pure ESCI — not overloaded with detail, but clean and realistic enough to still look excellent today.

Peterkin Classics Plastic Soldiers with Britains No. 9724 105mm pack howitzer gun 🇬🇧🇺🇸

Modern Peterkin Classics plastic infantry figures in black plastic, originally produced by Newray (USA) and later released under the Peterkin Classics range. Shown here operating the classic Britains No. 9724 105mm pack howitzer gun, the figures’ robust, play-oriented design pairs well with Britains’ iconic artillery piece.

Peterkin Classics – “Soldier World” Plastic Soldiers 🇬🇧🇬🇧🇬🇧

These modern plastic infantry figures (1/32 scale) are part of the Peterkin Classics (the UK) / Soldier World range. Cast in durable plastic, they depict modern soldiers in a variety of dynamic poses—advancing, firing, kneeling, and handling heavier weapons such as rocket launchers. The soldiers were originally produced by NewRay.

Deutsches Jungvolk composition figures by Kienel (Germany), 1930s 🏴🏴🏴

These painted composition figures depict members of the Deutsches Jungvolk, the junior section of the Hitler Youth for boys aged 10–14. Produced in Germany during the 1930s by Kienel, they show typical Jungvolk imagery: marching youth and a drummer, dressed in brown shirts, black shorts, knee socks, and side caps. Such figures were part of the broader visual culture of the period, reflecting how youth organizations were idealised and normalized through toys and collectibles.