Vintage Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs Lead Figure Set – Set of 8 – Hand Painted – Attributed to W. Britain – Wooden Box with Straw

This is a charming complete set of eight hand-painted lead figures: Snow White and all seven dwarfs. Snow White stands about 2" tall, and the dwarfs stand about 1 1/2" tall. Each figure is solid lead, with its own expressive face, beard and costume in bright yellow, blue, green, red and brown. They come in a small slatted wooden box packed with old straw, which makes a fun storage and display piece.

Details

• Set: Snow White plus seven dwarfs (8 figures in all)
• Material: solid lead, hand painted 
• Sizes: Snow White about 2" tall, dwarfs about 1 1/2" tall
• Attribution: W. Britain, not confirmed. The figures were not verified as Britains products, and no maker’s mark has been identified. 
• Origin and era: UK
• Includes: small wooden slatted storage box with old straw.

About the set
Disney’s Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs premiered in December 1937 as the first full-length cel-animated feature film, and it set off a wave of merchandise, including small painted figures like these. W. Britain, founded in London in 1845, was one of the best-known makers of lead toy figures, and several British and European makers produced Snow White figure sets in the late 1930s. This set is attributed to W. Britain by the seller, but the maker isn’t confirmed, so we’ve described it that way. Whatever the maker, the colorful costumes and the characterful faces make this a delightful piece of early Disney-era toy history.

Condition (please review the photos)
This is a vintage, hand-painted set with age wear. Snow White’s yellow skirt has noticeable paint loss, with black patches where the paint has worn away, and there is wear on her arm and hand. Several dwarfs have smaller areas of flaking, scuffing or paint loss, including one with a dark spot near the hand. [Add specifics for each figure after you check them under magnification.] [Note any bends, breaks or repairs.] The wooden box shows age and wear.

Important: Collectible only, not a toy for children. Vintage lead figures and paint may contain lead. Please keep away from children and pets, and wash hands after handling.

Please study all the photos, which are part of the description. Questions are welcome.