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A to Z of FOREST TOYS. Today’s letter I An Indolent Indian Bull, Intelligent Irish Wolfhound and an incredible Irish Red Setter. All can be seen in my latest book on the Archives of F.T.

Today a teeny tiny toy maker in her matchbox studio.

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So much drama in a matchbox. I thought I would share some of these Erzgebirge gems.

And the winner is the grey mare ridden by grey capped jockey Fred. Made between the wars by Frank Whittington in the New Forest, Brockenhurst UK

An example of some of the many different size horses made by Frank Whittington in his New Forest factory.

I think these four are trying to copy their German cousins don’t you? Donkey, dog and cat are ok, but it should of course be a cockerel not a duck, but I haven’t got one!

“But Eve I’m not sure I want to try an apple at the moment” As the apples are now ripening on the trees, perhaps it is time for these Erzgebirge figures. From my collection

Tiny carved figures 4.5 cm high made in the Erzgebirge region

Two sheep with their lambs. These are made with a covering of sawdust and paint to give a woolly coat

This prize winning bull has lead horns and a cord tail. Also a metal ring through his nose