Hantel Victorian Miniatures Hantel Message Board Discuss, Buy and Trade Hantel Victorian Miniatures with other collectors Hantel produce finely detailed, hand painted, jointed pewter miniatures. Originally established in Warwick England in 1973 by Mrs Frances Wilson, to manufacture fine pewter giftware. During those early years Hantel produced a whole range of small sculptured animals, miniature pewterware and porcelain jewellery. In 1980 Hantel produced their first jointed miniatures. Most of these models were characters from 19th century literature. In the same year the company moved to Scotland, and since then have continued to produce models there. In June 1999 Hantel Ltd were taken over by Mr Patrick Mansfield of Tower Enterprises Ltd, who for the last twelve years had been their agent in Japan. The Hantel name was retired in 2007. Pictured right: Hantel Alice in Wonderland Series The idea for the miniatures came from the popularity of doll houses and their interiors, and the idea of having movement within the figures was triggered by an antique jointed porcelain doll. By adding colour, Frances Wilson had developed a very individual collectable. Pictured left: Hantel Cinderella Series After some success with small nursery toys and dolls house products, Frances Wilson began designing a range of figures, drawing her inspiration from childrens literature and nursery rhymes such as Alice in Wonderland, Cinderella, Hey Diddle Diddle, The Owl & Pussycat, Mother Goose and Punch & Judy. Other ranges have included the Butterfly Ball Collection, Santa & his Sleigh and a large selection of Teddy Bears. Hantel have also produced miniatures for Steiff and in the past a superb range for Disney. Pictured left: Hantel Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, Donald Duck and Pluto Series The figures have become very popular and the company has grown on the uniqueness and quality of its miniatures. Although the company still produces only a small volume compared to some other collectables. Pictured right: Hantel Steiff Series The figures are already very collectable. An early piece the Parrot Cage was sold recently in 1998 for £5,000/$8,000 (approx). The Hantel Collectors Society was established in 1992. Each year members received a gift miniature and the option of purchasing models available to Society members only. The Society ended in 2007. Related Features Hantel at Auction Copyright 1996-2008 World Collectors Net site by lincs-on-line | hosted by ukhosts.com | sponsors farmshop.uk.com