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Entering the secret of world of the historical Schleich action figures by Rob Esmund
Jigsaws, cycling, skating - all activities that children have enjoyed through the years. But how relevant are action figures such as the ones produced by veteran company Schleich? This article takes a look at Schleich's history and why their figures continue to have such an enduring appeal.
Schleich is a German company producing figurines, animal models, and accessories which are sold throughout the world, either from their own retail outlets or from toy shops such as Toys R Us, and including the famous Schwarz toy shop on Fifth Avenue, New York.
The company was founded in 1935 by Friedrich Scleich, and was a family-run business right up until 2006 when it was taken over by the British investment company HG Capital.
The range of Schleich models is enormous, and they are much sought after, both as toys and as collectables. The range spans the world of nature, the world of history, and the world of fantasy. The world of nature includes domestic and farm animals, and wild life from many parts of the world, together with accessories such as plants, trees, buildings, vehicles, and people, sufficient to make many different settings.
The world of history range has different types of dinosaurs and prehistoric mammals, a collection of knights plus a castle, and a section devoted to the American Red Indian. The world of fantasy collection encompasses mythical beings such as dragons, elves, unicorns, and Smurfs.
The models are impressive in their meticulous execution and attention to detail. The aim of the animal models is to truly reflect nature on a small scale, making them ideal for showing children the wonder and variety of the animal kingdom. Amongst the farm animals, for example, you will find over eight different representations of cattle breeds with their individual colours and markings faithfully reproduced.
The wild animals of Africa and other continents include very fine models of the elephant, lions and lion cubs, leopard, chimpanzees, ostrich, and meercats. Not only that, but there are truly amazing examples of the natural plants of these habitats. The African baobab, for example, known popularly as the "upside-down tree" is a remarkable model of this tree with its disproportionately large trunk for storing water.
It's refreshing to know that in this day of modern technology, action figures such as those from Schleich, are just as relevant to children as they have always been.
About the Author
Rob Esmund is a regular contributor of: Totally Schleich