In 1974 Britains launched the Battle of Waterloo deetail range of toy soldiers. The range was removed from the catalogue in 1980.
There were 6 British Infantry, 6 British Cavalry, 6 French Infantry and 6 French Cavalry figures. Initially the French infantry were released with white trousers, this is how they are shown in the 1974 catalogue, but this was changed to a light grey colour and they remained in the light grey for the remainder of their production.
Along with the loose figures 10 boxed sets of figures were released.
Set 7944, 6 British Infantry figures with 2 accessories this set was available from 1974-1976
In 1977 the box was changed to this style, and remained like this until production of this range ended.
Set 7947, 3 British Cavalry, 9 Infantry and 2 accessories
Set 7946 , 2 British Cavalry, 3 Infantry and 1 accessory – this set was only produced for one year 1974
Set 7945, 2 British Cavalry, 4 Infantry and 1 accessory. Introduced in 1975 this set remained in the catalogue until 1977. Again in 1977 this box set was changed to the ‘faces’ box style.
Set 7954 6 French Infantry with 2 accessories, this box shows the early white trouser versions of the figures.Again in 1977 this box set was changed to the ‘faces’ box style.
Set 7955 2 French Cavalry, 4 Infantry and 2 accessories.Introduced in 1975 this set remained in the catalogue until 1977. Again in 1977 this box set was changed to the ‘faces’ box style.
Set 7956 2 French Cavalry, 3 Infantry and 1 accessory – this set was only produced for one year 1974
Set 7957 3 French Cavalry, 9 Infantry and 2 accessories
Set 7960 British & French Boxed set – 3 Assorted Cavalry, 9 Assorted Infantry and 2 accessories. Produced from 1974 – 1979.
2 Versions shown below, one with a cream tray, one with a blue tray.
Set 7965 British & French Boxed set, 2 French Infantry, 2 British Infantry, one French Cavalry, one British Cavalry and one accessory. Produced for just 2 years 1978 -79.
All of these figures were also sent to shops in ‘trade’ or counter boxes. These were boxes that held the loose figures so that they could be sold individually to the customer.
A selection of trade boxes
The figures were also available in small carded blister packs. Each contained either 3 Infantry figures, or 1 Infantry and 1 Cavalry.
Britains Deetail Toy Soldiers 
Nicely done,Daniel.The very first issues of the British Infantry were also released in a darker red plastic.It`s also rumoured that the very first sets of French Infantry with white trousers were issued with the old Swoppet style sword and indeed my boxed version,which appeared to be unopened,with mint figures inside,contained this particular sword.Another knowledgeable collector however states that my Swoppet sword was a replacement for the “standard” sabre which appeared throughout the range.
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Looks great! I look forward to more.
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