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Admirable Crichton Marching Band vintage pewter toysThe Old Duke of Falcon Hall decided to throw a garden party to celebrate the Young Duke's 21st birthday. The entire population of all five towns employed by the Falcon mining company attended, swelling attendance to somewhere in the region of 20,000 guests.
Among the hundred or so side shows organised for the event, by far the most popular among the children was the lucky dip, containing toys most children could only dream of. Amongst the prizes the most valued were marching band toy soldiers made from pewter, fashioned in the shape of The Admirable Crichton. For years to come these figures would hold value like a currency among children wanting to barter or swap. Made of pure solid pewter, with some quite substantial weight, it is believed a single marching band figure could command the value of twenty plastic rabbits or five wooden Whimmy Diddles. Only 5 of the original 6 cymbal playing band members (known as Pugh, Pugh, Barney McGrew, Cuthbert and Dibble) are in circulation, and by now showing the wear and tear you'd expect from a vintage toy. It is believed the young lad who found 6th figure swapped it for a much needed ice cream on the day of the party with his Uncle, but that's another story. Admirable Crichton Marching Band vintage toy, hand cast in pure English lead free pewter, enamel painted and distressed. Approximately 4" tall. Set of 5 available at Toycon. £20 each. |
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Crichton Shoulder Angels
The old Duke of Falcon Hall had rather too many vices that became public knowledge. However strongly urged by family and peers to amend his ways, he was rather reluctant to turn his back on his more enjoyable past times.
In a bid to restore at least some order to his life he installed a pair of twin Patent Crichton Shoulder Angels. Working in tandem they advise the perfect balance of temptation and temperance in equal measures. The old Duke's dignity was restored. Whilst retaining a modicum of his favourite past times he was able to balance his public standing with moral and upstanding acts of decency. Whilst one shoulder angel may say “Sir, might I suggest a visit to Mrs Dollymop’s 'Coffee House’ to acquaint yourself with the young Femme Galante” on the Saturday, the other might suggest “Sir, the estate workers are running a village fete today. Perhaps you might like to attend and judge the home made jam?” on the Sunday. Patent Crichton Shoulder Angels come with a strong warning: they must never be separated. The resulting unbridled bad behaviour or runaway pious goodness is not worth the risk. |
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The Admirable KrakenA "blue jacket" Crichton (designed to serve afternoon Gin and Tonic on the croquet lawn) was accompanying the old Duke and the ladies of Falcon Hall on a voyage to the south pacific when a storm capsized their yacht.
So devoted to his purpose, Crichton had been conducting a thorough test of the provisions as the storm struck. We can only assume the wide and varied range of London Gin had interrupted his ability to make way to the nearest lifeboat with the rest of the crew. Crichton sank to the bottom of the ocean where he was befriended by a small family of Kraken who fitted a gleaming set of tentacles and claws to help him get about his new abode in the manner befitting a creature of the deep. He now serves afternoon canapés of kelp and krill to his new masters, who are delighted with their rather more civilised way of life. |
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Dressed for breakfastCrichton awakes at 5 every morning, dresses in his smartest morning suit, and oversees preparation of breakfast for the lord and lady of Falcon Hall.
He pays particular attention to shining his patent leather shoes. New staff in service at Falcon Hall are advised never to enter a shiny shoe competition with Crichton. |
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Dressed for luncheonLuncheon at Falcon Hall is often taken on the lawn, during a hunt, or whilst out fly fishing.
For these occasions Crichton's formal morning attire is exchanged for a bright and shining enamelware suit. |
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Dressed for dinnerEvening meal at Falcon Hall is rather more casual than many of the significant country houses in England. For this time of day Crichton wears a dapper olive green jacket and blue bow tie.
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