March 2024 Odds Ends Gary Dutko More, I have several items to cover. first, I have an update from Gary Dutko. You may remember that Gary had a devasting fire in 2021. Gary let us how he is doing. Next, I have a test shot from long-lost French molds that will be coming to the market in the future. Finally, I share an Ebay message I got.
March 2024 Odds Ends Update Gary Dutko
As I mentioned earlier I heard from Gary Dutko. Gary is known for his conversions of Conte Collectibles figures. Sadly in 2021, Gary had a fire in his home when he was away. I had not heard from him until now. here is his update.
It’s been some time since we talked. I am now retired from the toy soldier hobby since the house fire on 5/17/2021. The interior of the house has been rebuilt and everything is new. I had a heart stent and two balloon jobs in 2022 so I figured it was time to relax. I have been working on conversions for my collection and was wondering about a stretcher bearer team you picked up at the York Toy Show in 2021. I’ve used the heads for my Conte 24th foot conversion collection. However, I could not remember where I got these. I saw you mentioned they came with an ambulance set at Big Lots which I have not recently checked. Do you have any information on these figures? Only interested in the figures and specifically the heads.
The figures were sold by Big Lots with an ambulance. If you have any of the figures let me know.
Lost French Molds
I received today the above photo. This is a test shot of a long-lost French mold that was done today. The party acquired several Western and medieval knights. They are hoping to run them and offer them later. We will keep you informed.
Ebay Messages
I got this comment on one of my Ebay listings.
That lawn jockey probably belongs to a playset representing a different century.
I replied that the lawn jockey was a part of the Marx Civil War accessory set and sent him a link to Kent Sprecher’s site. I have not heard back.
Glad to hear Gary is doing well; when I first saw the header my heart dropped; there’s been so much sad news lately. I’ve always loved his conversions and enjoyed the times I got to talk to him. Best wishes.
I was happy to to hear he is well. He is suppose to show at Gettysburg Show hopefully he will.
Glad for Gary!!
Wel done on ebay “corrector”
The French figure looks intersting but I think belong to set .
There are more poses only one mold was tested and it part of a set. the party has at least two poses.
What company made the lost French molds? I would like to see the Medievals. The pioneer looks crude like an early 1950’s.
Tom
That is what we are trying to find out. I have made checks and feel it is Guilbert. We have no conformation yet. when I get photos of the medievals I will post them.
Great to see a test shot of a long lost mold. There are so many French, Spanish and Italian molds missing. The recovery of just one is a blessing!
John right now we may have figures that may have never been issued. The experts are not coming up with an answer on a company for them.
I agree there many molds thant need to be put back into production.
Unfurtunately more than half of old molds are gone destroyed as scrap ,other no so lost are in very bad quality that require extensive repair and retooling not worth the effort versus what you may try sale then after.
Few can be re work and produce but there is a lack of investors willing to do it.
Every year i seen far less older molds been put to cast ,even new made had diminished considerably.