Setting the scene

A chance visit to his parents’ attic reunited Jakob Bredahl-Kjær with his beloved toy soldier collection and opened the floodgates of childhood nostalgia. Jakob’s passion for the hobby was instantly rekindled and within a few short weeks, he had become a dealer for W. Britain in his native Denmark and founded Toy Soldiers of Scandinavia. George Phillips of TSCI spoke to Jakob to find out more about the business, including its signature range of handbuilt dioramas…

- George Phillips

It’s a familiar scenario within the toy soldier collecting hobby. With the transition to manhood, a cherished toy soldier collection is lost, sold, or consigned to a dusty closet or attic. Decades later, through a chance experience or encounter, a passion for the hobby is somehow reignited and another adult enthusiast joins the fold. Such is the story of Jakob Bredahl-Kjær.

Around 15 years ago during a family visit to his parents’ home in Ry, Jakob was asked by his son Oliver if they could go up together to explore his grandparents’ attic. Jakob agreed and within minutes, the pair were rooting through the dusty but fascinating contents of the attic.

Before long, they came across a series of boxes containing some of Jakob’s childhood toys, including his beloved Britain’s and Airfix toy soldiers. Seeing all the familiar action poses and feeling the heft of the Britain’s figures, Jakob was immediately transported back to his boyhood and the many hours of enjoyment that his miniature armies had provided. In addition to collecting figures, Jakob had also been a prolific diorama-builder.

“I remained in the attic for a while to handle the figures and reminisce a little more,” Jakob said. “I then began to wonder if the toy soldier makers who manufactured my figures were still trading.”

Getting started

Within days, Jakob received confirmation that W. Britain was indeed still trading and several weeks after that, he had made contact with the company and established himself in Denmark as a Scandinavian dealer for the brand. Among the many facets to his character, Jakob can most definitely list “decisive.”