Swoppets – Nostalgia Central

Designed by Roy Selwyn-Smith and manufactured by Britains Ltd, this range of 1:32 scale plastic figures first appeared in March 1958 as a range of cowboy figures, six on foot (which sold for 1/3 ) and six mounted on horseback (which cost 2/11). They were later joined by a range of “Indians” (native Americans).

The novelty (which spawned the name) came from the interchangeable parts.

The figures had a two-part body, with two fixed arms on an upper torso and two fixed legs on a lower torso, all attached by the same swivelling ball-and-socket waist joint – similar to ‘poppet’ beads which were in vogue at the time – and a swivelling head.

Parts such as weapons, headwear and other accessories were also interchangeable.

Subsequent releases included “Wars of the Roses” knights in armour (introduced in July 1959), mounted knights (1960) and “modern” British Infantry figures (1962).

Some subsequent sets – including American War of Independence figures and the “Eyes Right” range of American Civil War figures – were branded as “Swoppets” by Britains but did not, in fact, contain interchangeable parts.

The small, interchangeable parts – a potential choking hazard – ultimately led to the demise of the Swoppets range, amid growing concerns about child safety in the early 1970s.