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The first set of five models was produced in 1954 and was designed for children to spend their pocket money on.When Mr Wade 's secretary referred to them as whimsical, the series was named Whimsies(and later referred to as First Whimsies).
The original models were packaged and sold in sets of five pieces for 5/9d.Only those models on bases wide enough for a Wade stamp were marked;free standing models with open-cast legs generally had no room for marks.All boxes were marked "Wade Whimsies" ,but once the unmarked figures were removed from their boxes, there was no way to tell that they were Wade.
Whimsies models had their first showing at the British Industries Fair in 1954.At first, the reaction of dealers and wholesalers to the five tiny models was discouraging.But the following day, when the public was allowed into the show, they quickly changed their attitude when they saw the growing numbers of children and parents Queuing to buy Whimsies.
For the next six years, Wade produced and sold nine sets of five and one set of four miniature animal models.Today these Whimsies are highly sought after by collectors all over the worl.
The "Spaniel with Ball" in the beige rump colourway is so rarely seen it is now believed to have been a prototype and not put into full production.
Produced between 1954 - 1958.
Leaping Fawn, Horse, Spaniel with Ball, Poodle, Squirrel.
Produced between 1954 - 1958.
Bull, Lamb, Kitten, Hare, Dachshund.
Produced between 1955 - 1958.
Badger, Fox Cub, Stoat, Shetland Pony, Retreiver.
Produced between 1955 - 1958.
Lion, Crocodile, Monkey and Baby, Rhinoceros, Baby Elephant.
Produced between 1956 - 1959.
Mare, Foal, Colt, Beagle.
Produced between 1956 - 1959.
King Penguin, Husky, Polar Bear, Baby Seal, Polar Bear Cub.
Produced between 1957 - 1961.
Alsation, West Highland Terrier, Corgi, Boxer, Saint Bernard.
Produced between 1957 - 1961.
Bactrian Camel, Cockatoo, Giant Panda, Lion Cub, Llama.
Produced between 1958 - 1961.
Snowy Owl, Raccoon, Grizzly Bear, Grizzly Cub, Cougar.
Produced between 1959 - 1961.
Pig, Italian Goat, Foxhound, Shire Horse, Swan.Showing two colourways of the Shire Horse there is a third colourway of the Shire Horse, a reddish brown but this is very rare.
