ABOUT FIGURART COLLECTIBLE FIGURINES
FIGURART FAQ - Frequently Asked Questions from Collectors
All your questions about historical figurines, toy soldiers, miniature theaters, and handcrafted creations. FIGURART Compiègne expertise at your service.
What is FIGURART the collectibles workshop?
FIGURART is a unique art studio created in Compiègne in 2021 by Helen Bourch, a designer and painter passionate about miniatures, and her husband, Benjamin Zerbib, a sculptor. Specializing in the handcrafted production of collectible pewter figurines, we perpetuate traditional French figurine techniques.
Our expertise covers:
•Creation of historical tin figurines
• Evaluation of figurine collections
•Restoration of old lead soldiers
•Miniature “paper” theaters or Toy-Theaters
•Art dolls and artistic creations
•Museography services
•Custom-made creations
Located in the heart of Compiègne
Why choose FIGURART?
FIGURART is THE all-round figurine manufacturer in France, with official recognition:
🏆 OFFICIAL LABELS
ARTISAN D'ART (French State recognition)
Official recognition from the Ministry of Economy
•Guarantee of French artisanal excellence
•Exceptional certified know-how
•Transmission of traditional techniques
•Atelier d’Art de France (excellence certification)
ART WORKSHOP OF FRANCE
•Quality certification of artistic crafts
•Recognized technical excellence
•Innovation in tradition
•Radiation
•100% Made in France
UNIQUE FIGURART BENEFITS
• 100% French manufacturer (from creation to delivery)
•Direct purchase from the craftsman (without intermediary)
•Traditional craft techniques and preservation of know-how
•Noble materials: tin and alloys, professional paints
•Unique expertise: creation + restoration + museography
•Personalization and tailor-made creations
•Respect for historical authenticity
•Transparency: documented creation process
Why is this important? Unlike our competitors who outsource or outsource, buying FIGURART means buying directly from the artisan and having the guarantee of a truly Made in France product. Every euro invested supports French craftsmanship and preserves unique expertise.
Why are these labels important? These official certifications guarantee that you are buying directly from a craftsman recognized by the French government. Unlike our competitors, we do not outsource any production: each FIGURART figurine is entirely created in our workshop in Compiègne.
Customer benefit: Total traceability, certified quality, support for authentic French craftsmanship.
Where is the FIGURART figurines workshop located?
Our FIGURART workshop is located in Compiègne (60), a historic town known for its heritage and the dioramas of its figurine museum.
Why Compiègne?
•Anchored tradition of the French figurine
•Century-old artisan tradition
•Proximity to the Historical Figurine Museum
•Access to archives and historical documentation
Workshop visit: By appointment to discover our creative techniques and our artisanal know-how.
HISTORICAL FIGURINES
What historical collectible figurines do you offer?
We work on commission for military figurines. There are many foundries of historical figurines to be assembled and painted with whom we collaborate - in this unique case we source our partners in Europe and offer you complete transparency on the provenance of the raw parts.
Our historical pewter figurines cover all the major periods of history:
ANTIQUITY:
Roman Legions, Gallic Warriors, Greek Armies
MIDDLE AGES:
Medieval Knights, Crusades, Hundred Years' War
OLD REGIME:
King's Musketeers, Royal Regiments, French Guard
NAPOLEONIC EMPIRE:
Grand Army, Imperial Guard, Marshals of the Empire
MODERN ERA:
War of 1870, First World War, Second World War
Each historical figurine is hand-painted in authentic period uniforms and colors, the result of extensive research with specialized sources.
What is the difference between our collectible figurines and those of the competition?
DIFFERENCES VS COMPETITORS
• 100% France vs. partially outsourced production
• High-end tin and alloy vs. low-quality lead alloys
• Complete services (creation + restoration + museography) vs. soldiers only
• Official labels vs. traditional recognition
• Direct manufacturer vs distributor/reseller
• Certified artisan vs. trade
• Authentic bespoke vs. standard catalog
• Made in France guaranteed vs. diverse origins
• Complete manufacturing in France vs. external assembly/finishing
• Direct purchase from craftsman vs. commercial channel
• Diversity of services vs. sales only
• Location Compiègne (visit of the workshop possible)
Our figurines are made of durable, high-quality pewter alloy. Each piece is hand-painted in France and features a meticulous craftsmanship.
Historical authenticity is guaranteed through rigorous research ensuring faithful adherence to period uniforms and colors. Each figurine is signed.
Do you offer pewter/ lead toy soldiers?
We specialize in pewter figurines rather than lead for quality and safety reasons:
WHY TIN AND ITS ALLOYS?
•Non-toxic (unlike lead)
•Finer and more precise details
•Natural shine that does not tarnish
•Superior durability
•Compliance with current European standards
TRADITION PRESERVED We perpetuate the spirit of traditional toy soldiers with:
•The same casting techniques
•Hand painting
•Respect for historical authenticity
•French artisanal excellence
Our pewter figurines offer the beauty of old-fashioned toy soldiers with modern quality and safety.
COLLECTION AND COLLECTORS
What makes a collectible figurine valuable?
The value of a collectible figurine depends on several factors: the rarity of the piece, the quality of its manufacture, its historical authenticity, its state of preservation, and the manufacturer's reputation. At FIGURART, our collectible figurines are unique pieces, handcrafted in France using high-quality materials. Each figurine is handcrafted, guaranteeing its authenticity and heritage value.
What is the difference between a toy soldier and a modern collectible figurine?
Traditional toy soldiers were often mass-produced toys. Our modern collectible figurines are miniature works of art: each piece is sculpted, cast in fine pewter, and hand-painted by our artisans. They are aimed at adult collectors and are true heritage investments, unlike the old toy soldiers intended for children.
Do your collectible figurines increase in value over time?
Handcrafted collectible figurines, like those from FIGURART, tend to increase in value, especially when produced in limited editions. Our "Artisan d'Art" label and 100% French manufacturing guarantee authenticity and quality, essential factors for the valuation of a collection. Because each piece is unique and handmade, it becomes increasingly rare over time.
How to recognize an authentic collectible figurine?
An authentic FIGURART collectible figurine bears our signature and comes with a certificate of authenticity. Our pieces are made exclusively in France in our Compiègne workshop, using high-quality materials (pewter, professional paints). Beware of counterfeits: our collectible figurines are only sold through our official channels or a few specialized stores.
Do you deliver everywhere in France?
Yes, FIGURART delivers throughout France and internationally:
METROPOLITAN FRANCE
Free delivery from 150€
•Colissimo tracking for orders <150€ (12€)
•Chronopost for urgent deliveries (€25)
•Personal delivery possible (in Compiègne)
DOM-TOM AND INTERNATIONAL
•Colissimo International depending on destination
•Transport quote for exceptional parts
•Insurance included for all shipments
PROFESSIONAL PACKAGING
•Maximum protection: foam, bubble wrap, cushioning
•Customized packaging for fragile parts
•Fragile marking and transport insurance
•Delivery tracking communicated
MAINTENANCE AND WARRANTIES
How do I maintain my FIGURART figurines?
Our pewter figurines are designed to last for generations with minimal maintenance:
REGULAR CLEANING
• Dusting: Soft brush every 3 months
•Cleaning: Slightly damp cloth if necessary
•Drying: Immediate and complete
OPTIMAL PRESERVATION
•Temperature: 18-22°C stable
•Humidity: 45-55% (avoid damp cellars)
•Light: Avoid direct exposure to sunlight
•Support: Stable display case or shelf
PRODUCTS TO AVOID
❌ Chemical detergents
❌ Bleach
❌ Abrasive products
❌ Vigorous brushing
FIGURART TIPS:
Careful handling / Storage in a closed display case / Regular check of condition / Expert consultation if in doubt
AFTER-SALES SERVICE
Free advice by phone or email. Professional maintenance available.
What guarantee do you offer?
FIGURART is committed to the quality of its creations:
QUALITY GUARANTEE
•Manufacturing defect: Free replacement
•Duration: 2 years from delivery
•Coverage: Materials and labor
•Exclusions: Damage due to poor maintenance
SATISFACTION GUARANTEE
•Return possible within 14 days (new condition)
•Exchange if non-conformity with the order
•Refund if dissatisfied ( see returns and exchanges )
AUTHENTICITY GUARANTEE
•Certificate provided with each piece
• Complete manufacturing traceability
•Guaranteed historical expertise
AFTER-SALES SERVICE
•Free advice for life
•Repairs possible (free estimate)
• Track your collection
FIGURART COMMITMENT:
Your satisfaction is our priority. We are committed to resolving any issues as quickly as possible.
This FAQ is regularly updated. For any specific questions, please do not hesitate to contact our team of experts.
FIGURART - Artisanal excellence in the service of History and Culture
Address
19, bis rue Hippolyte Bottier
60200 Compiègne, France
Contact
+33635168918