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 antique lead soldiers
•Miniature "paper" theaters or toy theaters
•Art dolls and artistic creations
•Museum design services
•Custom-made creations
Located in the heart of Compiègne
Why choose FIGURART?
FIGURART is THE all-purpose figurine manufacturer in France, with official recognition:
🏆 OFFICIAL LABELS
ARTISAN OF ART (recognized by the French State)
Official recognition from the Ministry of Economy
•Guarantee of French craftsmanship excellence
•Certified exceptional expertise
•Transmission of traditional techniques
•Atelier d'Art de France (excellence certification)
ART WORKSHOP OF FRANCE
•Quality certification for crafts
•Recognized technical excellence
•Innovation within tradition
•Radiation
•100% Made in France
UNIQUE FIGURART ADVANTAGES
• 100% French manufacturer (from creation to delivery)
• Direct purchase from the craftsman (no intermediaries)
•Traditional craft techniques and preservation of know-how
•High-quality materials: tin and alloys, professional paints
•Unique expertise: creation + restoration + museography
• Personalization and custom-made creations
•Respect for historical authenticity
•Transparency: documented creation process
Why is this important? Unlike our competitors who outsource or subcontract, buying FIGURART means buying directly from the artisan and having the guarantee of genuine Made in France products. 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 state. Unlike our competitors, we have no outsourced production: every FIGURART figurine is entirely created in our workshop in Compiègne.
Customer advantage: Total traceability, certified quality, support for authentic French craftsmanship.
Where is the FIGURART collections workshop located?
Our FIGURART workshop is located in Compiègne (60), a historic town known for its heritage and the dioramas in its figurine museum.
Why Compiègne?
•Deeply rooted tradition of the French figurine
• Centuries-old artisanal tradition
•Proximity to the Museum of Historical Figurines
•Access to archives and historical documentation
Workshop visit: By appointment to discover our creative techniques and artisanal know-how.
HISTORICAL FIGURINES
What historical collectible figurines do you offer?
We work on a commission basis regarding military figurines. There are many foundries of historical figurines that require assembly and painting, with whom we collaborate – in this particular case, we source our partners in Europe and offer you complete transparency regarding the origin of the raw parts.
Our historical pewter figurines cover all 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:
Franco-Prussian War of 1870, World War I, World War II
Each historical figurine is hand-painted according to authentic uniforms and period colours, the result of in-depth research with specialist sources.
What is the difference between our collectible figurines and those of the competition?
DIFFERENCES VS. COMPETITORS
• 100% French production vs. partially offshored production
• High-end tin and alloys vs. low-quality lead alloys
• Full services (creation + restoration + museography) vs. soldiers only
• Official labels vs. traditional recognition
• Direct manufacturer vs. distributor/reseller
• Certified artisan vs. retail
• Authentic bespoke vs. standard catalog
• Guaranteed Made in France vs. various origins
• Entirely manufactured in France vs. externally assembled/finished
• Direct purchase from artisan vs. commercial channel
• Diversity of services vs. sales only
• Location: Compiègne (workshop visits possible)
Our figurines are made of durable, high-quality tin alloy. Each piece is hand-painted in France and benefits from meticulous craftsmanship.
Historical authenticity is guaranteed through rigorous research ensuring faithful reproduction of period uniforms and colors. Each figurine is signed.
Do you offer toy soldiers?
We specialize in tin figurines rather than lead ones for reasons of quality and safety:
WHY TIN AND ITS ALLOYS?
•Non-toxic (unlike lead)
• Finer and more precise details
•Natural shine that doesn't dull
•Superior durability
•Compliance with current European standards
PRESERVING TRADITION We perpetuate the spirit of traditional toy soldiers with:
•The same casting techniques
•Hand painting
• Respect for historical authenticity
•French craftsmanship excellence
Our tin figurines offer the beauty of old-fashioned lead soldiers with modern quality and safety.
COLLECTIONS 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 craftsmanship, its historical authenticity, its condition, and the reputation of the manufacturer. At FIGURART, our collectible figurines are unique pieces, handcrafted in France using premium materials. Each figurine is handmade, guaranteeing its authenticity and heritage value.
What is the difference between a toy soldier and a modern collectible figurine?
Traditional lead 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 intended for adult collectors and represent true heritage investments, unlike the old lead soldiers made 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 enhancing the value of a collection. Each piece is unique and handmade, becoming 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 sold only through our official channels or a few select retailers.
Do you deliver everywhere in France?
Yes, FIGURART delivers throughout France and internationally:
METROPOLITAN FRANCE
Free delivery on orders over €150
•Colissimo tracked service for orders under €150 (€12)
•Chronopost for urgent deliveries (€25)
•Hand delivery possible (in Compiègne)
French Overseas Departments and Territories and International
•Colissimo International depending on destination
• Transport quote for oversized parts
•Insurance included for all shipments
PROFESSIONAL PACKAGING
•Maximum protection: foam, bubble wrap, padding
•Custom packaging for fragile items
•Fragile marking and transport insurance
•Delivery tracking information provided
MAINTENANCE AND GUARANTEES
How do I care for my FIGURART figurines?
Our pewter figurines are designed to last for generations with minimal maintenance:
REGULAR CLEANING
• Dusting: Use a soft brush every 3 months
•Cleaning: Use a 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 sunlight
•Support: Stable display case or shelf
PRODUCTS TO AVOID
❌ Chemical detergents
❌ Bleach
❌ Abrasive products
❌ Vigorous brushing
FIGURART TIPS:
Handle with care / Store in a closed display case / Regular condition checks / Consult an expert if in doubt
AFTER-SALES SERVICE
Free advice by phone or email. On-site professional consultations 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
•Returns accepted within 14 days (new condition)
•Exchange if not as ordered
•Refund if dissatisfied ( see returns and exchanges )
GUARANTEE OF AUTHENTICITY
•Certificate provided with each item
•Complete manufacturing traceability
•Guaranteed historical expertise
AFTER-SALES SERVICE
•Free lifetime advice
•Repairs possible (free quote)
•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 feel free to contact our team of experts.
FIGURART - Craftsmanship excellence at the service of History and Culture
Address
19 bis rue Hippolyte Bottier
60200 Compiègne, France
Contact
+33635168918