“The Steadfast Tin Soldier” is a story written by Hans Christian Andersen in which a soldier falls in love with a paper ballerina. After a series of adventures, both he and his love are burned to death in the fireplace. This popular fairy tale was written in 1838, only some sixty years after this type of toy first appeared on the market, and is an example of the popularity tin soldiers enjoyed among children in the 19^th and early 20^th centuries.

Originating in Bavaria, Germany, the first tin soldiers were produced around 1777 based on the models in the engravings of soldiers of the time, and rapidly gained popularity throughout Europe. They were used for recreating military parades rather than battles or wars.

In this section, the Ortelli soldiers made by the best-known manufacturer in Barcelona, which became an important economic hub in the 19^th century, are worthy of note, as are those made by other companies in the city such as Baldomer Casanellas or Josep Capell. The Britains soldiers from the United Kingdom are also particularly interesting.

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