If you’ve ever bought a Schleich toy before, you probably know the answer to this already. If not, you’re in for a genuine treat. Schleich models – which were created in Germany in 1935 – are famous for their realism and almost forensic attention to detail. This is partly down to how they’re developed in the design studio, with intricate prototypes (initially made from wax) drawn from photographs of real-life people and creatures. But it also has a lot to do with the finishing. Though millions of models are sold around the world, every single one is hand painted by a human being before it heads for the shop shelves. It can take up to eight weeks to bring a new design from concept to modelling. The result, though, is something that feels just right. In an era where so many companies cut corners to hike profits, Schleich toys feel like something from another age.