Tin soldiers, approx. 65 mm (2.6 in) high, being cast in German moulds from the early 20th century. The two mould halves are clamped together, and the molten metal, an alloy of tin and lead, heated to approx. 300 °C (572 °F) is poured into the mould. When the metal has solidified, the mould is cracked open. Sprues (pouring channels) and extraneous flash (metal that has penetrated cracks and air channels in the mould) are seen in the third image, and have been removed from the castings in the last image.Photo credit: J-E Nyström