DISPATCHES
SEPTEMBER
2017
Well, here we are in September and as I mentioned last month
that spells ‘C H I C A G O’!
Apart from a brief spell in the early 1990’s King & Country has been attending ‘The Chicago Toy
Soldier Show’ annually since 1985, just 2 years after K&C began.
As a toy soldier collector myself
it is still the biggest and best toy soldier show in the world... bar none!
Eat, sleep and talk toy soldiers from morning, noon and
night for almost a week... sounds like heaven to me!
However, as I always say, before all of that... there is ALL
OF THIS!
1.
BEING RELEASED IN SEPTEMBER...
A
very eclectic and, I hope, exciting selection of figures and vehicles covering
a very broad sweep of collecting areas and tastes...
A.
‘BLACKADDER COMPLETE...?’
Perhaps
so, with the addition of the final leading character of the ‘BLACKADDER
GOES FORTH’ series that depicted, in very black humour,
the absurdities and humour of the trenches in World
War One.
FW229
“Lieutenant George”
Lieutenant
The Honorable George Colthurst
St. Barleigh M.C. is a frontline Infantry
Officer, second-in-command to Capt. Edmund Blackadder.
In
both manner and personality he is a very close relative to P.G. Woodehouse’s Bertie Wooster. George
joined the Army on the day war was declared on Germany in 1914.
Although
lacking any clear military skills, competence or authority as an officer, his
upper-class social status and educational background meant he was commissioned
immediately with virtually no military training.
Among
Lieutenant George’s many saving graces... He is always cheerful, exceedingly
‘keen’, generally kind, an inveterate optimist and filled to the brim with the
public school ‘tally-ho’ attitude to the horrors of war and death.
Superbly
played by Hugh Laurie, (later of ‘House’ fame) he is the
perfect addition to the ‘Blackadder Goes Forth’ collection!
AVAILABLE:
Early September
B.
‘ON THE STREETS OF OLD HONG KONG’
Hong
Kong from its earliest days has been (and is) one of the great trading
ports of the world. As such it relies on a veritable army of laborers to
transport goods, products and everyday essentials around the city 24 hours a
day 365 days a year... Today, of course, that’s mostly done by vehicle but back
in the days of ‘Old Hong Kong’ these tasks were performed by legions of
“Coolies” of all shapes, sizes and ages. Here is one
such figure.
HK267
“The Vegetable Coolie”
In
days of long ago there were hundreds of small, independently owned farms all
over Hong Kong, Kowloon and the New Territories.
Most
of the fruit and vegetables consumed in the Colony were grown on these farms
and transported on foot by ‘Coolies’ such as this man directly to
local markets.
Work
could be back-breaking and long (at least 12 hours-a-day) but at least
it kept you fed!
AVAILABLE: Early September
C.
‘WORLD OF DICKENS’
One
of Charles Dickens most famous literary creations was Mr. Wilkins
Micawber, a fictional character in his 1850 novel, ‘DAVID
COPPERFIELD’. He was modelled on the author’s real father, John
Dickens, who like Micawber was put into the ‘Debtors Prison’ after failing
to meet his creditors’ demands.
Here
we see the nattily attired Micawber in the company of his long-suffering
spouse, Emily.
WoD050 “Mr. & Mrs. Micawber”
Another of Dickens most memorable characters along with his
patient and loving wife take a stroll on the “Streets of Olde
London”.
In popular culture, Micawber was famous for his many
quotations. Among the most famous is... “Annual income twenty pounds,
annual expenditure nineteen pounds and six pence, result happiness.
Annual income twenty pounds, annual expenditure twenty pounds naught and six,
result misery!”
AVAILABLE: Early September
D. ‘WHEN KNIGHTS WERE BOLD...’
Once more K&C returns to the ‘Age of Chivalry’
or at least the Age of Myths, Legends and Medieval Mayhem!
MK164 ‘Arthur & The Sword
In The Stone’
There are many legends surrounding the events that led
Arthur to become King and to eventually establish his castle at Camelot
and to form his ‘Knights of the Round Table’.
One of the greatest is Arthur drawing the sword from an
unyielding stone thus proving his suitability to become King. In some
tales he is still a young boy... In others a Knight’s squire... In another
version he is the Knight himself!
Here, Arthur stands four-square behind the sword in the
stone, his hands resting on its hilt... He is about to draw the sword out and
be acclaimed... King!
MK166 ‘Brother-In-Arms’
Among the priests who journeyed to ‘The Holy Land’
there were some who in their previous lives, before taking their vows, had been
fighting men themselves ... even some Knights.
This ‘Brother’, from a humble religious order may
have taken his vows some time before but he has forgotten none of his military
training and skills... Sword in one hand, hand-made cross in the other he is
ready to do battle.
MK167 ‘Knight Standing Ready’
This warrior may look casually-relaxed but he is also ready
at a moment’s notice to cut his enemy down.
Great house, castles and noblemen have always had the
requirement for additional professional roving Men-at-Arms.
Travelling bands of mercenary soldiers would often be hired by nobles and great
houses to provide extra protection and security.
As
such they would be dressed in the colours and livery
of their ‘master’ or household... as this fellow and his fighting comrades are.
MK168
‘Knight About to Strike’
With
his large long Norman-style shield protecting the length of his body
this fighting Knight is about to strike a deadly blow!
MK169
‘Knight Fighting Double-Handed’
One
hand is good... two even better to grip your sword handle and ‘parry’ an
aggressive enemy.
AVAILABLE:
Early September
E. ‘NOTTINGHAM CASTLE
ALTERNATIVES’
For
those ‘Robin Hood’ enthusiasts out there here is a second version of two
of the above figures... This time, wearing the colours
of the dastardly villainous ‘Sherriff of Nottingham’
RH032
‘Brother-In-Arms’ (Nottingham Castle)
As
those taking ‘Holy Vows’ had, at least, a fair modicum of education and
intelligence they were, in addition to their military duties often given the
task of tax collecting... record keeping and even educating their ruler’s young
sons.
RH033 ‘The Sherriff’s Man...
At The Ready’
The same pose as MK167 but somehow more
threatening... He is, after all, one of the Sherriff’s ‘enforcers’.
AVAILABLE: Early September
F. ‘THE MIGHT OF ROME’
From
Medieval Times we go back a millennium to the power and glory of Ancient
Rome... particularly the Roman Army.
Here,
before we begin, I would like to say a big THANKYOU to all those collectors who
have made this new Roman series so popular and... a
best seller!
Although
other companies are also designing and producing similar-themed series we are
grateful and appreciative of your enthusiasm and support... Here are 3
more, very useful additions...
ROM023 ‘Roman Soldier Throwing Pilum’
Holding
his shield to the front this Legionary prepares to throw his ‘Pilum’
at the enemy.
ROM024 ‘Roman Soldier Kneeling w/Pilum’
Preparing to repel an enemy assault this kneeling Legionary
has ample protection behind his shield with the ‘Pilum’ sitting forward
at a 45∘angle.
ROM027 ‘Marching on Guard Duty’
On duty inside his Roman Fort or perhaps pacing along the
raised walkway behind the fort’s walls this soldiers has no need of a large
shield... but he still has his sword and ‘Pilum’.
AVAILABLE: Mid September
G. ‘BLOODY TARAWA’
The beginning of a new range is always an exciting and
challenging time for all of us at King &
Country... Will the collectors like it... ?
Does it have ‘Legs’...?
Very
importantly, will it sell...?
In
this particular case we’re quietly confident that these all-new United
States Marines will find a ready and eager market and a ‘special-place’
in many K&C collections.
This
is K&C’s Third ‘landing’ of U.S. Marine ‘Leathernecks’
in action.
Our
first 2 x releases, back in the late 1990’s and 2005 focused on the epic battle
of IWD JIMA, immortalized in both countless books and several major motion
pictures.
This
time we are producing a ‘prequel’, a battle that was, in its own way,
just as bloody and bitterly fought... TARAWA.
The
Battle of TARAWA was fought between 20-23 November 1943
and was part of the U.S. invasion of the Gilbert Islands in the central
Pacific region.
Although
not the first time U.S. forces had met the Japanese in battle it was the first
time they had faced serious opposition to an amphibious landing.
On
the tiny Tarawa Atoll more than 4,500 Japanese defenders
were well-supplied and expertly dug-in and fought virtually to the last man.
Opposing
them were the men of the 2nd Marine Division, U.S.M.C.,
some of America’s toughest and best fighting forces.
Of
approximately 12,000 Marines who assaulted Tarawa 3,146
became casualties with almost 1,000 killed and over 2,000 wounded.
That was the deadly toll of just 76 hours of bloody, brutal, non-stop
combat.
K&C
are proud to launch an initial first wave of 7 fighting Marines in
dramatic, dynamic action poses many more are on the way including a
magnificent looking LVT(A)-1 ‘Alligator’.
All
of our ‘Leathernecks’ have shed their backpacks and are equipped
with a mixture of weapons... the M1 ‘Garand’ rifle, the Thompson SubMachine Gun the M1 Carbine, the 1911 Colt Automatic
Pistol and a Flame Thrower.
SPECIAL
NOTE:
A
very special ‘TARAWA’ diorama, created by K&C’s own Diorama Workshop
will be on display at the upcoming ‘Chicago Show’.
USMC011
‘Marine Flame Thrower’
The ‘M2
Flamethrower’ was the U.S. made, man-portable backpack flamethrower used in
WW2.
Although
its ‘burn-time’ was just 7 seconds and its range a mere 20-40 yards it
was a very useful weapon... especially in close-quarter battle situations such
as the ‘island-hopping’ campaign in the Pacific during WW2.
The
Marines used it extensively against pill-boxes, bunkers and trenches defended
by determined, die-hard Japanese.
USMC012
‘Marine Radioman’
As
this kneeling Marine operator receives instructions on his ‘SCR-300’
portable radio transmitter he cradles his M1Carbine next to him.
This back-packed radio was the first to be nicknamed a ‘Walkie-Talkie’.
USMC013
‘Marine Officer w/Tommy Gun’
This
junior officer is barking out orders as he holds his ‘Tommy Gun’...
He also carries a side-arm... The 1911 Colt Automatic Pistol.
USMC014
‘Marine Firing his Garand’
The
U.S.M.C. has always believed that first and foremost every Marine must also be
a ‘Marine Rifleman’. Great value has always been placed on ‘skill
and marksmanship’ in the Corps and, in WW2, that was immeasurably assisted
by the M1’Garand’ Rifle.
A.30
caliber, semi automatic rifle it weighed 9.5
pounds was gas-operated with a rotating bolt, had an effective firing range of
500 yards and was loaded with an 8-round clip.
Tough,
reliable and accurate it was a Marine’s best friend! Our standing Marine
fires off a few rounds at the enemy.
USMC015
‘Marine Grenadier’
Holding
his M1 ‘Garand’ in one hand, this ‘Leatherneck’ expertly pitches
his MK2 Grenade at the opposing Japs.
In
appearance the Mk2 Grenade had a series of grooves and knobs cast in its
casing that gave it the appearance of a ‘Pineapple’. Naturally,
that soon became its nickname.
USMC016
‘No Marine Left Behind’
A
badly wounded, unconscious Marine is dragged to safety by one of his buddies.
Whenever
possible Marines will always try to rescue a wounded fellow Marine or at least
recover his body. There is a strong tradition in the Corps that
whenever or wherever Marines are in battle they will always
do their level best (and more) to recover their dead and wounded.
AVAILABLE: Mid September
Special
Note: Look out for more fighting marines in the near future!
H. ‘WHERE’S RYAN...?’
From battles in the PTO (Pacific Theatre of
Operations) to other battles elsewhere... In the ETO (European
Theatre of Operations) and one particular operation... to save the lone
surviving brother of a family called RYAN.
DD305 “Searching For Pvt. Ryan “Set #1
“SAVING PRIVATE RYAN” is a very special war drama film
for many of us history movie buffs and especially so for myself and K&C.
Back in 1997, through a Hollywood friend and fellow
collector, I heard about a big new D.Day movie that
was already being filmed in Britain and Ireland by none other than Steven
Spielberg. At the time all we knew was that it featured American
paratroopers and U.S. Rangers and was centered around
Normandy and Omaha Beach.
And so, K&C produced some of its very first American D.Day soldiers which began our entire D.Day
range which continues to this day.
Journey forward quite a few years to when we met Capt.
Dale Dye U.S.M.C. ret’d., the military
advisor on ‘Ryan’ and countless other great war movies and
discussions about doing a special ‘tribute’ to a fantastic movie and the
real ‘heroes of D.DAY’.
This 4-figure set (the first of 2) features
the perilous journey through the fields and bocage of
German-occupied Normandy to try and find PFC James Ryan, 101st
Airborne.
Capt. John Millar, 2nd Rangers takes
the lead carrying his Thompson sub machine gun.
Backing him up is PFC Reiben with
the BAR ( Browning Automatic
Rifle). Next to him is Cpl. Upham, not a Ranger but an
interpreter borrowed from another unit. The final member of this first
4-man squad is Pvt. Jackson, a left-handed sniper holding his bolt
action M1903 Springfield with telescopic sight.
All four men will be joined next month (October) by
our second ‘Searching for Pvt. Ryan’ set which includes Sgt. Mike
Horvath, Pvt. Mellish, Medic Irwin Wade
and PFC Caparzo...
Don’t miss out on a terrific movie and ... 2 x
outstanding sets of D.Day soldiers!
AVAILABLE: Mid September
Post Script: Also on show in Chicago!
I.
‘... AND THE POOR BLOODY CIVILIANS CAUGHT IN THE
MIDDLE’
Battles, wars and campaigns are very indiscriminate. Its not only soldiers who get
caught up in the fighting.
FoB098 ‘The Refugee Horse & Cart’
A wooden, 2-wheel cart is loaded up with the bare essentials
as well as a few, treasured family heirlooms... The family horse is between the
shafts to hopefully pull the cart and its owner out of harm’s way.
FoB100 ‘Woman Refugee Leading the Horse’
Carrying a suitcase in one hand this refugee leads her tired
old horse and its heavy load down the road.
FoB-S02 ‘Refugees On The Road’
Combine the horse, the cart and the woman… and you can save
yourself a few dollars!
AVAILABLE: Mid-Late September
J.
“VIVE L’EMPEREUR!”
Additional
Grenadiers of the ‘Old Guard’ to stand
shoulder-to-shoulder with their comrades on the Field of Waterloo.
NA390 ‘Bicorne
Grenadier Advancing’
Not all of the ‘Old Guard’ wore their famous ‘bearskins’
at the battle... During the ‘100 Days’ Campaign there were many supply
shortages and even some of the ‘Old Guard’ were affected.
Although he may have lost his ‘Bearskin’ cap... he
has not lost any of his fighting spirit.
NA393 ‘Wounded Guardsman Shoulder Arms’
This Grenadier has suffered a headwound
but still advances forward.
NA394 ‘Bicorne
Grenadier Firing Musket’
Another of the Guard, wearing his great coat and the bicorne cap taking aim at the enemy.
NA396 ‘Saving His Officer’
An ‘Old Guard’ sergeant attempts to pull his
seriously wounded officer to safety. These 2 x figures were inspired by a
painting showing the same action.
NA-S06 “Blood, Mud & Dust”
The complete 5 x figure set featuring ALL of the above
figures at a very affordable and fair price!
AVAILABLE: Mid-Late September
K.
“DESERT TRACKS”
Following
the success of the most recent “Rommel’s Command Car” set (AK107)
featuring the sand / grey camouflaged ‘ADLER’ Sd. Kfz. 251 we have had a large number of requests to
extend this particular camouflage scheme to some other Afrika
Korps vehicles that were being shipped over to North
Africa to supplement the Desert Fox’s meagre armoured
force...
AK116 “Pz. Kpfw. 35R(F) Self-Propelled Gun”
Mounted on the tracked chassis of captured French Renault
tanks these small SPG’s make a fine addition for Rommel’s Afrika
Korps.
This particular model mounts a 4.7cm anti
tank gun in an open armoured turret to become
a tank destroyer... Some were used during “Operation Barbarossa” – the Invasion
of Russia in 1941. A few even saw action in Normandy in June 1944.
AK117 “Panzerjager 1”
Another
old favorite but this time with the distinctive 2-colour camo. This set
also includes the relaxing Afrika Korps
figure.
AVAILABLE: Mid-Late September
2.
BEING RETIRED...
Not that many retirements this month... Grab them while you
can.
WH044 Arnhem Ambush!
WH045 Lying Dead German Officer
And
that, is that for one more month... So, I hope there is something (or
somethings) for you as a collector or dealer... If not, well there’s always
October...!
Looking
forward to meeting some of you in ‘The Windy City’ or at least Schaumburg
in a few weeks time.
If
you are going… stop by our room 4301 at the Hyatt Regency, Woodfield, and take
a look in and say hello.
Very
best wishes and happy collecting!
Andy C. Neilson
Cofounder & Creative Director
King & Country Ltd.