September 2018


For King & Country (and myself) September means ‘CHICAGO’ and ‘The Old Toy Soldier Show’… Back in 1985, just 2 years after K&C was founded, yours truly and my cofounder, Laura McAllister Johnson attended our very first ‘CHICAGO SHOW’.  Never before had we seen so many collectors, dealers and toy soldier makers all gathered in one place to buy, sell and talk toy soldiers all day long and often well into the night… It was a revelation and, even more importantly, great fun!

We met all kinds of people and saw all kinds of amazing toy soldiers… There really was something for everyone at prices to suit all sizes of pockets.  Laura and myself loved it then and we still love it today, more than 30 years later.

This year’s upcoming Show at the HYATT Schaumburg, just outside of Chicago, will see K&C once more display and present some of our latest releases as well as preview a few soon-to-be-released future ones.

But for now, here is just a little taste of what is being launched this September… Enjoy!

Coming This Month…

1. "COLONIAL HONG KONG ON PARADE!"

For 156 years Hong Kong was a British Crown Colony until 30 June, 1997 when it was ceremonially handed back to the People’s Republic of China.

Two years previously, in 1995, a unique military unit held its final parade before being disbanded and ending 143 years of loyal service to the British Crown and the people of, what was originally, a small port city on the southern coast of China – Hong Kong.

THE ROYAL HONG KONG REGIMENT (The Volunteers) was a militia formation founded in 1854 and tasked with the defense of the small Colony alongside the regular British Army garrison stationed there.

For many years it would join with other British Forces taking part in the Queen’s Birthday Parade held annually in the city.

Taking the official salute on behalf of the Queen would be her representative, His Excellency, The Governor, resplendent in his ‘Tropical Whites’ and saluting as the different units marched past.

Here are some great new additions to our fond memories of a Colonial Hong Kong now long gone…

CHK_1

CHK_2

British Guard Box

CE021 "British Guard Box"

A once familiar sight outside many Army barracks in Hong Kong and around the world wherever the sun never set on the British Empire... Usually painted either black or green, our K&C model comes in a very fetching ‘British Racing Green’ colour. Can also be utilized with our ‘Ceremonial’ Coldstream Guards figures.

AVAILABILITY: Now!

RHKR Staff Sergeant Present Arms

CHK006 "RHKR Staff Sergeant Present Arms"

This smartly-turned out NCO (Non Commissioned Officer) presents arms with his SLR (Self Loading Rifle) and fixed bayonet.

RHKR Corporal Present Arms

CHK007 "RHKR Corporal Present Arms"

Similar to the previous ‘Volunteer’ but a junior NCO this time...with just 2 x stripes.

His Excellency, The Hong Kong Governor

CHK008 "His Excellency, The Hong Kong Governor"

Always a trusted and experienced Civil Servant, appointed by the British Prime Minister, the Governor would put on his white tropical uniform only for special occasions, such as the Queen’s Birthday Parade.

The Governor’s RHKP Aide de Camp

CHK009 "The Governor’s RHKP Aide de Camp"

Every regular and volunteer military unit in Hong Kong Provided H.E. The Governor with an ADC, however to avoid any inter service rivalry between the Army, Royal Navy and Royal Air Force the senior ADC was always provided by the Royal Hong Kong Police.

Here we show the Governor’s RHKP Aide de Camp in all his ceremonial finery including the white ‘Solar Topee’ sun helmet adorned with black feathers.

Ceremonial Flag Base & British Crown Colony of Hong Kong Flag

CHK010 "Ceremonial Flag Base & British Crown Colony of Hong Kong Flag"

The Colonial Hong Kong flag comprised the British Blue Ensign with the Colony’s ‘Coat of Arms’ in a white circle in the fly of the flag. The shield shows two junks upon blue and white stripes representing the sea topped by a lion holding a pearl, a reference to Hong Kong’s nickname as ‘The Pearl of the Orient.’

The shield as a whole is supported by a British Lion and a Chinese Dragon.

The Flag and its staff fit neatly into a sturdy grey stone base.

RHKR Trooper Present Arms

CHK011 "RHKR Trooper Present Arms"

Same parade position as CHK006 and 007

AVAILABILITY: NOW!

2. "ON THE STREETS OF OLD HONG KONG"

Still wandering around Hong Kong in ‘The Good Old Days’ we come across a pair of street vendors… In those faroff days before supermarkets virtually anything and everything was sold on the street… and for cash, no credit allowed!

HK281-282

The Hakka Flower Seller (Gloss)

HK281G "The Hakka Flower Seller (Gloss)"

The Hakka people are Han Chinese who originated from the lands bordering the Yellow River who migrated to China’s southern provinces as well as overseas.

During the late Ming and Qing dynasties a substantial proportion moved to what became Hong Kong and took up farming in the less accessible and more hilly areas of the territory. Most of this agricultural work was done by women as their menfolk often took laboring jobs in the nearby urban areas of Kowloon and Hong Kong.

After cultivating and tending their crops it was the women who would journey into the city areas to sell their produce.

This seated Hakka enjoys a snack of sweet corn as she awaits customers for her flowers.

The Hakka Flower Seller (Matt)

HK281M "The Hakka Flower Seller (Matt)"

The Hakka Vegetable Seller (Gloss)

HK282G "The Hakka Vegetable Seller (Gloss)"

Sitting nearby is another Hakka woman selling basket loads of fresh fruit and vegetables.

The Hakka Vegetable Seller (Matt)

HK282M "The Hakka Vegetable Seller (Matt)"

AVAILABILITY: NOW!

3. "ARMOUR IN WINTER"

From the humidity and heat of tropical Hong Kong and Southern China to the freezing cold of Northern Europe and the frozen steppes of Russia during WW2…

The JagdPanzer Pz. Kpfw. IV L/70 – (Winter Version)

WH091 "The JagdPanzer Pz. Kpfw. IV L/70 – (Winter Version)"

Whenever K&C produce a ‘summer’ version of an armoured vehicle (especially German ones) it does not take long before collectors contact us to request the same vehicle in ‘winter garb’ suitable for either ‘Battle of the Bulge’ or the ‘Eastern Front’.

Well, here is the snow-camouflaged self-propelled gun as requested and there are just 150 of them. So, grab them while you can.

As noted in our original version the metal mesh side-screens are removable so collectors can choose how they wish to portray the vehicle.

AVAILABILITY: NOW!

4. "THE SPOILS OF WAR"

From ancient times onward victorious soldiers have always collected ‘souvenirs’ from their less fortunate, defeated opponents.  During the First World War ordinary soldiers had access to a first-class postal service that allowed them to collect and ship off home all kinds of battlefield mementoes and ‘trophies’ that they had come across (by whatever ways and means) after the fighting was over.

British and Australian soldiers were no exception and here is one of the most famous of the ‘amateur’ collectors…

Private John ‘Barney’ Hines

FW230 "Private John ‘Barney’ Hines"

John ‘Barney’ Hines (1878-1958) was a British-born Australian soldier of The Great War, well-known for his skills and prowess at collecting ‘souvenirs’ from captured German Soldiers.

A photo of ‘Barney’ depicting him surrounded by his German acquisitions after the Battle of Polygon Wood in 1917 is among the best-known Australian images of the First World War.

This was the inspiration for our K&C figure which shows ‘Barney’ complete with ‘pickelhaub’ helmet (a much-prized souvenir for WW1 soldiers and collectors) and other bits ‘n’ bobs of German equipment. Our figure also shows ‘Barney’ taking a closer look at some saucy French postcards that he has ‘liberated’ from a German prisoner!

AVAILABILITY: NOW!

5. "BANZAI!"

With the popular success of K&C’s WW2 U.S. Marines it’s only natural that collectors of this dynamic-action range want more opposition to fight the ‘Leathernecks’.

Well, here are the latest additions…

JN041,45

JN047, 048

“Type 95 ‘Ha-Go Light Tank” (2nd Version)

JN041 "“Type 95 ‘Ha-Go Light Tank” (2nd Version)"

Our first version had the tank commander perched in the open hatch of the vehicle leading the charge... This time around we’ve closed up the hatch and allowed the commander to take cover inside the turret as the tank moves into action.

This second-version ‘Ha-Go’ is numbered #22 allowing our Japanese opponents to put another armoured vehicle into battle alongside the earlier and now-retired #21.

AVAILABILITY: NOW!

The Japanese Light Howitzer & Crew

JN045 "The Japanese Light Howitzer & Crew"

Compared to Allied artillerymen the Japanese Army had only a limited number of Light Field pieces. This particular Light Howitzer was ‘crewed’ by just 3x soldiers and could be ‘broken down’ and man-carried in jungle terrain and then hastily reassembled.

“Dead Japanese Set #1” (2 x figs)

JN047 "“Dead Japanese Set #1” (2 x figs)"

No one could deny the bravery of the ordinary Japanese soldier in WW2. Instilled with the spirit of ‘Bushido’ and willing to die for his emperor his Allied opponents could take no chances when encountering this fierce and often fanatical foe... Few Japanese soldiers even considered surrendering even when faced with imminent death or defeat...

Better to die for the emperor than live as a coward!

“Dead Japanese Set #2” (2 x figs)

JN048 "“Dead Japanese Set #2” (2 x figs)"

Another pair of dead Japanese soldiers... remnants of a failed ‘Banzai’ charge or just in the wrong place at the wrong time...?

AVAILABILITY: NOW!

JN049_Group

A Rare Surrender

JN049X "A Rare Surrender"

Towards the end of WW2 a few Japanese soldiers decided it was better to live with the shame of surrender especially when they could see they were fighting for a lost cause and Japan’s defeat was inevitable.

Allied troops capturing them would usually make them strip down to their loin cloths to ensure they were not hiding any weapons, knives or grenades on their bodies.

Please note:  This particular set is exclusively sold by K&C.

AVAILABILITY: NOW!

6. "THE ENEMIES OF ROME"

In warfare ‘ferocity’ is nothing new… Back in the 1st. Century AD the Romans had their hands full dealing with rebellious tribes all over their empire.

Some of their fiercest enemies could be found in the warlike tribes that inhabited Britannia and Gaul…

RnB_20180817

No Mercy

RnB013 "No Mercy"

A Roman Legionary pleads for his life to be spared as a tattooed Briton stands over him dagger in hand...

Mounted Chieftain w/The Draco Standard

RnB014 "Mounted Chieftain w/The Draco Standard"

The ‘Draco Standard’ was originally developed by the mounted nomads of the Steppes. It may have originally been used to determine the wind-direction for horse-archers.

Roman cavalry units adopted the ‘Draco’ for their own use and here we see one that has fallen into enemy hands and is proudly displayed as a battle trophy by this mounted chief.

Carnyx Horn Player

RnB015 "Carnyx Horn Player"

The ‘Carnyx’ was an ancient Celtic war trumpet used between 300 BC and 200 AD. The instrument and its player accompanied warriors into battle.

The mournful sound of this ancient horn was said to both inspire its followers as well as strike fear into its enemies. It was considered a great honour among the warriors to be chosen to both play and carry the richly decorated tribal Carnyx into battle.

AVAILABILITY: NOW!

7. "MORE JOHN FORD CAVALRY!"

As promised when we first previewed these mounted U.S. cavalrymen here are the next three releases…

TRW135, 139, 146

The Stars ’n’ Stripes Forever

TRW135 "The Stars ’n’ Stripes Forever"

A cavalry sergeant carries the National Flag proudly... This is another in this new range of mounted figures that has the ‘moveable’ head feature.

Captain Sam Collingwood

TRW139 "Captain Sam Collingwood"

Another of the featured characters from John Ford’s ‘FORT APACHE’ (1948), a brother officer of Capt. Kirby York (John Wayne). Here Captain Collingwood scans the horizon for any sign of hostile Indians.

He also has the ‘moveable’ head.

5th Cavalry Regimental Flagbearer

TRW146 "5th Cavalry Regimental Flagbearer"

A companion piece to TRW135... This sergeant has the colourful Regimental Standard of the 5th U.S. Cavalry... with ‘moveable’ head of course.

AVAILABILITY: NOW!

8. "GOOD MORNING VIETNAM"

From ancient battlefields in Western Europe to more modern battlefields in South East Asia…  Vietnam to be precise!

VN002, 009, 012

USMC Sniper

VN002 "USMC Sniper"

During the Vietnam conflict the U.S. Marine Corps used 2 x main ‘Sniper’ rifles... the M40 bolt-action rifle and the Winchester Model 70, also a bolt-action weapon based on the sporting rifle made by Winchester.

Our K&C Marine sniper has adopted the seated firing position as he takes aim at a distant enemy figure.

Corpsman & Wounded Marine

VN009 "Corpsman & Wounded Marine"

This Kneeling Navy Corpsman has done his best to bandage up a seriously wounded ‘Grunt’... Now, they’re waiting for the transport to get the injured Marine back to the nearest Aid Station to have his wounds properly seen to.

Marine Lying Prone Firing

VN012 "Marine Lying Prone Firing"

While one Marine awaits evacuation from the battlefield another ‘gets down on the deck’ to shoot up some of the opposition!

VN019, 021, 024, 26, 028

Lying Prone Viet Cong Sniper

VN019 "Lying Prone Viet Cong Sniper"

The National Liberation Front of South Vietnam, commonly known as the Viet Cong were locally recruited South Vietnamese peasants and workers that fought against its own government and the United States during the conflict.

The Viet Cong or ‘VC’ was made up of both part-time militia and regular full-time army units. Many of those militia were farmers by day... guerrillas by night... They often had the advantage of knowing the local countryside and area well compared to both the U.S. and ARVN units sent against them. Although the US and ARVIN forces had the firepower and the wealth of military equipment the V.C., or ‘Victor Charlie’ had the element of surprise and the long-term commitment that ultimately led to the collapse of South Vietnam and the victory of the North.

In the Viet Cong there was a very strong female element who played an active role in all aspects of the fighting. This lying prone female sniper is ample proof of that as she draws a bead on some distant enemy target with her Czech-made, Soviet supplied SKS rifle.

VC Kneeling firing AK47

VN021 "VC Kneeling firing AK47"

A male comrade of this little VC ‘sniper’prepares to fire off a burst from his AK47. The Soviet-designed AK47 has long been a favorite weapon (and symbol) of guerrilla groups worldwide... Easy to use, difficult to jam and able to withstand all kinds of weathers and conditions it is, quite simply, described by friends and foes alike, to be a superlative Assault Rifle!

Crouching Uncle Ho

VN024 "Crouching Uncle Ho"

Look closely at this older member of the Viet Cong group and you will see that he bears more than a passing resemblance to Ho Chi Minh, the legendary revolutionary leader of North Vietnam.

Looks aside however, it would seem unlikely that the ‘great leader’ would be operating down south with a small guerrilla band. Our ‘doppelganger’ carriers the ubiquitous SKS rifle.

Dead Viet Cong

VN026 "Dead Viet Cong"

Taking the fight to the enemy also comes with a cost... 2 x dead V.C., one male, one female lie sprawled on the ground, their weapons by their side.

Moving Supplies

VN028 "Moving Supplies"

A female V.C. shoulders a box of supplies while still keeping her rifle close at hand.

AVAILABILITY: NOW!

9. "BEING RETIRED THIS MONTH..."

And that my friends is the story so far this month, except, of course to let you know about the latest ‘retirees’, here they are…

The AK Medical Officer

AK110 "The AK Medical Officer"

Always indispensable to any Army at war. Our officer indicates something as he makes his report.

Soldier Lifting Jerricans

AK111 "Soldier Lifting Jerricans"

An AK soldier together with a pair of fresh water jerricans.

Turkish Officer w/ Pistol & Binos

AL080 "Turkish Officer w/ Pistol & Binos"

Looking out for the advancing ANZACS this officer stands ready with his German Naval Luger by his side.

D-Day Machine Gun Team

DD183 "D-Day Machine Gun Team"

Providing fire support for the riflemen in the section is this .30 Calibre MG team of two.

Officer w/ Carbine

DD220 "Officer w/ Carbine"

A carbine-carrying 82nd officer.

Walking B.A.R. Man

DD221 "Walking B.A.R. Man"

“82nd.” Airborne

Para Radioman

DD222 "Para Radioman"

This 82nd. Radioman is trying to make contact with any other units in the vicinity.

Sitting Wounded

DD242 "Sitting Wounded"

Another GI has caught a piece of shrapnell in his knee...He sits down to take a closer look before applying a field dressing.

Kneeling being Blessed!

FW207 "Kneeling being Blessed!"

Many photographs of the early war period show Russian soldiers bareheaded, cap in hand, receiving a blessing from the Czar or an Orthodox priest.

Lieut J.G. Tetsuzo Iwamoto, Imperial Japanese Navy

JN018 "Lieut J.G. Tetsuzo Iwamoto, Imperial Japanese Navy"

Another of the Imperial Navy’s Leading Air Aces. Iwamoto first flew in combat in China in 1938 and was credited there with 14 victories.

Subsequently, he flew A6M Zeroes from the IJN Carrier “ Zuikaku” beginning in December 1941 until May 1942, taking part in “The Battle of the Coral Sea”.

In mid 1943 Iwamoto was sent to fly from Rabaul, New Britain where he remained until recall to help defend the Japanese home islands in mid 1944.

By the end of the war he was credited with 94 “Kills” ... His own personal diary accounted for just over 200.

Our figure shows him checking his watch while holding a flight map and getting ready to climb aboard his “Zero”.

Japanese Officer

JN025 "Japanese Officer"

A standing senior officer consulting his map ... on his head the Japanese sun helmet and by his side his “Nambu” pistol and traditional Samurai-style sword.

Standing Firing (leaning forward)

NA284 "Standing Firing (leaning forward)"

Helping Tommy Atkins

NA290 "Helping Tommy Atkins"

As one soldier lies fatally wounded another reaches down to support him.

The Maid

NA348 "The Maid"

This comely wench is checking to see whether the two gentlemen from NA313 need their wine “topped-up”.

The Cardinal

PnM039 "The Cardinal"

Cardinal Richlieu, the “Red Eminence”, and the power behind King Louis XIII. Often known as the King’s “First Minister” he wielded enormous power and influence not just in France but throughout Europe at that time.

He is also a leading character in Alexander Dumas’ “Three Musketeers” and the Musketeers main antagonist.

We show him at the height of his power...sword drawn and wearing a suit of armour always prepared to defend what he believes is in France’s best interest.

Desert Village/Compound Set

SP061 "Desert Village/Compound Set"

Five individual lengths of desert-coloured walls and corner pieces that can be used to extend and connect any of our DV structures. Very flexible…and useful!

European Walls Set

SP066 "European Walls Set"

Five very useful wall sections that can be added to any of our European facades and buildings to enlarge a scene and/or create a courtyard or farmyard display.

Where Vultures Fly!

WH057 "Where Vultures Fly!"

As you know at K&C we love war movies of all shapes and sizes and one of our favourites involved a mountain-top fortress in southern Germany...a ski lift and a pair of Allied officers tasked with rescuing a captured American general...

Here are two suitably armed “Germans” ready to take on the task!

Fresh Milk Today!

WH058 "Fresh Milk Today!"

Sd.Kfz.11 Special Tracked Transport

WH061 "Sd.Kfz.11 Special Tracked Transport"

This German half-track was only previously available as an ‘Afrika Korps’ vehicle ... Now you see it in ‘feldgrau’ complete with an all-new driver figure.

One of the smaller German half tracks it was used for general transport duties and also as an artillery tractor ... Especially to tow anti tank guns and even the 10.5cm Field Howitzer ... see following.

In this ‘feldgrau’ paint scheme it’s very suitable for all early-mid war operations. Driver included.

10.5cm Light Field Howitzer

WH062 "10.5cm Light Field Howitzer"

This was the standard divisional field piece used by the Wehrmacht in WW2. Designed and developed by Rheinmetal as far back as 1929/30 it entered service with the Wehrmacht in 1935. It was also a successful export model being sold to Hungary, Spain, Bulgaria, Finland and even Sweden.

The K&C model was only previously available in desert AK colours. Now, as you see it comes in standard ‘field grey’.

The gun can be towed behind the Sd.Kfz.ll or with trails extended for firing duties. The barrel also elevates and depresses.

On that cheerful note, I’ll get ready for ‘CHICAGO’ and look forward to meeting some of you in person at the SHOW… Until then,


Best wishes and... Happy Collecting!

Andy C. Neilson
Co-founder & Creative Director
King & Country