King & Country
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KING & COUNTRY DISPATCHES
April 2021
April 2021
Hi Guys,
Well here we in April, the beginning of a ‘New Financial Year’ and with a modest but interesting draft of new figures.
Looking back on the past 12 months it’s encouraging to see a healthy increase in sales both to dealers and private collectors all over the world... So, we must be doing something right!
Looking forward I’m happy to report a lot of exciting new additions to existing series are already ‘in the works’ while some others are still on the drawing board and being readied to be passed over to our skilled and talented team of sculptors.
So, as I wrote earlier here’s a ‘look-see’ at what will be available for K&C Dealers and Collectors this month...
1. WHAT COMING IN APRIL...
A. ‘On Parade’
Among the most popular of King & Country’s more recent series has been the ‘CEREMONIAL’ range of soldiers and marines on parade.
These kind of figures go all the way back to the very earliest days of toy soldier collecting both for the hobby and myself.
As a wee boy, growing up in Scotland in the 1950’s, I would marvel at the displays of massed ranks of toy soldiers on display in the toy departments of major stores in nearby Glasgow.
I remember one particular Christmas display seeing a painted model backdrop of Buckingham Palace in front of which were hundreds of red-coated Guardsmen marching past a figure of Queen Elizabeth II on horseback.
Standing to one side of the monarch and other mounted officers was a 50 piece Grenadier Guards Band playing while standing at attention.
On the other side of the Queen were two long files of horsemen from the Household Cavalry resplendent in their blue and red tunics, plumed helmets and shining silver breastplates.
Together all of these toy soldiers made a splendid and impressive spectacle that was this little boy’s dream.
“One day” , I thought, “I’ll have a collection like that!” Wishful thinking indeed!
I never dreamt, in my wildest dreams, that I would ever have the opportunity to not only collect, but actually design and produce, many thousands of our own ‘Ceremonial’ toy soldiers for collectors all over the world to buy, appreciate and create their own spectacular parades and displays.
Here are the latest K&C parade participants and reinforcements...
CE066 ‘Royal Marines Colour Sergeant’
In any military force the Non Commissioned Officers, NCO’s, are the backbone of that unit, regiment or corps.
Britain’s ‘Sea Soldiers’ , the Royal Marines have some of the finest. This particular RM Colour Sergeant is a Drill Instructor and the man who trains and instructs every Marine on the parade ground. Nothing escapes his eagle eye and woe betide any individual who gives less than 150% effort on the parade square.
‘Parade Drill’ is the movement and actions of a mass of soldiers moving in close-order formations.
Originally intended to move bodies of troops on the battlefield it is now almost entirely used for ceremonial purposes although still practised to instill unit cohesion, discipline and martial pride.
Our Colour Sergeant stands smartly at attention, his swagger stick held firmly under his left arm.
CE067 ‘Black Watch Officer Marching’
This marching Black Watch Officer carries the 1828 Pattern Highland Officer’s Sword which was issued to all Officers of Scottish Highland Regiments such as The Black Watch.
It was carried (and used) throughout many campaigns in the 19th Century and even saw limited service in WW1. Today it is still in use, but only for ceremonial occasions.
CE068 ‘Black Watch Officer At Attention’
This other Black Watch Officer is standing firmly at attention, again with his 1828 Highland Officer’s Sword held to the front ready to salute.
CE070 ‘The Black Watch Colour Party’
This colourful 5-piece set comprises 2 x flag bearing officers, one holding the Regimental Standard , the other holding the Sovereign’s Standard (it can be the Queen’s Colour or King’s Colour, depending on the monarch on the throne).
Between them marches a ‘Colour Sergeant’ , usually a senior non- commissioned officer.
Bringing up the rear are 2 x Black Watch Privates with rifles and bayonets fixed. Together they make a fine display and a terrific centerpiece leading any parade.
AVAILABE: Early April
