King & Country Dispatches -- December 2024 (1 Viewer)

[King & Country]

KING & COUNTRY DISPATCHES
December 2024​

Hi Guys,

Welcome once more to this month’s ‘YULETIDE DISPATCHES’ and… a relatively modest batch of releases for this Christmas Season.
Having said that, they are all very useful additions for two very different ranges of figures depicting everyday life in two very different parts of the world… America’s panoramic ‘Old West’ of the 1870s and the busy, bustling streets of Colonial Hong Kong in the turbulent 1960s.

1. COMING THIS DECEMBER…

A. ‘John Ford Cavalry Reinforcements’
One of the big hits of K&C’s recent trip to the Round Top Antiques Fair was the handsome and historic wooden frontier fort specially-built to display many of our ‘John Ford Cavalry’ figures, both mounted and on foot.
At the same time, we took the opportunity to show of some of our upcoming JFC releases including these ones being released this month.
This particular subseries of ‘The Real West’ is our special ‘homage’ to a great American film-maker and story teller who had his own personal vision of the history of ‘The West’ and how it should be portrayed on the big screen.
During a long and prolific career that spanned more than half a century John Ford’s films were exceptionally varied but he always seemed most at ease when directing stories about the people and places that populated the ‘Old West’.
From his first ‘Western’ feature in 1917, ‘Straight Shooting’ until his last ‘Cheyenne Autumn’ in 1964, Ford made the genre his own.

JOHN FORD’S CAVALRY TRILOGY​

Three particular ‘Westerns’ Ford directed in just three years, 1948, 1949 and 1950 symbolized his fondness for one particular part of the ‘Old West’ … The officers and men of the U.S. Cavalry.
‘FORT APACHE’ (1948), ‘SHE WORE A YELLOW RIBBON’ (1949) and ‘RIO GRANDE’ (1950) all told tales of the hard and often dangerous life of the men guarding and patrolling the rugged and majestic country of the Southwest U.S.A. particularly Texas, Utah and Arizona.
The area’s magnificent ‘Monument Valley’ made the perfect backdrop for many of the most exciting and memorable scenes in all three films.
Another important feature of Ford’s ‘Trilogy’ was the ‘look’ and dress of these U.S. Cavalry soldiers shown up on the big screen.
From the battered and weathered white stetsons to the faded yellow neckerchiefs and, of course, those white ‘braces’ (suspenders) set against navy blue shirts and pale blue riding pants. John Ford’s Cavalry were always colourful, even in black and white movies. Only ‘Rio’ Grande was actually filmed in colour.
Whether guarding the gates and manning the ramparts of their wooden frontier forts or taking a mounted patrol across Monument Valley, John Ford’s Cavalry always looked great.
They also provided the inspiration for this particular range of U.S. Cavalrymen… both on foot and mounted.
On a little side note… A few years after the ‘Trilogy’ appeared John Ford was attending some kind of official function in Washington D.C. when a then famous female film critic pulled him to one side saying, “You know Mr. Ford the U.S. Cavalry you like to portray in your movies never did wear white hats, yellow scarves and white suspenders!”
Ford thought about her remark for a moment before replying, “Historically ma’am, you might be right but in my movies they look a **** sight better!”
King & Country’s ‘John Ford Cavalry’ officers and troopers are very clearly based on many of the characters seen in the ‘Trilogy’ and these new additions are a welcome group of fighting reinforcements to a little piece of movie history.

TRW195 ‘Officer Firing Pistol’
A classic firing pose, arm fully extended and taking careful aim.

TRW196 ‘Standing Ready Trooper’
In all of Ford’s ‘Trilogy’ movies the main weapon of his cavalrymen is the
Springfield Model 1873 Carbine! In addition, all ranks would carry the ‘Colt Single Action Army’ pistol with the 7.5” long barrel.
Also of note. All of these new figures, with the exception of the officer have a black leather Carbine Sling worn over their left shoulders. This allowed mounted soldiers to be able to ride their horses and use both hands while their carbines were attached securely to the leather sling on their right side but still be within easy reach.
Previously this ‘Carbine Sling’ was not seen on earlier JFC figures but was much requested by K&C collectors of the range.

TRW197 Trooper Kneeling Firing Carbine

TRW198 ‘Corporal Crouching Loading Carbine’

TRW199 ‘Trooper Standing Firing Carbine’

TRW200 ‘Trooper Crouching Ready’

TRW201 ‘Trooper Reloading Carbine’

TRW202 ‘Corporal / Bugler with Carbine’

TRW203 ‘Trooper Kneeling & Waiting’

TRW204 ‘Trooper Lying Prone Firing Carbine’

AVAILABLE : Early December

 

[King & Country]

B. ON THE BEAT IN HONGKONG
Among the many great delights of living and working in this great city of Hong Kong for almost 50 years (47 to be exact) is being able to tell overseas visitors and tourists how clean and safe it is to walk around it, day or night. Certainly, a lot safer and cleaner than many great cities in Europe or in the U.S.
One of the main reasons for this safe street environment is the very visible but not intrusive presence of patrolling police officers on foot and on the beat.
Today, the Hong Kong Police numbers about 34,000 men and women, mostly regular but including around 4.000 part-time Auxiliaries.
Throughout its long history the Force has been serving the people of Hong Kong in good times and bad while weathering storms, typhoons and all kinds of trials and tribulations in both colonial and more recent times.
These latest Royal Hong Kong Police figures go back to the mid-late 1960s when the then British Colony was going through a period of rapid change and tumultuous times in the city.
In 1969 as peace and law & order returned the Police Force itself was granted the title ‘Royal’ for their steadfast loyalty and support throughout the civil disturbances of that era.
As can be seen here the uniforms shown are typical of the British Colonial style of the post World War Two era. All three figures are wearing their ‘Summer’ uniforms with ‘Shorts’ and long sox

HKY022 ‘The Protestor & The Inspector’
This little 2-figure set is based on actual photo taken some time in the late 1960s and shows a small confrontation between a petite Hong Kong woman and a taller European Police Inspector.
In order not to inflame the situation the ‘Gweilo*’ Inspector listens calmly to the lady’s complaint making no comment.

*’Gweilo’ is a common Cantonese slang term for a Westerner. It means ‘white devil or ghost’. Once a perjorative term and a mild form of insult it has, for many years, been ‘adopted’ by most long-term Western residents of the city living and working in Hong Kong as a friendly term to describe themselves!
Generally speaking it is no longer seen as any kind of an insult or derogatory term

HKY023 ‘Royal Hong Kong Policeman On The Street’
Because of its relatively small size and compactness Hong Kong has no major requirement for large fleets of squad cars manned by one or two officers.
Instead substantial numbers of officers can be seen patrolling the city’s many streets on foot, usually in groups of two or occasionally three. This ensures a regular police presence on most of the city’s streets, day and night.
Should additional resources and manpower be required mobile vehicle patrols can be called upon. The vast majority of Hong Kong’s residents appreciate the regular presence of the ordinary policeman ‘on the beat’ in their neighbourhoods keeping them and their streets safe.

HKY024 ‘Royal Hong Kong Police Sergeant’
Like all great disciplined services such as armies and police forces the backbone of the organisation depends on the quality and reliability of NCOs (non-commissioned officers).
These men and women have risen through the ranks because of their service, loyalty and ability to a position of command and respect.
Here, our RHKP sergeant takes down notes into his police notebook.

And that my friends is that… at least for December.
Towards the end of November and into December I will be in Florence, Italy to attend a Show there and meet up with Stefano of Saimex, our K&C National Distributor for Italy.
Then it’s onto Paris to join Phylip, Valerie & Pierre of Figurines & Collections for their special event. While in Paris, I will also visit Solda’ Telis and Sylvie & Marie Alix in their great little toy soldier shop near the Arc de Triomphe.
From there it’s across the channel (or more correctly under the channel by Eurostar) to London for the December Show (on Saturday 7 December) where, once again, I’ll be with Stefano at the Saimex Tables.
After London it’s up to bonnie Scotland for a few days in beautiful Edinburgh to visit family before returning to HK on December 12… just in time for Christmas!

Talking of which here’s to a joyful and merry Christmas to one and all and… a peaceful, prosperous and healthy New Year.
Cheers!

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

 

[BHogan]

Nice figures! Nothing for me this month, but I'm hoping that 2025 will bring forth some new Napoleonics!

Brendan

 

[villagehorse]

The HK police are a nice theme to have. Have a safe and happy Christmas Andy and your family. Robin.

 

[Horus]

Yes, some nice releases, though not for me this time.
Just as well with Christmas being an expensive time of year anyway, but look forward to seeing what cones out in 2025 also.

 

[Napoleon1er]

The police look great! I will be purchasing them, and with a few slight modifications, they will make great Palestine Policemen from the Mandate era.

 

[Spanish soldier]

Andy, the cavalry with yellow scarves are my favorites. Looking forward to new mounted cavalry attacking with yellow scarves

 

[Desertkiwi]

B. ON THE BEAT IN HONGKONG
Among the many great delights of living and working in this great city of Hong Kong for almost 50 years (47 to be exact) is being able to tell overseas visitors and tourists how clean and safe it is to walk around it, day or night. Certainly, a lot safer and cleaner than many great cities in Europe or in the U.S.
One of the main reasons for this safe street environment is the very visible but not intrusive presence of patrolling police officers on foot and on the beat.
Today, the Hong Kong Police numbers about 34,000 men and women, mostly regular but including around 4.000 part-time Auxiliaries.
Throughout its long history the Force has been serving the people of Hong Kong in good times and bad while weathering storms, typhoons and all kinds of trials and tribulations in both colonial and more recent times.
These latest Royal Hong Kong Police figures go back to the mid-late 1960s when the then British Colony was going through a period of rapid change and tumultuous times in the city.
In 1969 as peace and law & order returned the Police Force itself was granted the title ‘Royal’ for their steadfast loyalty and support throughout the civil disturbances of that era.
As can be seen here the uniforms shown are typical of the British Colonial style of the post World War Two era. All three figures are wearing their ‘Summer’ uniforms with ‘Shorts’ and long sox

HKY022 ‘The Protestor & The Inspector’
This little 2-figure set is based on actual photo taken some time in the late 1960s and shows a small confrontation between a petite Hong Kong woman and a taller European Police Inspector.
In order not to inflame the situation the ‘Gweilo*’ Inspector listens calmly to the lady’s complaint making no comment.

*’Gweilo’ is a common Cantonese slang term for a Westerner. It means ‘white devil or ghost’. Once a perjorative term and a mild form of insult it has, for many years, been ‘adopted’ by most long-term Western residents of the city living and working in Hong Kong as a friendly term to describe themselves!
Generally speaking it is no longer seen as any kind of an insult or derogatory term

HKY023 ‘Royal Hong Kong Policeman On The Street’
Because of its relatively small size and compactness Hong Kong has no major requirement for large fleets of squad cars manned by one or two officers.
Instead substantial numbers of officers can be seen patrolling the city’s many streets on foot, usually in groups of two or occasionally three. This ensures a regular police presence on most of the city’s streets, day and night.
Should additional resources and manpower be required mobile vehicle patrols can be called upon. The vast majority of Hong Kong’s residents appreciate the regular presence of the ordinary policeman ‘on the beat’ in their neighbourhoods keeping them and their streets safe.

HKY024 ‘Royal Hong Kong Police Sergeant’
Like all great disciplined services such as armies and police forces the backbone of the organisation depends on the quality and reliability of NCOs (non-commissioned officers).
These men and women have risen through the ranks because of their service, loyalty and ability to a position of command and respect.
Here, our RHKP sergeant takes down notes into his police notebook.

And that my friends is that… at least for December.
Towards the end of November and into December I will be in Florence, Italy to attend a Show there and meet up with Stefano of Saimex, our K&C National Distributor for Italy.
Then it’s onto Paris to join Phylip, Valerie & Pierre of Figurines & Collections for their special event. While in Paris, I will also visit Solda’ Telis and Sylvie & Marie Alix in their great little toy soldier shop near the Arc de Triomphe.
From there it’s across the channel (or more correctly under the channel by Eurostar) to London for the December Show (on Saturday 7 December) where, once again, I’ll be with Stefano at the Saimex Tables.
After London it’s up to bonnie Scotland for a few days in beautiful Edinburgh to visit family before returning to HK on December 12… just in time for Christmas!

Talking of which here’s to a joyful and merry Christmas to one and all and… a peaceful, prosperous and healthy New Year.
Cheers!

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

On seeing these blokes, I instantly thought of Brett and wondered what he'd think of these chaps? Another great addition to the HK series Andy mate!

 

[jason foote]

Loving the cavalry, will get a few. Also agree with Spanish Soldier, would love to see some attacking mounted figures and cant wait for the mounted Apaches

 

[Terp152]

Nice to see the dismounted cavalry with carbines. None of the mounted figs have those.

 

[Spanish soldier]

KING & COUNTRY DISPATCHES
December 2024​

Hi Guys,

Welcome once more to this month’s ‘YULETIDE DISPATCHES’ and… a relatively modest batch of releases for this Christmas Season.
Having said that, they are all very useful additions for two very different ranges of figures depicting everyday life in two very different parts of the world… America’s panoramic ‘Old West’ of the 1870s and the busy, bustling streets of Colonial Hong Kong in the turbulent 1960s.

1. COMING THIS DECEMBER…

A. ‘John Ford Cavalry Reinforcements’
One of the big hits of K&C’s recent trip to the Round Top Antiques Fair was the handsome and historic wooden frontier fort specially-built to display many of our ‘John Ford Cavalry’ figures, both mounted and on foot.
At the same time, we took the opportunity to show of some of our upcoming JFC releases including these ones being released this month.
This particular subseries of ‘The Real West’ is our special ‘homage’ to a great American film-maker and story teller who had his own personal vision of the history of ‘The West’ and how it should be portrayed on the big screen.
During a long and prolific career that spanned more than half a century John Ford’s films were exceptionally varied but he always seemed most at ease when directing stories about the people and places that populated the ‘Old West’.
From his first ‘Western’ feature in 1917, ‘Straight Shooting’ until his last ‘Cheyenne Autumn’ in 1964, Ford made the genre his own.

JOHN FORD’S CAVALRY TRILOGY​

Three particular ‘Westerns’ Ford directed in just three years, 1948, 1949 and 1950 symbolized his fondness for one particular part of the ‘Old West’ … The officers and men of the U.S. Cavalry.
‘FORT APACHE’ (1948), ‘SHE WORE A YELLOW RIBBON’ (1949) and ‘RIO GRANDE’ (1950) all told tales of the hard and often dangerous life of the men guarding and patrolling the rugged and majestic country of the Southwest U.S.A. particularly Texas, Utah and Arizona.
The area’s magnificent ‘Monument Valley’ made the perfect backdrop for many of the most exciting and memorable scenes in all three films.
Another important feature of Ford’s ‘Trilogy’ was the ‘look’ and dress of these U.S. Cavalry soldiers shown up on the big screen.
From the battered and weathered white stetsons to the faded yellow neckerchiefs and, of course, those white ‘braces’ (suspenders) set against navy blue shirts and pale blue riding pants. John Ford’s Cavalry were always colourful, even in black and white movies. Only ‘Rio’ Grande was actually filmed in colour.
Whether guarding the gates and manning the ramparts of their wooden frontier forts or taking a mounted patrol across Monument Valley, John Ford’s Cavalry always looked great.
They also provided the inspiration for this particular range of U.S. Cavalrymen… both on foot and mounted.
On a little side note… A few years after the ‘Trilogy’ appeared John Ford was attending some kind of official function in Washington D.C. when a then famous female film critic pulled him to one side saying, “You know Mr. Ford the U.S. Cavalry you like to portray in your movies never did wear white hats, yellow scarves and white suspenders!”
Ford thought about her remark for a moment before replying, “Historically ma’am, you might be right but in my movies they look a **** sight better!”
King & Country’s ‘John Ford Cavalry’ officers and troopers are very clearly based on many of the characters seen in the ‘Trilogy’ and these new additions are a welcome group of fighting reinforcements to a little piece of movie history.

TRW195 ‘Officer Firing Pistol’
A classic firing pose, arm fully extended and taking careful aim.

TRW196 ‘Standing Ready Trooper’
In all of Ford’s ‘Trilogy’ movies the main weapon of his cavalrymen is the
Springfield Model 1873 Carbine! In addition, all ranks would carry the ‘Colt Single Action Army’ pistol with the 7.5” long barrel.
Also of note. All of these new figures, with the exception of the officer have a black leather Carbine Sling worn over their left shoulders. This allowed mounted soldiers to be able to ride their horses and use both hands while their carbines were attached securely to the leather sling on their right side but still be within easy reach.
Previously this ‘Carbine Sling’ was not seen on earlier JFC figures but was much requested by K&C collectors of the range.

TRW197 Trooper Kneeling Firing Carbine

TRW198 ‘Corporal Crouching Loading Carbine’

TRW199 ‘Trooper Standing Firing Carbine’

TRW200 ‘Trooper Crouching Ready’

TRW201 ‘Trooper Reloading Carbine’

TRW202 ‘Corporal / Bugler with Carbine’

TRW203 ‘Trooper Kneeling & Waiting’

TRW204 ‘Trooper Lying Prone Firing Carbine’

AVAILABLE : Early December

Some figures are similar or identical to the previous KX.