KING AND COUNTRY WS379
Overview
Introduction to the miniature
Manufacturing and specifications
Historical context: SS-Untersturmführer
Collector insights and appraisal
The WS379 “SS Untersturmfuhrer” by King & Country is a finely detailed single‑figure miniature that debuted in June 2023. Cast in a pewter alloy and hand‑painted, this 1:30 scale piece (approximately 60mm tall) depicts a junior Waffen‑SS officer, roughly equivalent to a Wehrmacht Leutnant, standing in a confident pose. Released as part of the late‑War Normandy series, it offers collectors a historically evocative and quality execution in the K&C line.
Historical Background
An Untersturmführer was the lowest commissioned officer rank in the Waffen‑SS, roughly equivalent to a Wehrmacht Leutnant (Lieutenant) (sagerssoldiers.com). These officers often rose through the enlisted ranks and underwent rigorous training at SS officer schools such as the famed Bad Tölz establishment in Bavaria (sagerssoldiers.com). In the context of World War II, a young SS‑Untersturmführer likely saw his initial combat in mid to late war campaigns—possibly during the Normandy invasion campaign following D‑Day in June 1944, where Waffen‑SS formations were heavily engaged in defensive operations across bocage terrain in Northern France (forum.treefrogtreasures.com).
Particularly, the 12th SS Panzer Division “Hitlerjugend” drew many of its junior officers from Hitler Youth ranks, trained to press the German front in Normandy with fanaticism but limited experience (forum.treefrogtreasures.com). The role of an Untersturmführer in such units entailed small‑unit leadership, directing squad‑level operations under intense Allied assault. Their leadership could influence morale and effectiveness during chaotic hedgerow fighting. Against the Allied forces—British, Canadian, and American units—these junior officers often became the face of local command, rallying troops amidst heavy casualties. The presence of an SS Untersturmführer in a miniature line helps collectors to represent this critical layer of German military hierarchy, emphasizing the youth and zeal inherent in late‑war SS leadership.
Normandy’s hedgerow fighting in the summer of 1944, particularly battles such as the Falaise Pocket, had significant impact on the fate of German forces in the West. The loss of cohesion among SS units and depletion of officer cadres in those days markedly hastened the overall collapse of German defenses in Western Europe.
Collector Notes
Identification of the WS379 set is straightforward: SKU WS379, released June 2023, still in production, priced around US$55 through authorized dealers (sagerssoldiers.com). Collectors should note its 1:30 scale (≈60 mm), cast in pewter alloy with hand‑painted detailing, consistent with other King & Country military figures (toysoldiersclub.com). Variants are unlikely; this is a single‑figure release with no listed alternate poses or equipment options. Paint applications are generally uniform, but minor variations in shading may occur between production batches. Packaging is standard K&C – individual blister box or small display box depending on retailer. Condition considerations include paint chipping on extreme protrusions (e.g., insignia, brim of cap) and casting flash, though flash is rare on newer King & Country pieces.
The figure should stand steadily but check for bent rifle or cap brim during shipping. Secondary‑market pricing typically hovers near original MSRP but can rise modestly (US$60–65) if sold as part of a HJ or Normandy series grouping, or if offered on premium collector marketplaces. As a currently available piece, prices remain stable.
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