King & Country FW189‑Q Officer Review

FW189-Q ADVANCING OFFICER (QUEENSLAND) BY KING AND COUNTRY

Overview

Introduction to the miniature
History of 9th Infantry Battalion (QLD) in WWI
Collector notes on identification, variants, packaging, pricing

The FW189‑Q “Advancing Officer (Queensland)” miniature by King & Country represents a WWI Queensland infantry officer in mid‑advance. Cast in hand‑painted metal at approximately 1:30 scale (about 60 mm), it belongs to the “Aussies at War” First World War series and specifically depicts the 9th Infantry Battalion of the AIF. Although now retired, this figure remains highly regarded for its dynamic pose, state‑specific shoulder patch, and fine painting.

Historical Background

The miniature portrays an officer of the 9th Infantry Battalion, raised in Queensland and part of the Australian Imperial Force in early 1915. The battalion landed at Gallipoli on April 25, 1915, and served through the evacuation in December 1915. Thereafter, it transferred to the Western Front, fighting in key actions such as Pozières in mid‑1916, Bullecourt in 1917, and Passchendaele later that year. The Queensland‑raised battalion was distinguished by black on light blue shoulder patches, a feature meticulously replicated on the miniature’s tunic. In particular, the officer wears a slouch hat at a jaunty angle, a typical style of Australian officers on the Western Front.

The figure’s advancing pose conveys command impact amid assaults such as Mouquet Farm (1916) and the fighting at Broodseinde (1917). The 9th Battalion’s contributions were pivotal in shaping Australia’s identity on the Western Front and in the arduous Gallipoli campaign, enduring heavy casualties but earning a reputation for determination and discipline.

Collector Notes

Identification of the FW189‑Q is straightforward: its code denotes Queensland (‘Q’) variation, part of the FW189‑FW197 series depicting the 9th Infantry Battalion — as confirmed by Sager’s listing and Sierra Toy Soldier News grouping of these as a Queensland contingent (sagerssoldiers.com). The standard model is a single hand‑painted metal figure, about 60 mm tall (approx. 1:30 scale), with the distinctive Q‑type shoulder patch. It was originally priced around US $45, often discounted to $40 before retirement (treefrogtreasures.com). Typical secondary‑market prices range from $50 to $70 depending on condition and packaging; boxed examples with original King & Country sleeve fetch premiums.

Common paint‑wear appears on raised edges such as hat rim and rifle strap; collectors may carefully touch up or preserve patina. Variants by state (NSW, VIC) share pose but differ in shoulder patch colours. Packaging commonly includes King & Country blister card with state battalion info; verifying the correct insert adds to value. The figure responds well to gentle cleaning and matte varnish; however, avoid harsh solvents. In overall market, FW189‑Q is sought for its pose, regional specificity, and relative rarity post‑retirement.