FW078 STANDING FIRING RIFLEMAN BY KING AND COUNTRY
Overview
Intro
History Section
Collector Notes
Collectors review the King & Country Poilu “Standing Firing Rifleman” (FW078) with precision. This metal 1:30 scale miniature, released in March 2012, captures a World War I French infantryman (“poilu”) in mid-fire pose. Cast in tin alloy with extra-fine factory painting, it stands as a refined representation of the French soldier’s grit. Designed for both display and diorama use, FW078 belongs to the French WW I range from King & Country. The figure combines accurate detailing, historical character, and a solid collector appeal.
Historical Background
The miniature depicts a French poilu—a WW I infantryman—engaged in a standing firing position. “Poilu,” literally meaning “hairy one,” was the affectionate nickname for French frontline foot soldiers during the First World War (1914–1918). These men often served in arduous trench warfare on the Western Front, including battles such as the Somme (July–November 1916) and Verdun (February–December 1916). The poilus wore the iconic horizon-blue uniforms, Adrian helmets, and carried the Lebel 1886 rifle or later the Berthier carbine, often with bayonets affixed. Their courage and endurance became symbols of French resistance and national pride.
The standing firing pose evokes moments when these infantrymen emerged from trenches to deliver aimed shots against enemy lines—situations marked by exposure to artillery and machine-gun fire. The poilu’s service, marked by staggering casualties, significantly shaped French military memory and collective identity in the interwar period and beyond; their sacrifices contributed to the eventual Allied victory in November 1918. FW078 encapsulates that wartime ethos through its poised, action-ready stance.
Collector Notes
Identification of FW078 relies on its product code (“FW078”) and listing as Poilu Standing Firing Rifleman in King & Country’s WW I French line (actionfiguren-shop.com). It was released March 2012, scale 1:30, tin alloy, extra‑fine factory paint (actionfiguren-shop.com). Packaging typically includes a fitted box with foam interior bearing product code. Paint applications may vary slightly between batches; shading on uniform folds and facial tones help distinguish early vs. later variants. Condition concerns include wear at rifle tip and minor paint rub on helmet or uniform edging—check for losses on extremities. As a retired piece, FW078 commands secondary‑market prices generally between €40–€60 (US$45–US$70), depending on mint condition and original packaging. Presence of original label and undisturbed foam boosts value.
Occasional package variants include promotional inserts from European retailers. Overall, FW078 remains sought after for its historical fidelity, clean casting, and appealing pose.
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