KING & COUNTRY DD014
Overview
Introduction to DD014 set
Specifics of the set
Comparison to DD013
History: 1st Infantry Division Jeeps on D‑Day
Collector notes
King & Country’s DD014 “US Jeep & Trailer with Two 1st Infantry Soldiers” stands out among D-Day ’44 Americana. Released in 1998, this retired collectible features a 1:30 scale Willys Jeep, trailer, and two factory-painted figures in 3D round‑figure style. Its precise composition and sculpting quality reflect King & Country’s dedication to historical modeling. Moreover, as part of the same series as DD013, collectors will find parallels in scale, materials, and era, though the personnel differ. Consequently, the DD014 adds unique value to Normandy dioramas.
Historical Background
The figures in DD014 represent U.S. First Infantry Division (“The Big Red One”) Jeep crews during the Normandy landings on D‑Day, June 6, 1944. The 1st Infantry landed on Omaha Beach in the early hours, supported by light vehicles like Willys MB Jeeps. These utility vehicles, recognizable by their slat grille, folding windshields, and open-topped body, ferried personnel, communications gear, and small supplies across the beachhead under heavy enemy fire. Armed with M1 Garand rifles, the men often wore regulation M1938 helmet insignia and divisional shoulder patches, though King & Country’s figures are stylized rather than uniform‑exact.
Their Jeeps were vital in the advance off the beaches amid chaos and rough terrain, used as radios, command vehicles, and casualty evacuators in moments, thus exemplifying the First Division’s adaptability. Furthermore, the mobility these jeeps provided enabled infantry units to establish a foothold inland, ultimately contributing to the breakout from Omaha and the widening of the Normandy front. In particular, the use of trailing vehicles—such as ammunition or supply trailers like the one in DD014—reflected real logistical practices: small two‑wheel utility trailers were towed behind jeeps to carry extra .30‑cal ammo crates and rations. Overall, the set symbolically captures the mechanized improvisation and support infrastructure that underpinned the U.S. beach assault and early Normandy operations.
Collector Notes
Identification tips: DD014 is marked by SKU “DD014” and belongs to the King & Country D‑Day ’44 Americans series, featuring polystone and lead/tin alloy in 1:30 scale. It launched in 1998, retiring September 2003 (lastdodo.com). Variants are limited; no alternative paint versions are documented. Packaging originally included a display base with descriptive text. Condition indicators: check for paint wear, especially on figure hands and trailer hitch. Oxidation of lead alloy can occur—store in dry conditions. Market pricing: typical secondary‑market values around USD 70 when new but used or loose examples have listed up to USD 225 (sagerssoldiers.com).
Similarity to DD013: both share same form factor, materials, scale, and theme—DD013 features 82nd Airborne troops, making them complementary for collectors building unit variety (lastdodo.com).
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