DD019 CHAFFEE TANK COMMANDER BY KING & COUNTRY
Overview
Introduction to the set
History of the real M24 Chaffee light tank
Collector‑oriented notes
King & Country’s DD019 “Chaffee Tank Commander” is a finely crafted 1:30‑scale model from the D‑Day ’44 Americans line, released around 2000. Cast in polystone and tin alloy, it features a deliberately detailed M24 Chaffee light tank with factory paint and a commander figure. Notably, the polystone material delivers weight and durability while retaining fine sculptural crispness. This set makes a compelling addition to WWII model collections, marrying historical authenticity with functional aesthetic appeal.
Historical Background
The M24 Chaffee light tank was developed by the United States in 1943–44 to replace the under‑armed M5 Stuart, entering service in late 1944 (en.wikipedia.org). It first saw combat in Europe: 34 M24s arrived in November 1944 and were assigned to mechanized cavalry reconnaissance units, including the 2nd Cavalry Group, and were rushed into action during the Battle of the Bulge in December, supporting operations near Stoumont and La Gleize (en.wikipedia.org). Crews praised the Chaffee’s speed, maneuverability, low profile, sloped armor, and improved 75 mm gun, dubbing it “Panther Pup,” though it never fully replaced the Stuart (armyhistory.org). When the Korean War erupted in June 1950, the Chaffee was virtually the only U.S. tank available to send immediately.
Deployed from Japan, M24s from the 78th Tank Battalion entered action near the Pusan Perimeter and at Chochiwon, where they engaged North Korean T‑34/85s—scoring some kills but suffering heavy losses due to inferior armor and armament (en.wikipedia.org). From August, heavier medium tanks took over, while remaining M24s served in reconnaissance roles through 1953 (en.wikipedia.org). Beyond U.S. service, the Chaffee saw widespread post‑WWII use. France utilized it in the First Indochina War and at Dien Bien Phu, where ten M24s were air‑dropped and fired some 15,000 shells during the siege (en.wikipedia.org). It also served in Algeria, the Vietnam War with South Vietnamese forces, and with multiple nations including Greece, which received large numbers via NATO aid programs (en.wikipedia.org).
In total, 4,731 units were produced between April 1944 and August 1945 (en.wikipedia.org). The Chaffee’s operational history—from late WWII through multiple Cold War conflicts—highlights its adaptability as a light reconnaissance and infantry‑support tank.
Collector Notes
Identification of DD019 is straightforward: part of the King & Country D‑Day ’44 Americans range (item number 19), released in circa 2000 by the Hong Kong factory, executed in a polystone and tin alloy blend with factory finish (lastdodo.com). It features one commander figure (round 3D friend), integrated with the tank or on a shared base. The scale is 1:30, consistent with K&C’s vehicle line (lastdodo.com). Packaging typically includes a clear “window” box and internal protection; original condition examples retain crisp edges and unchipped paint. Variants: unlike the winter‑camo (BBA018) and olive‑drab (DD092) Chaffee offerings, DD019 portrays the bare metal or factory‑standard look (sagerssoldiers.com). Pay attention to the presence or absence of snow camouflage or olive drab paint to differentiate.
Condition: common wear includes light paint scuffing on edges, fragile polystone extremities, and potential figure detachment. Complete original packaging boosts value. Secondary‑market pricing: as a retired piece, it typically fetches between $80 and $150 depending on condition and packaging completeness. Overall, DD019 remains a desirable model for collectors seeking a historically significant and characterful representation of the M24 Chaffee with a commanding presence.
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