KING AND COUNTRY DD025
Overview
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Introduction to DD025 specifics
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Historical context of the 82nd Airborne in Normandy
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Description of miniature figures and equipment
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Collector‑oriented observations and value tips
The King & Country DD025 “Fighting Patrol” is a retired miniature set depicting four 82nd Airborne US paratroopers engaged in action. Introduced as part of the D‑Day ‘44 Americans range, this 1:30‑scale metal set combines fine hand‑painted detail with dynamic posing and period‑accurate gear. Released in the early 2000s and retired by October 2003, the set remains desirable among collectors for its realistic sculpting, historical resonance, and moderate rarity.
Historical Background
The figures in DD025 portray members of the US 82nd Airborne Division deployed during the early hours of June 6, 1944, as part of Operation Overlord. Tasked with securing key terrain in the Douve and Merderet marshes, the division parachuted into Normandy to block German reinforcements and open approaches to Utah Beach. Equipped typically with M1 Garand rifles, Thompson submachine guns, M1 helmets, and loaded web gear, paratroopers also carried reserve jump smocks and combat knives. Their insignia included the “AA” patch with the “All American” shoulder emblem. The 82nd’s actions—seizing Sainte‑Mère‑Église and defending key road junctions—were vital to the success of the Allied landings. Their training emphasized airborne insertion, small‑unit tactics, rapid assault, and coordination under fire.
Despite scattered drops, disciplined leadership and cohesion allowed survivors to regroup and contribute decisively to securing the western flank of the Normandy lodgement, helping establish the beachhead and accelerating the collapse of German defenses.
Collector Notes
King & Country DD025 is a metal, hand‑painted 1:30‑scale set comprised of four 82nd Airborne paratroopers. According to collector listings, the set was released in the early 2000s and retired by October 2003, with second‑hand prices historically around USD 150 for mint boxed examples (sagerssoldiers.com). Identification hinges on the SKU DD025 and the title “82nd Airborne Fighting Patrol.” Collectors should watch for intact webbing straps, helmet chin‑straps, and the division ‘AA’ insignia on painted shoulders. Packaging in original box increases value, particularly if the figures display minimal paint loss—common wear points include helmet rims, rifle barrels, and high‑touch surfaces. Variants are not recorded, but patina and minor hand‑paint inconsistencies may occur among production runs.
Used sets without original packaging typically sell for substantially less, often in the USD 80–120 range, depending on condition and listing (sagerssoldiers.com).
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