KING & COUNTRY WS004
Overview
-
Introduction to WS004
-
Set details: figures, rarity, packaging, price
-
History: Waffen‑SS tank commanders
-
Collector notes: identification, variants, pricing
This review examines King & Country’s WS004 “German Tank Commanders in Matte” set. It highlights specifics such as rarity, composition, pricing, and historical significance. The set includes individual Waffen‑SS tank commander figures, carefully hand‑painted in matte finish, and is famed among collectors due to its extreme scarcity—reportedly only around 12 sets produced and never broadly advertised. This makes WS004 a standout collectible in the WS series. The review also offers historical context on Waffen‑SS tank commanders and guidance for serious miniature collectors.
Historical Background
Waffen‑SS tank commanders played a prominent and infamous role in WWII’s German armored warfare. Units such as the 1st SS Panzer Division “Leibstandarte SS Adolf Hitler”, 2nd SS Das Reich, and 12th SS Hitlerjugend fielded commanders who combined tactical skill with intimidating presence. For instance, Michael Wittmann, of the 101st SS Heavy Panzer Battalion, achieved legendary status with his Tiger I in Normandy during June 1944, notably at Villers‑Bocage on June 13, destroying numerous British tanks and vehicles before being killed later that month. Another notable figure, Kurt Meyer (“Panzermeyer”), commanded the Hitlerjugend Division with notable aggression during the Ardennes Offensive in December 1944.
Waffen‑SS tank commanders typically wore black Panzer uniforms, often displaying divisional cuff titles such as “Das Reich” or “Hitlerjugend”, and sometimes moth‑leaf or Pea Dot camouflage smocks. Their vehicles, notably the Tiger and Panther tanks, were marked with divisional insignia, tactical numbers and sometimes personalized emblems. These commanders operated on multiple fronts—from the Eastern Front’s Kursk and the harsh winter Stalingrad battles to the Western Front’s Normandy, Falaise pocket, and the Ardennes. Their wartime actions had tactical impact and post‑war notoriety, shaping both military history and popular memory of armored warfare.
Collector Notes
Identifying WS004 involves recognizing the matte finish and Waffen‑SS officer styling typical of King & Country’s early WS figures. The SKU “WS004” and SKU reference confirm authenticity. Packaging was minimal—apparently never advertised, appearing only in a promotional photo with a wooden StuG or Jagdpanther flyer—which together with the estimated production run of about 12 sets makes this set exceptionally rare (sagerssoldiers.com). Typical secondary‑market pricing is around US$77 when available, though actual prices can vary significantly given rarity (sagerssoldiers.com). Collectors should inspect paint consistency, matte coating, and the presence of Waffen‑SS insignia. Be cautious of repainting or reproduction; original sets show subtle hand‑painted details not easily mimicked. Missing pieces or repaired figures can reduce value.
Overall, WS004 commands high demand among advanced collectors due to its scarcity, distinctive finish, and evocative subject matter.
As an eBay Partner Network Affiliate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
