King & Country DD042 Standing MP Collector Review

KING & COUNTRY DD042

Overview

Introductory Overview
Historical Context of U.S. Military Police on D‑Day
Collector Notes

The King & Country DD042 “Standing MP with Tommy Gun” offers collectors a finely detailed, hand-painted 1:30 scale figure representing a World War II U.S. Military Policeman. Released in July 2003 and retired by September 2006, this solo figure comes in all-metal construction and stands around 60 mm tall. It features the distinctive Thompson submachine gun and MP uniform details, packaged typically in original blister or box form. Due to its limited production run and D‑Day category placement, today it is moderately scarce on the secondary market.

Historical Background

In World War II, U.S. Military Police (MPs) played a crucial role in maintaining discipline and security during major operations, including the Normandy invasion on June 6, 1944. Deployed alongside infantry units, MPs regulated traffic flow, managed prisoners of war, and ensured order in chaotic beachheads like Omaha and Utah. Their functions often required front‑line presence under fire, and the Thompson submachine gun—known for its .45 ACP stopping power and reliability—was a preferred weapon for its effectiveness at close quarters. During the Normandy landings, MPs wore standard olive drab uniforms with brassard insignia and helmet markings, typically the ‘MP’ letters on armbands. They established traffic control points, escorted logistics convoys, and processed captured enemy soldiers on the beaches.

In the immediate hours after D‑Day, they enforced rear‑area discipline as thousands of Allied troops poured inland. Their actions contributed directly to sustaining supply lines and supporting combat units moving off the beaches. The presence of U.S. MPs in Normandy exemplifies how combat support troops ensured operational continuity under extreme conditions—often overlooked, yet essential to Allied success.

Collector Notes

Identification of DD042 is straightforward: SKU/DD code DD042, D‑Day ’44 Americans series, released July 2003, retired September 2006 (sagerssoldiers.com). As with all King & Country figures, it is 1:30 scale, all‑metal, and approximately 60 mm tall (kingandcountry.com). It depicts a standing MP holding a Tommy Gun (Thompson SMG). Packaging was typically original blister pack or box; mint, sealed items are rare and command higher prices. On the secondary market, examples sell for around £88 in sealed condition based on recent listings (ebay.co.uk). Collectors should assess paint condition closely—common defects include chipping on the submachine gun’s finish or subtle wear on uniform details.

The figure’s scarcity is moderate due to its short production run; it is rarer than mass‑produced infantry poses but more common than command or vehicle sets. For display, pairing DD042 with other D‑Day figures or vehicle models increases its appeal. Overall, condition, completeness of packaging, and provenance significantly influence value.