KING & COUNTRY DD159
Overview
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Introduction and overview
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Historical context: ceremonial uniform and drill meaning
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Collector specifics: release, scale, materials, rarity, price
This review examines King & Country’s DD159 “US Soldier Port Arms” miniature. Released in September 2011 and retired by June 2014, it depicts a single World War II US soldier in parade uniform performing the port arms drill movement. As part of the expansive D-Day (DD) line, this 1:30 scale hand‑painted metal figure embodies ceremonial discipline with rich detail. Collectors will find value in its historical authenticity, pose accuracy and moderate rarity within the DD series.
Historical Background
This miniature portrays a U.S. Army soldier in World War II-era parade uniform, notable for its symbolic expression of discipline and precision. The parade or ceremonial uniform typically consisted of a dress jacket, trousers, polished buttons, and sometimes shako or peaked cap depending on unit, designed for formal inspections and ceremonies rather than combat. ‘Port arms’ is a basic rifle drill position in which the rifle is held diagonally across the body, butt near the hip, barrel slanted upward—it formed the starting and resting position in drill sequences and conveyed readiness and self‑control. Such drill movements are rooted in 18th‑19th century military traditions, standardized by U.S. Army training manuals like those from the interwar era and WWII period.
Soldiers executing port arms would transition through positions: order arms (rifle held vertically at side), present arms (rifle raised to chest or forehead), and shoulder arms (rifle resting on shoulder), each movement precisely choreographed to project uniformity. Importantly, port arms served as the default stance between movements and was integral during inspections, parades, and guard mounting. Historically, such drill underscored military order and the psychological discipline of troops. During World War II, ceremonial detachments would perform intricate rifle maneuvers at events including Victory parades and unit inspections, reinforcing morale and public presentation of the U.S. Army’s professionalism.
Collector Notes
DD159 is a single‑figure set, released in September 2011 and retired in June 2014, according to Sager’s Soldiers & Miniatures (sagerssoldiers.com). It is part of King & Country’s D‑Day ’44 DD series, all in 1:30 scale, hand‑painted metal (kingandcountry.com). The figure comes in its original packaging when new; typical secondary‑market prices hover around US $37 at retail before retirement (sagerssoldiers.com). Post‑retirement, loose figures or boxed but not mint examples may fetch US $40–60 depending on condition and market demand. Collectors should note hand‑painted variances in uniform shading or button metallics. Identification is straightforward due to the unique pose (port arms) and the kit’s retired status.
Common issues include minor paint chipping on rifle barrel points and edge wear on the figure’s base. Retaining the original blister packaging significantly enhances value. Overall, this set offers a focused and elegant depiction of ceremonial arms drill, with modest rarity enhancing its appeal to disciplined‑uniform collectors.
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