KING AND COUNTRY FW109 MARCHING RIFLEMAN
Overview
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Introduction to the set and its appeal
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Historical context: German WWI infantry
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Collector notes: identification, variants, condition, pricing
King & Country’s FW109 “Marching Rifleman w/ Hat” figures a World War I German infantryman in mid-march. Released in August 2011 and now retired, this 1:30 scale piece is crafted in a lead‑tin alloy with exquisite factory painting. It stands on an oval profiled base, depicting a rifle‑armed infantryman of the Kaiser’s army. Collectors value its period‑accurate uniform, compact pose, and rarity in secondary markets. This will interest WWI collectors and modelers of German Imperial forces.
Historical Background
German infantry in World War I embodied the disciplined massed formations of the early war years. At the outbreak in August 1914, the Imperial German Army deployed over three million men, organized into army groups on both Western and Eastern Fronts. Uniforms featured field‑grey tunics, pickelhaube or soft caps, and leather equipment including ammunition pouches and Mauser Kar 98 rifles. The infantry advanced in column and line, trained for rapid movement and close‑order assault. Their doctrine emphasized aggressive offense, often suffering heavy casualties at battles such as the Marne (September 6–12, 1914), Tannenberg (August 26–30, 1914), and Verdun (February 21–December 18, 1916).
Notably, at Verdun, the German infantry operated under brutal artillery barrages and chlorine gas, adapting by using storm troops armed with hand grenades and light machine guns. Nonetheless, the traditional rifleman remained the backbone of the army: enduring mud, barbed wire, and relentless attrition. Their role defined the tunic‑clad silhouette of the WWI German infantryman, as immortalized by the FW109 figurine.
Collector Notes
The FW109 Marching Rifleman w/ Hat measures 1:30 scale, made of lead‑tin alloy, released in August 2011, and now retired (actionfiguren-shop.com). It features factory painting and a profiled oval base typical of King & Country World War I line (lastdodo.com). Identification tips include the serial number FW109 and its title “Marching Rifleman w/ Hat” (actionfiguren-shop.com). It often appears paired with FW110 in listings, so check packaging for mis‑grouping (toysoldiers.com). Common variants are minimal; factory paint remains consistent, but wear on rifle strap or paint loss on the cap’s brim are frequent flaws. Packaging was original blister or box from King & Country; ensure intact base and paint, as chips significantly affect value.
In secondary markets, retired FW109 figures list around US $39 new, but used or loose examples drop to US $25–35, with pristine boxed versions reaching US $45–50 (toysoldiers.com).
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