USMC013 MARINE OFFICER WITH TOMMY GUN BY KING AND COUNTRY
Overview
Introduction and overview of the miniature
Details of set specifics
History of the real-world subject (Marine officers in Pacific/Tarawa)
Collector-oriented notes
King & Country’s USMC013 “Marine Officer with Tommy Gun” captures a junior officer in mid-action, barking orders while gripping a Thompson submachine gun and carrying a 1911 Colt Automatic pistol. Part of the US Marine Corps collection released in 2017, this 1:30 scale figure features factory-applied paint on a lead/tin alloy, standing on an oval profiled pedestal. Moreover, it exemplifies King & Country’s attention to dynamic World War II Pacific theater subjects, particularly the fierce fighting at Tarawa.
Historical Background
The Battle of Tarawa, fought from November 20 to 23, 1943, marked one of the U.S. Marine Corps’ first formidable amphibious assaults in the Pacific theater. Located in the Gilbert Islands, Tarawa Atoll’s small landmass was heavily defended by approximately 4,500 well-entrenched Japanese troops. Opposing them were about 12,000 Marines of the 2nd Marine Division. Within just 76 hours, Marines suffered approximately 3,146 casualties, including nearly 1,000 killed and over 2,000 wounded. The ferocious combat demonstrated both the stubbornness of Japanese defenders and the relentless resolve of Corps leadership under fire (figurines-et-collections.com). Marine officers played pivotal roles during the Tarawa landing. They coordinated beachheads, directed suppressive fire, and rallied units under intense enemy fire and heavy casualties.
Their armaments typically included sidearms like the Colt 1911, while some—particularly junior officers or NCOs acting in leadership roll‑ups—used Thompson submachine guns at close quarters for firepower and morale impact. The compact fire rate and reliability of the Thompson made it effective in the chaos of coral reefs and tight defensive positions (thehistorystoreohio.com). Moreover, Marine officers at Tarawa wore standard-issue M1941 field jackets or HBT utilities adapted for tropical climates, helmets, often with camouflage, and web gear containing grenades and signal equipment. Their leadership under fire was critical amid clogged landing zones, coral head obstacles, and ambushes.
Consequently, Tarawa’s lessons shaped future amphibious doctrine and highlighted the necessity of small-unit leadership and flexible command—a legacy embodied by representations such as USMC013.
Collector Notes
USMC013 was released in 2017 by King & Country, catalogued under the US Marine Corps collection, serial number USMC013, designed by Andy Neilson, and produced in Hong Kong using a lead/tin alloy with factory paint in 1:30 scale on an oval profile pedestal (lastdodo.com). It depicts a Marine officer wielding a Thompson submachine gun and carrying a 1911 Colt pistol; the pose suggests command presence under combat stress (thehistorystoreohio.com). On the secondary market, typical pricing hovers around USD 39 when available, though variations exist depending on condition and packaging. For instance, The History Store and Gettysburg Miniatures list it at $39, often unboxed (thehistorystoreohio.com). Sellers note that pieces without original packaging typically fetch slightly less; moreover, boxed examples command premiums.
Condition issues often include chipping or paint rub on the matte finish—especially the firearm and pedestal edges—or minor misalignment on the lead casting, so collectors should inspect for these defects. Packing may vary—from original blister cards to loose protective foam. Identifying an authentic factory-painted version versus a repainted one requires careful scrutiny of paint texture and color fidelity.
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