VN040 THE SCOUT BY KING AND COUNTRY
Overview
Introduction to the set and general details
History of USMC scouts in Vietnam—context during Tet Offensive
Collector‑oriented notes: identification, variants, market pricing
The King & Country VN040 “The Scout” is a 1:30 scale hand‑painted miniature from the brand’s Vietnam War series, released in 2019. It captures a U.S. Marine scout—likely operating during the Tet Offensive of 1968—crafted in lead/tin alloy, posed with an M16 rifle, and mounted on a pedestal marked “King&Country TET ’68. 2019.” The single figure represents dynamic detail and historical nuance, appealing strongly to collectors of modern conflict modeling. Its active posture and era‑specific gear set it apart in both display and thematic value.
Historical Background
The miniature depicts a U.S. Marine Corps scout during the pivotal Tet Offensive in 1968, notably during the Battle of Hue. On January 31, 1968, North Vietnamese and Viet Cong forces launched coordinated attacks across South Vietnam, including Hue, marking a decisive shift in public perception and U.S. strategy. Marine scouts—lightly equipped compared to standard riflemen—advanced ahead of main forces, conducting reconnaissance, identifying enemy positions, and often engaging in close‑quarter skirmishes. These scouts typically carried M16 rifles, wore flak vests or light web gear, and adapted with local camouflage. They gathered intelligence on enemy movements in urban and jungle settings, enabling Marine rifle companies to coordinate fire support and maneuver.
Their crucial role contributed to the eventual U.S. and ARVN recapture of Hue by late February. The fighting there lasted until February 24, 1968, resulting in heavy casualties on both sides, extensive urban destruction, and strategic lessons in combined arms and urban combat. The Tet Offensive, and actions such as those in Hue, eroded U.S. domestic support for the war and marked a turning point in American involvement in Vietnam.
Collector Notes
Identification is straightforward: VN040, titled “The Scout,” part of King & Country’s Vietnam War series, released 2019, 1:30 scale, hand‑painted lead/tin alloy on a pedestal labeled “TET ’68. 2019.” (lastdodo.com) Seek paint‑finish variants, though factory painting is standard. Packaging typically consists of branded box with foam insert. Condition grading: check for paint chipping on the rifle M16 or pedestal text. Price on secondary market ranges around USD 50 for single figures, though sets from this era may reach USD 80–100 depending on rarity and provenance. (lastdodo.com) Variant pointers: compare pedestal fonts and base coloration to confirm authenticity. Overall, this figure is highly displayable, with minimal defects common; ensure the alloy remains corrosion‑free and repainting is avoided to maintain collector value.
As an eBay Partner Network Affiliate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
