KING AND COUNTRY DD001
Overview
Introduction
History of the depicted unit and mohawk practice
Collector notes
The King & Country DD001 “Four 101st Airborne Troopers in Action” is a retired WWII-era display set rendering American paratroopers in 60 mm (1:30) scale. Crafted in polystone figures and metal weapons, the set comprises four dynamic poses—advancing, communicating, and observing. Although release and retirement dates remain unspecified, collectors value its original packaging and detail. Moreover, one figure features a mohawk hairstyle, a historically rooted yet rare detail. This concise yet vivid set illustrates airborne grit and esprit de corps in miniature form.
Historical Background
This miniature set portrays four troopers of the U.S. 101st Airborne Division during the Normandy landings (D‑Day, June 6, 1944). The 101st, renowned for dropping behind enemy lines in Normandy, comprised paratroopers equipped with M1 carbines, Thompson submachine guns, radio pack radios, and jump uniforms marked by airborne patches and helmet insignia—here captured in miniature. One figure notably wears a mohawk haircut, recalling ‘The Filthy Thirteen,’ a demolition unit within the 101st led by Staff Sgt. Jake McNiece. McNiece’s men famously shaved their heads in Mohawk style and used war paint to intimidate Axis forces, a rare practice linked to psychological warfare and unit identity (reddit.com).
The real Filthy Thirteen participated in the early phases of the Normandy invasion, targeting bridges and communications to impede German reinforcements. Although not officially sanctioned, their mohawks and painted faces became emblematic of their daring and unconventional spirit. The mohawk, thus, symbolizes youthful audacity and the gritty realism of frontline airborne operations. Through this set, the miniatures evoke a snapshot of D‑Day airborne action—troopers multi‑tasking under combat stress: one kneels with a radio (antenna prone), one advances, others coordinate or scan the horizon. In particular, the inclusion of both standard helmeted and mohawked troopers offers contrast between formal uniform standards and frontline individuality.
Collector Notes
The DD001 set is King & Country’s early D‑Day line, scale 60 mm (1:30), with figures in polystone and metal accessories (worthpoint.com). Identification tips include looking for the set code “DD001” on the box and the distinctive mohawk radio‑man variant. Packaging should include the original box; secondary‑market prices range between approximately USD 150 for consignment with box (treefrogtreasures.com), up to USD 280 for new condition auctions (ebay.com). Common defects: metal radio antennas may be missing or bent, as noted in seller descriptions (worthpoint.com). Paint applications vary—early runs may show cleaner camouflage, later examples may have wear or smudging around bases. Retired status makes mint boxed sets rarer and more desirable.
Collectors should expect to pay a premium for complete, mint‑boxed examples, while loose or damaged variants (e.g., missing antenna) command lower prices.
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