KING & COUNTRY DD013
Overview
Introduction to the set
Historical context: Jeeps on D‑Day
Collector notes
The King & Country DD013 US Jeep & Trailer with Two 82nd Airborne Soldiers is a finely detailed miniature in the D-Day ’44 – Americans collection. Released in 1998, this 1:30 scale set comprises a Willys Jeep towing a trailer and includes two paratroopers bearing M1 Garand rifles. Crafted from a lead/tin alloy with polystone elements and finished in factory paint, the set appeals to collectors of WWII-era toy soldiers. Retired yet sought-after, it offers historical charm with quality and detail.
Historical Background
On D‑Day, June 6, 1944, Allied forces landed on Normandy’s beaches. Light, durable, and versatile, the Willys MB Jeep served extensively during the invasion and ensuing operations. Deployed by airborne units such as the 82nd Airborne Division, Jeeps were often air-dropped or landed soon after paratroopers, to provide mobile command, reconnaissance and supply roles. In particular, Jeeps towing small cargo trailers supported ammunition delivery, communications gear, and light transport. Operating amid hedgerows and bocage terrain, the 82nd Airborne utilized Jeeps to link scattered drop zones, ferry personnel, and maintain logistical continuity under fire. Their adaptability and ubiquity earned Jeeps the informal title “the workhorse of WWII”.
It was common to see paratroop‑marked Jeeps bearing division insignia and numbered bumper codes, vital for identification and coordination amid chaotic early hours of the Normandy landings. Overall, the Jeep’s rapid deployment and multi‑role utility made it a linchpin in airborne operations, symbolizing both mobility and resilience during the pivotal D‑Day campaign.
Collector Notes
Identification of DD013 is straightforward: King & Country serial number DD013 and part of the D‑Day ’44 Americans collection. Released in 1998, it remains retired and typically appears MIB on the secondary market for around US$70 retail value, although auction prices often vary (lastdodo.com). The set includes one Willys Jeep, one trailer, and two 82nd Airborne figures with M1 Garand rifles, in factory‑painted lead/tin alloy with polystone features (lastdodo.com). Packaging typically features the original box with clear window and theatrical D‑Day ’44 artwork as seen with other line items; condition is critical. Collectors should inspect for paint chipping on vehicle edges and stress cracks in polystone. No significant variants are noted, though slight manufacturing color shifts may occur.
A sealed mint‑in‑box example fetches higher prices, especially if accompanied by intact foam inserts and minimal pigment wear. Overall, DD013 is a desirable mid-tier piece in K&C’s D‑Day range, balancing accessibility and display quality.
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