FW018 OFFICER WITH PISTOL BY KING AND COUNTRY (RETIRED)
Overview
Introduction and overview
Historical context: Bavarian infantry in WWI
Collector notes: identification, variants, pricing
King & Country’s FW018 “Officer with Pistol” is a finely crafted 1:30 scale miniature representing a Bavarian Rifle Regiment officer from early World War I. Released in October 2007 and retired in August 2013, this single-figure model features a hand-painted tin alloy cast in full field-gray uniform, posed brandishing a sidearm while issuing orders. It is notable for its detail in uniform folds, insignia, and vigilantly sculpted stance. This concise review aids collectors in assessing its production context, historical background, and present market considerations.
Historical Background
The FW018 miniature portrays an officer of the 13th Bavarian Infantry Regiment during the 1914–1918 First World War, a period marked by rapid German offensives into France and Russia. The Bavarian regiments, such as the 13th, wore field-gray tunics and cloth-covered Pickelhaube helmets early in the war before transitioning to steel helmets. Officers carried pistols—typically an officer’s Luger P08 or similar—and issued commands amidst the conflict’s brutal trench warfare. Germany’s early-war Schlieffen Plan saw these units advance through Belgium and northern France, aiming for a quick knockout of France. However, they became bogged down in trench warfare by late 1914. Bavarian infantry endured high casualties and played significant roles in major battles at the Marne, Ypres, and Verdun.
Trench raids, mass infantry assaults, and rigid hierarchy defined the German command culture. Officers were pivotal in maintaining order; their gestures and issued orders often determined unit effectiveness under fire. This makes the FW018’s pose—pistol drawn, commanding—an authentic representation of leadership amidst the chaos of early WWI European battlefields.
Collector Notes
Collectors identify FW018 by its SKU and scale: 1:30 tin alloy figure, released October 2007 and retired August 2013 (actionfiguren-shop.com). Its richly detailed hand-painted finish, Bavarian-style uniform with Pickelhaube-era tunic, and commanding pose are key identifiers. Condition in original box commands premiums; minor paint wear on pistol or tunic edges is common. Secondary-market prices range from approximately $25 to $30 USD based on listings (forum.treefrogtreasures.com). Variants are rare, though paint overspray or slight pose deviations may occur in early production runs. Original packaging often features period advertising and is worth preserving. Overall, solid examples in mint-with-box condition sell reliably, whereas loose or damaged figures warrant careful cleaning and conservation to maintain value.
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