KING & COUNTRY WS159
Overview
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Introduction to WS159 set
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Specifics of the miniature figure
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History of Panzer Feldgendarme in Waffen‑SS
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Collector guidance and market notes
This review examines the King & Country WS159 “Panzer Feldgendarme” miniature set. First released in June 2010 and retired in May 2012, this individual figure represents a Panzer Field Police (MP) equipped with an MP40 machine pistol (“Schmeisser”)—a unique single-subject figure within the Waffen‑SS themed WS line.
Historical Background
The Panzer Feldgendarme, or field police attached to Germany’s Panzer formations, functioned both as traffic controllers and discipline enforcers among armored troops. In the Waffen‑SS divisions, particularly units like “Das Reich” active during the Normandy campaign of June–August 1944, Feldgendarmerie maintained order in both front‑line and rear areas. They wore distinctive black field police uniforms with grey trouser stripes, sometimes marked with the Panzer armband and “SS” insignia. Armed often with the MP40 machine pistol, they halted or redirected vehicular traffic, intercepted deserters, and affirmed control amid chaotic operational advances. For example, during the post‑D‑Day German retreat, Feldgendarme ensured retreating armor units withdrew in order and prevented breakdowns of command.
Their role, though non‑combatant in direct firing operations, was critical in maintaining unit cohesion and administrative discipline. The Panzer Feldgendarme thus symbolized internal German military law enforcement under extreme wartime stress, blending paramilitary policing with frontline proximity.
Collector Notes
The WS159 Panzer Feldgendarme is a 1:30 scale hand‑painted figure manufactured by King & Country, released June 2010 and retired May 2012 (sagerssoldiers.com). It depicts a single standing figure equipped with the MP40 machine pistol (“Schmeisser”)—noted in King & Country newsletters (sierratoysoldier.com). Rarity stems from short production (under two years) and its standalone nature in the WS series. Pricing on secondary markets like eBay indicates loose or mint boxed items sell around US $30–32 at resale listings (forum.treefrogtreasures.com), though occasional listings for new examples reach near US $150 (ebay.ca). Collectors should verify presence of original box and paint condition; common issues include thinning of metallic paint on the MP40 barrel or loss of detail on uniform insignia.
Matching patina with nearby WS crew figures (e.g. WS157, WS158) helps dioramic consistency (sierratoysoldier.com). Overall, WS159 remains a standout filler piece to enhance discipline or traffic‑control scenarios in Waffen‑SS dioramas.
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