DISPATCHES
April 2025

Hi Guys,
     Can’t quite believe we’re already going into the 4^th month of 2025!!!  How time flies when you’re enjoying yourself and having fun at the same time.
     This month is a relatively modest one with no vehicles and no aircraft models BUT some very interesting and unusual subject matter and unique figures to go with them.
     Now, read on…

1. BEING RELEASED IN APRIL…

 

A. Might and Murder in Ancient Rome

Ancient Rome was an epic civilisation that began with the city’s founding in the 8^th Century B.C. and lasted until its final collapse during the 5^th Century A.D.
During these years it grew and expanded controlling its neighbours with a combination of treaties and brute, military power.
After subjugating the entire Italian peninsula it then became the premier power in and around the Mediterranean region and large parts of Europe.
At its height it also controlled the North African coast, Egypt, the Balkans, Crimea and much of, what we now call the Middle East.
This Roman Empire covered almost 2 million square miles with an estimated 60-90 million subjects of all races and religions, approximately 20% of the world’s population at that time.
During these years the Roman state evolved from an elective monarchy to a classical republic and finally into an increasingly autocratic military dictatorship ruled over by a long succession of Emperors, Generals and Senators whose various reputations went from ‘wise, good and honest’ all the way to ‘mad, bad and dangerous to know’ and virtually all points in between!
Here are a few welcome additions to our Ancient Roman series…

ROM080 “General Marcus Agrippa” Marcus Vipsanius Agrippa (63BC-12BC) was a Roman General, statesman and architect who was a close friend and son-in-law to the Emperor Augustus, Agrippa gained fame and laurels for his major military victories, notably the Battle of Actium in 31BC when he defeated the combined armies of Mark Antony and Cleopatra. In addition to his military victories he was also responsible for the construction of many notable buildings in Rome including the original ‘Pantheon’.  Our K&C figure shows him mounted in full ceremonial armour and wearing the blue cape of a Roman admiral in honour of his great naval victory.
ROM082 “The New Roman Legionaries” (2 fig. Set) As most collectors know you can never have too many marching soldiers and these two Roman Legionaries are no exception.Perfect in multiples for a ‘Roman Triumph.’
ROM083 “The Death of Caesar” (4 fig. Set) Ancient Rome’s most famous politician and personality Julius Caesar was assassinated by a group of rebellious senators on the ‘Ides of March’ (March 15, 44B.C.) Lured to a meeting of the Senate by a group of Senators, he was stabbed no less than 23 times before dying. Among the principal conspirators (and assassins) of Caesar were Marcus Brutus, Gaius Cassius and Decimus Albinus.All three are part of this set. The three conspirators can bee seen surrounding the stricken Caesar as they plunge their daggers once more into the helpless victim. As can be seen in some of our photos showing this 4-figure set, K&C’s ancient Roman Triumphal Arch (SP117) provides a perfect backdrop.
ROM084 “‘The Marching Optios”  (2 fig. Set) In the Roman Legions an ‘Optio’ held a rank in each ‘Century’ similar to that of an Executive Officer.The main function of these soldiers in battle was to be stationed at the rear of the ranks and keep the troops in order. Among their other duties were to enforce the orders of the Centurion and / or take over command of the Century in battle should the need arise plus other administrative duties while in camp or on the march. As an interesting side note, Optio pay was double the standard Legionary payment.Optios were also the most likely candidates to be promoted to ‘Centurion’ if that appointment became vacant.

AVAILABLE: Early April

 

B. ‘The Mounted Sun King’
 

TR019 “The Mounted Sun King”  Following the success of our first model of King Louis XIV late last year one of our French collectors sent me an illustration of the famous ‘Sun King’  on horseback carrying the Royal Banner of France.  I am happy to say it did inspire me to produce our own version and here it is. Another source of inspiration were several superb Russian-made models of Louis XIV which are in themselves stunning pieces of work to look at with… stunning prices to match!

AVAILABLE: Early April

 

C. ‘IN THE SANDS OF EGYPT’
Following the discovery of the Ancient Tomb of the boy king Tutankhamun in 1922 visitors from far and wide journeyed to The Valley of The Kings to see for themselves the burial site of the young Pharoah.Among these visitors were some famous Egyptians as well as a member of a well-known British aristocratic family…

AE110 “King Farouk of Egypt”  Farouk 1 (1920-1965) was the 10th ruler of Egypt from the Muhammad AIi Dynasty and destined to be the penultimate King of Egypt and the Sudan from 1936 until 1952 when he was overthrown by a military coup.     As a ruler, Farouk was known for his extravagant playboy lifestyle.While initially popular, his reputation was eroded due to the corruption and incompetence of his government and ministers which only increased as the years went by. Throughout his reign Farouk would often visit the last resting place of Tutankhamun and was often seen talking with some of the foreign tourists about the long dead boy king. Our figure shows him during the late 1930s and into the 1940s on one such visit dressed in a western-style double-breasted suit of the finest Egyptian Cotton topped with a wine-coloured Fez and carrying an ancient Egyptian walking cane.
AE111 “King Farouk of Egypt”  Farouk 1 (1920-1965) was the 10th ruler of Egypt from the Muhammad AIi Dynasty and destined to be the penultimate King of Egypt and the Sudan from 1936 until 1952 when he was overthrown by a military coup.     As a ruler, Farouk was known for his extravagant playboy lifestyle.While initially popular, his reputation was eroded due to the corruption and incompetence of his government and ministers which only increased as the years went by. Throughout his reign Farouk would often visit the last resting place of Tutankhamun and was often seen talking with some of the foreign tourists about the long dead boy king. Our figure shows him during the late 1930s and into the 1940s on one such visit dressed in a western-style double-breasted suit of the finest Egyptian Cotton topped with a wine-coloured Fez and carrying an ancient Egyptian walking cane.
AE112 “An Egyptian Monuments Policeman” On duty protecting Egypt’s history and heritage.
AE113 “Lady Edith Crowley”  ‘Downton Abbey’ is a British historical drama television series taking place in the early decades of the 20th Century.  Set in the years 1912-1926 it depicts the lives and loves of the aristocratic Crawley family in the post Edwardian era. Among the many momentous events that take place during this time are… ‘The sinking of the Titanic.’  ‘The First World War’ and … ‘The Discovery of Tutankhamun’s Tomb’. And so, it is not too surprising that one of the extended Crawley family has decided to travel to Egypt to see for herself the final resting place of the long-lost Pharoah. In this case it is Lady Edith Crawley the second daughter of Lord and Lady Grantham, who has travelled out to Egypt, on her own to visit this incredible site. As you can see she is protecting her fair English Rose complexion with a colourful parasol against the blazing Egyptian sun.

AVAILABLE: Mid-Late April

D. ‘FRENCH LINE INFANTRY REINFORCEMENTS’  

As promised elsewhere here, are no less than 8 additional, classic French Infantry of The Line to join the 12 already released members of Napoleon’s 3^rd Regiment.
These newest ‘recruits’ are once more in a dynamic selection of action poses that will enliven any Napoleonic battle scene.
Included among their number is a superb mounted colonel shouting out commands to his troops.  

NA526 “French Line Infantryman Charging”
NA527 “FLI Loading Musket” Reaching back into his cartridge pouch for a fresh round this soldier still stays focused on the enemy.
NA528 “FLI Charging w/Bayonet Down” This soldier looks as if he is about to ‘bayonet’ a fallen enemy!
NA529 “FLI Charging w/Musket & Bayonet” Holding his weapon by his right side and crouching down this man attempts to make himself a smaller target for enemy riflemen.
NA530 “FLI Advancing w/Musket Levelled” Marching steadily forward this soldier holds his musket and bayonet to the front.
NA531 “FLI Advancing Port Arms” Another advancing Infantryman with his musket and bayonet held across his body.
NA532 “FLI Advancing Drummer” Keeping up a steady beat this drummer looks towards his officer for any order to change his drum roll from ‘Advance’ to ‘Charge!’  As can be seen here, drummers never carried muskets but were equipped with a short sword for personal protection.
NA533 “French Line Infantry Mounted Officer” On the march or on campaign it was usually only the Battalion Commander who was mounted.  All other officers, from subalterns to majors, marched and fought on foot alongside their men. In addition, any of these more junior officers who chose to be mounted provided an obvious target for enemy sharpshooters. This particular Battalion Commander would probably be at the rear of his men at the centre of his battalion able to better view the situation from his horse’s back and issue orders accordingly.

AVAILABLE: Mid April
 

 2. BEING RETIRED THIS MONTH…  

And that, my friends and fellow collectors is that for another 30 days or so.I hope that there is something for some of you in these new releases.
If not, my apologies, and let’s see what else is coming in the following months.
In the meantime…Very best wishes and, as ever, happy collecting!

HK214 “The Wedding Party”
PnM023X “The King’s Standard Bearer”
PnM067 “King Charles I”
PnM074 “King Gustavus Adolphus of Sweden”
PnM075 “Milady de Winter”
PnM076 “The Duke of Buckingham”
PnM077 “King Louis XIII & Queen Anne of France”
PnM078 “The Three Musketeers & d’Artagnan”
RA079 “Victory Over Fascism”
RA080 “RNI Kneeling Firing”
RA081 “RNI Rifleman”
RA082 “RNI Charging w/PPSH41”
RA083 “RNI Advancing Rifleman”
RA084 “RNI Petty Officer Attacking”
RA085 “RNI Standing Firing PPSH41”
RA086 “RNI Light Machine Gunner”
RA087 “The Maxim 1910 Machine Gun Set”
RA088 “RNI Standing Firing Moisant Nagant Rifle”
RA089 “RNI Kneeling Firing Rifle”
RA090 “RNI Advancing w/MP40”
RA091 “RNI Lying Prone Sniper”
USMC013 “Marine Officer w/ Tommy Gun”
USMC040 “Bare-Chested Marine”