August, 2024
Sierra Toy Soldier Company

Sierra Toy Soldier Company

Today's Headlines

Missed the July Edition 2024 Newsletter, view it here!

Welcome to the August Edition of Sierra Toy Soldier News, written on a very warm day here in the Bay Area. The weather here cannot seem to make up its mind. One day we have super sunny days and the next the San Francisco Coastal fog rolls in and cools the Bay air right down. This I believe is the hottest summer we have had in the 30 + years we have lived here.

We have a month to go until the Chicagoland show. The show runs from September 19th – 22nd. We will be setting up for room trading, where we set up all the items, we bring in the hotel room. Sounds crazy and it is, but it is also a tremendous amount of fun. It is a great opportunity to meet and chat, plus collect some great items before the main show.

On the Sunday we move all our items down to the main show floor for the event. Hopefully many of you will also attend. Please contact us for showtimes.

If you have any items, you would like us to bring, please let us know. It makes packing so much easier.

We always welcome volunteers to help set up our displays, you are most welcome to join in.

Cody has been going crazy updating our collectors Corner section with new consignment items we have just received. We have new consignment additions for First Legion, Jenkins and King and Country. Check them out you may find the set your heart has always desired.

We have a great set of new releases for you to enjoy. Releases from King and Country, John Jenkins, First Legion, Team Minitures and War Park.

For information on John Jenkins Future Releases.

John Jenkins Future Releases.

Check out our Facebook, Instagram and Twitter for more pictures.

Instagram:sierratoysoldier

Twitter:sierratoystore

You can keep up to date with us by visiting our Facebook Page.

Sierra Toy Soldier Facebook Page

Hope you enjoy our newsletter.

2ist Anniversary Sale

21st Anniversary Sale

Help us celebrate and pick up some real goodies at bargin prices.

Look for new additions later this month.

King & Country Mega Sale

First Legion Big Sale

Collectors Showcase Grand Sale

John Jenkins Grand Sale

Thomas Gunn Grand Sale

We will have lots of items on sale between 20 - 45% off throughout the month, please look at the special pricing being offered. We will be adding daily to our list of items on sale.  So please check back often and you may find a pleasant surprise.

Collectors Corner
Sierra Toy Britain's Exclusive
King Á Country
John Jenkins
Team Minitures
First Legion
War Park

Showroom

We are open Monday - Friday 10.00 - 5.00pm. Saturday by appointment.

Just a reminder for those of you living in Northern California, or perhaps just visiting, that our Showroom dedicated to toy soldiers is now open 6 days a week. 1350 Dell Avenue, Ste #5, Campbell, California 95008. (408) 395 3000

www.sierratoysoldier.com

Sierra Toy Soldier Facebook Page

Check out our latest arrivals, new dioramas and events at our store!

Sierra Toy Soldier Facebook Page

Sierra Toy Soldier Virtual Video Call

To set up a Virtual Video Call to see any of our latest releases or displays. Contact us via Email or Phone.

Virtual Video Call Email

Phone 408-395-3000

Scratch & Dent

Do you enjoy repairing or modifying toy soldiers and vehicles. Every now and again we receive figures and vehicles in need of a new home and some special care. If yes, this may be the section just for you.

Scratch & Dent

Collectors Corner

Occasionally we get a rare opportunity to acquire individual items and complete collections for collectors that are thinning out their collection or from other dealers. These pieces are items that we do not normally stock. All are in mint condition or and in their original boxes, unless specified in the description. Please note these may have been on display.

So these are ideal pages to view if you are looking for that missing piece in your collection or just looking to find some very unique pieces that are not normally available.

This month we have added a very large collection of Aeroart, St Petersburg figures and also a very large collection of Plastic figures and Play Sets. We have also added Frontline French and Indian War sets in perfect condition.

Consignment Highlight

This month we feature sets from Thomas Gunn, First Legion, Britain's, Jenkins, King & Country, Frontine, St Petersburg and Plastics.

Collectors Corner

Sierra Toy Soldier Britain's Exclusive

Sierra Toy Soldier Exclusive - In Stock Now!

Zulu Storehouse Attack

King and Country

King and Country August Releases!

Afrika Korps

  • - This trooper looks relaxed and confident as he sits atop the standing camel surveying the desert scene around him.
  • - This second soldier is a little more wary of his camel or maybe it’s some of the local Arabs watching him with suspicion. Anyway, he’s taking no chances and has unslung his K98 rifle just in case…
  • - This third Afrika Korps soldier is also on the alert as he holds his rifle in one hand while keeping a firm grip on his camel’s reins
  • - This standing figure is in charge of the welfare and feeding of the camels and has also instructed these German soldiers in some very basic rudimentary camel-riding skills. As the Kamel Patrol pass by he watches them with a trained eye.
  • - Also watching the patrol is the owner of the three animals the Germans are riding. In the past, before the war, he would only hire his camels out to rich foreign tourists who would pay well for the novel if uncomfortable experience of riding a ‘ship-of-the-desert’. These new ‘tourists’ from the Third Reich do not pay so well and refused to bargain and carried rifles to emphasize their point of view. No wonder that he has a worried expression.

Afrika Korps

Romans

The Roman Triumph’ (in latin ‘Triumphus’), was a civil ceremony and religious rite of Ancient Rome held to publicly celebrate and sanctify the success of a military commander who had led Rome’s forces to victory in the service of the State or, in some historical traditions, one who had successfully completed a foreign war.

On the day of the ‘Triumph’ the victor would lead a magnificent parade through The streets of the ancient city accompanied by his army, defeated captives and the ‘spoils of war’ taken from the vanquished.

Thousands of victorious soldiers would take part followed by hundreds of their sullen and dejected prisoners all of them cheered by and jeered at along the route by hundreds of thousands of Rome’s jupilant citizens.

After the day-long parade and the sacrifices made at the Temple of Jupiter (and for several days afterwards) spectacular games and entertainments would be held to placate and please the Roman masses.

Here are the first three releases of what will be a spectacular and colourful ‘TRIUMPH’ when complete.

  • - Even the most successful of Rome’s heroes required a number of senior subordinates to fulfill their orders and oversee the troops on parade. This senior officer turns in the saddle to watch over the progress of the Triumph.
  • - Among the leading elements of any triumph were ‘The Lictors’ in their blood-red robes, their ‘fasces’ gathered in tight bundles and held by blood-red ribbons. ‘Fasces’ is a bound bundle of wooden rods that includes an axe with its blade emerging. It symbolized a Roman Emperor’s power to both punish and protect his subjects. Many centuries later, the ancient Roman symbol of the ‘Fasces’ would become the foremost symbol of the Fascist Regime of Italy’s dictator Benito Mussolini and would feature on flags, statues, badges and medals.
  • - The Roman Legions employed a number of trumpeters called ‘tubae’ and played by selected soldier/ musicians to signal particular troop movements in battle such as ‘advance, attack and retreat’ as well as at different times when guards in camp should mount, sleep or change posts. 36-38 ‘Tubicenes’ (soldier/players) would be assigned to each Legion. These early military musicians would also take part in the ‘Triumphs’ with some or indeed all of the Legion’s complement marching in the parade on those days.

Romans

Vietnam

During the Vietnam War most U.S. soldiers and marines operating in the field carried a U.S. military issue ‘Neck Towel’ for many practical reasons:

1. For cooling and sweat absorption:The tropical climate of Vietnam was hot, stick and humid leading ‘Grunts’ to sweat profusely. These little neck towels were used to wipe away sweat and help keep the wearer a fraction cooler.

2. Dust and debris protection: The dusty and sandy environment of some parts of Vietnam meant that troops’ faces and necks were often exposed to airborne particulates. These little towels could be used to cover the neck and lower face, protecting them from dust and debris.

3. Improvised First Aid: The neck towel could also be utilized as an improvised bandage or field dressing to treat minor wounds and injuries when more formal medical supplies were unavailable.

The humble ‘Neck Towel’ served as one of the most useful, versatile and practical accessories that helped many individual soldiers and marines cope with the often demanding environmental and battlefield conditions faced during the Vietnam War.

Vietnam - Tet'68

Medieval Archers

By the time of the Battle of Hastings in 1066 both armies used archers and a Norman bowman was said to have struck down the Saxon King Harold.

Archers remained active on virtually all battlefields in early Middle Age Europe and were usually unarmoured except for some who had metal helmets. In addition, most were peasants or townsmen rather than knights or men-at-arms.

Beginning in the late 12th Century and into the 13th Century the ‘Longbow’ finally began to appear in the hands of more and more peasants or ‘yeomen’. This new development had a much longer range and greater penetration power than earlier ‘Shortbow’ and required considerably more skill and strength.

Its lack of accuracy at longer ranges meant that its best use on the battlefield was as a weapon of mass destruction when hundreds of arrows would descend from above onto the packed ranks of standing foot soldiers or the long lines of advancing cavalry.

Nowhere was that success better shown than the two victories of the English at Crecy in 1346 and Agincourt in 1415.

Crusader - Cross & Crescent

Jenkins

New releases expected September 2024!

Achaemenid Persian Empire

The 4 horse scythed chariots were used by the later Achaemenid Persians.

Scythed chariots were drawn by four armoured horses and manned by a single armoured driver. It was important for the vehicle to build up speed, as they were vulnerable to swift pre-emptive attacks by light troops.

Once the chariot was galloping towards its target, the driver would often bail out for his own safety, which unfortunately made it likely that the horses would miss or shy away from the target.

If they did make contact, the chariots would cause immense damage but would more or less destroy themselves in the collision.

Generally formed infantry bodies could stand firm after such contact, unless the chariots were closely supported, which they all too often were not.

Cavalry might have been easier to break than solid infantry bodies, but were not used, perhaps because the cavalry could easily have avoided their charge.

Xenophon’s “Kyropaidia” provides us with the best description of these items. It is described as having heavy wheels with studded rims, a broad wheelbase for stability, and two poles. Some decriptions refer to a closed back with a rear door, but others with an open back, but a simple bench seat to one side.

Diodoros describes the chariots at Gaugamela with 27 inch blades at the ends of the yokes, and blades on the axle ends.

Xenophon describes Persian charioteers, as wearing a cuirass, armpieces and helmet, with only the eyes showing. It is believed that no armour was worn below the waist as this was protected by the body of the chariot. The helmet is believed to have cheek pieces which would reflect a Greek influence.

Achaemenid Persian Empire

Trojan War

Cycnus was the king of the town of Kolonai in the southern Troad. He was the son of Poseidon by Calyce. (daughter of Hecaton). Legend tells that he was abandoned by his mother on the seashore, but was rescued by fishermen who named him Cycnus "swan” because they saw a swan flying over him. Other accounts, he is said to have had womanly white skin and fair hair, which is why he received his name that meant "swan”. Cycnus supported the Trojans and was a great warrior, killing one thousand opponents. According to some accounts, he killed the Greek hero Protesilaus. It was said that being the son of Poseidon, he was invulnerable to spear and sword attacks. When Achilles confronted Cycnus he could not kill him via conventional weaponry so he crushed and suffocated him. After his death, Cycnus was changed into a swan.

Troy and her allies

Adyrmachid

This Libyan tribe called the Adyrmachidae were described as carrying a buckler of many colours, a sword in the shape of a sickle and would wear a single greave on the left leg. Warriors would have their head shaved except for a central plaited crest, often with a crescent amulet fastened to hang on his brow. Nose rings were also typical for many punic cultures.

Carthaginian

Macedonian

Macedonian phalanx

Mongol

Mongol Invasions of Japan 1274 AND 1281

Nubian

Nubian troops had been an important part of the Egyptian army since the old Kingdom. Nubian tribes included the famous Medja who were regarded by the Egyptians as the best scouts and skirmishers. They were known for wearing leopard and lion skin kilts and had ostrich feathers in their hair. The Medjway were very highly regarded by the Egyptians as they seemed to have a natural affinity for the military life. These figures will of course be suitable for the Trojan War series as King Memnon’s army. Memnon was the King of the Ethiopians, who after the death of the Trojan warrior Hector, went to assist his uncle Priam, against the Greeks. He arrived with a great army, and performed prodigies of valour, but was slain by the Greek hero Achilles. According to tradition, Zeus , the king of the gods, was moved by the tears of Eos and bestowed immortality upon Memnon. His companions were changed into birds, called Memnonides, that came every year to fight and lament over his grave.

New Kingdom Egyptians, Battle of Kadesh 1274BC

Normans

Age of Arthur - Norman Knights

Cheyenne Dog Soldier

All the warriors of the Dog Society dressed alike. The usual style of headdress consisted of a cap with a narrow beaded band along the front edge. The crown was entirely covered with the tail feathers of the golden eagle, raven, the hawk or the crow. They were fastened in a way which made them stand erect all over the headdress. A whistle made from the wing bone of an eagle was suspended by a string from the neck of each warrior.

Black Hill Wars 1876-1877

Mountain Men

Whiskey, Scalps and Beaver Pelts

Battle of Bunkerhill

American Revolution - Battle of Bunkerhill 1775

ACW - Battle of Brandy Station

Buford was a superb cavalryman, as capable as he was tough, and perhaps the best the Union had.

He was Regular Army, and a comrade of Pleasonton in the pre-war 2nd Dragoons.

One admiring subordinate remembered, “It was always reassuring to see him in the saddle when there was any chance of a good fight”.

He was especially good at ferreting out enemy intelligence. On one raid he had captured J.E.B Stuart’s prized plumed hat, and almost its owner.

Buford had fought well so far in the war. But greater rank had eluded him, partly from bad luck, partly because he had been born in the Southern, if Unionist slave state of Kentucky. His fellow soldiers liked him, and he was to manage the right half of the Union troops at Brandy Station, with Pleasonton in tow.

Battle of Brandy Station

ACW - 2nd US Cavalry Regiment

2nd US Cavalry Regiment

Zulu Wars - Battle of Gingindhlovu

The Battle of Gingindhlovu was fought on 2nd April 1879 between a British relief column sent to break the siege at Eshowe, and a Zulu impi of king Cetshwayo. The British soldier would refer to it as the Battle of “GIN GIN I LOVE YOU”. Charles Pearson had led No.1 column of the British invasion force across the Tugela River to establish an advanced base at Eshowe. Having set up a base at a deserted Norwegian mission station, the British found themselves besieged. A relief column was organized by Lord Chelmsford and departed Fort Tenedos on 29th March to relieve the garrison. Chelmsford’s relief force comprised 3,390 Europeans, and 2,280 Africans.

Battle of Gingindhlovu, 1879

WWII Ground Crew

Ground crews were responsible for keeping the aircraft of WWII in safe flying condition. Ground crew members made repairs to aircraft, as well as handling routine maintenance. As soon as a plane lands, the ground crew went to work - checking landing gear, refilling fuel tanks, examining the wings, and making any necessary repairs. Aside from regular AAF soldier schooling, ground crews were also highly trained in mathematics, mechanics, and machine shop skills. The ground crew's job was truly to "keep 'em flying." Ground Crews tirelessly maintained and repaired battle damage, and made modifications to enhance aircraft effectiveness. Their work was crucial to keeping planes operational. The USAAF were to train hundreds of thousands of flying and ground personnel during WW2

JJD Second World War Aircraft Collection

First Legion

New releases expected September 2024!

Pirates

Pirates

Battle of Kursk

During the Battle of Kursk in July 1943, the Panzer III M, a variant of the Panzer III tank used by the 6th Panzer Division, played a significant role in the intense clashes between German and Soviet forces. Equipped with a more powerful 50mm gun compared to earlier versions, the Panzer III M was employed in attempts to break through Soviet defenses during the German offensive. Despite its improved armament, the Panzer III M faced considerable challenges due to the increasingly effective Soviet defenses, including anti-tank weapons and the formidable T-34 tanks. The engagement at Kursk highlighted the evolving nature of armored warfare and the need for continued adaptation in tank design and tactics.

Battle of Kursk

Late War Germans

In the final days of World War II, the Battle of Königsberg in early 1945 marked a desperate and dramatic confrontation for the German forces. Facing the advancing Soviet Red Army, the German defenders, composed mainly of Wehrmacht troops, Waffen-SS units, and a significant number of Volkssturm conscripts, were heavily outnumbered and outgunned. The city's fortifications, while formidable, were increasingly overwhelmed by relentless Soviet artillery and infantry assaults. Despite fierce resistance and the tenacious defense efforts by German forces, the strategic and logistical situation became untenable. The battle concluded with the Soviet capture of Königsberg, leading to the city’s significant destruction and contributing to the broader collapse of German resistance in East Prussia.

Late War Germans

Stalingrad Russians

Stalingrad Russians

Team Minitures

New Expected September!

Polish Winged Hussars

New superb Winged Hussars from Team Miniatures

Polish Winged Hussars

War Park

War Park - Afrika Korps

New Expected in September

Afrika Korps - WWII

Very best regards from Mike & Myszka Hall and the Sierra Toy Soldier team - Alex, Cody and Sean.

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