The American Army of WWII is one of the most common theme of toy soldiers. These soldiers are known as “GI” (Government Issue). Here I’m going to show some figures made by various companies.
21st Century Toys
This American company makes very good figures, painted and with geomorphic bases. Each box contains 6 figures. The figures in this post are from “U. S. Infantry series 2”.
The poses varied from action to more casual stance. Notice the nice option of putting a bucket upside down on the base of the second figure. The third figure is slightly protected by an wood fence.
The bazooka guy is a very relaxed pose looking for the next target.
Airfix
GIs are also present in Airfix ranks.
They were made in the usual 7 poses including an official.
The kneeling figure came without base, so I gave one of wood and stability is no more a problem.
Bergen Toys
These are not very dynamic figures. The sculpture work is nor very crisp. In conclusion these are not the most exiting figures on the market.
Britains
Deetail
As usual I give the numbers that appear in Peter Cole book (see Bibliography).
Figures with simple three colours scheme. Ref. 613 (1971) 972; 971 (1980).
Recoilless rifle. Ref. 729; 730. Produced between 1973 and 1986.
Matchbox
P-6003 American
Matchbox was considered a rival of Airfix. Matchbox figures represent exclusively soldiers from IIWW.
Some of these figures still keep mould pegs. I like very much the uniform wrinkles.
Jean Hofler
The figures of this company are easily identified because they have a small bush on the base between the legs of figures. The name and logo of the company are engraved under the base.
The bazooka is an emblematic weapon of the American Army
These figures are very nicely sculpted and go along with Airfix and Matchbox figures. Two figures are Sargent but very similar.
This figure lost the small bush but is ready to march to war.
Timpo
Timpo swoppet type figures. Uniforms show two shades of green.
Three different colour schemes. The first figure has hands and rifle moulded in one piece. The third figure is simplified with boots and hands also in green. Notice that the soldier is holding a (green) grenade in the right hand.
As usually, the heavy support for the American infantry is the basooka.