New From King & Country – May Releases Are Now Available for Pre Order
From ceremonial British Guards bands to the Royal Hong Kong Police, and an exciting brand-new Samurai series based on the legendary Battle of Sekigahara — May is packed with outstanding new releases from King & Country.
Here’s a look at what is now be available for pre-order to The Military Workshop in Brisbane. We do apologise this has been released so late, some training has been going on with us new owners, who are eager to offer all we can to satisfy our valued clients.
AVAILABLE: Mid May
Scots Guards Pipes & Drums Expands
The popular ceremonial range continues with stunning new additions to the famous Scots Guards Pipes & Drums.
Collectors can now build a larger and more complete parade formation with these beautifully detailed musicians and parade leaders.
New Releases
Featuring iconic scarlet tunics, intricate lace detailing, ceremonial maces, and traditional Guards regalia, these pieces are ideal for display alongside existing Scots Guards pipers and musicians.
On Parade With The Royal Hong Kong Police
One of the most personal and nostalgic new releases from King & Country this month takes collectors back to the parade grounds of the Royal Hong Kong Police during the late 1970s.
Inspired by founder Andy Neilson’s own experiences training as a Probationary Inspector in 1977, this fascinating collection captures the discipline, ceremony, and unmistakable British military influence that shaped the Royal Hong Kong Police of the era.
At the time, Hong Kong remained under British administration and the police force operated along strongly paramilitary lines. Training involved far more than classroom study, with recruits learning law, firearms handling, hand-to-hand combat, Cantonese, and, of course, the demanding art of parade-ground drill.
Passing-Out Parades were among the most memorable spectacles of police training. Accompanied by military bands and Pipes & Drums, squads of constables and officers marched with precision under the watchful eye of experienced drill instructors. Lee Enfield .303 rifles with fixed bayonets, sharply executed commands such as “Slope Arms”, “Order Arms”, and “Present Arms”, and repeated march-pasts combined to create displays of remarkable discipline and pageantry.
Although times have changed and modern Hong Kong police ceremonies now reflect a different style and tradition, echoes of the past still remain. Recent parade visits continue to feature police bands, ceremonial marching, and even bagpipers — reminders of a proud and distinctive chapter in Hong Kong policing history.
This brand-new King & Country series brings that unique atmosphere to life in miniature form.
New Royal Hong Kong Police Releases
HKY028 – RHKP Marching Inspector
A newly commissioned Inspector leads his squad forward, sharply turning with the command “Eyes Right” while delivering a formal salute.
HKY029 – RHKP Marching Constable w/ Rifle & Bayonet
A marching constable carrying the classic Lee Enfield rifle with fixed bayonet.
HKY030 – RHKP At Attention Constable w/ Rifle & Bayonet
Standing firm at Order Arms, this figure perfectly captures parade-ground precision.
HKY031 – RHKP Saluting Inspector At Attention
A traditional British-style salute from a Probationary Inspector standing proudly on parade.
HKY032 – RHKP Saluting Policewoman
Depicting the summer uniform of the period, this figure honours the growing role of women within the Royal Hong Kong Police during the 1970s.
HKY-S01 – Set of 4 Marching Constables
Create a more impressive parade display with a full marching squad.
HKY-S02 – Set of 4 At Attention Constables
Ideal for building ceremonial parade formations and display scenes.
AVAILABLE: Mid May
SEKIGAHARA 1600
One of the most exciting new releases from King & Country this year transports collectors to one of the most decisive battles in Japanese history — the legendary Battle of Sekigahara.
Fought on 21 October 1600 after more than 150 years of near-constant civil war, Sekigahara saw two great rival factions battle for control of Japan following the death of the powerful warlord Toyotomi Hideyoshi.
The opposing armies of Ishida Mitsunari and Tokugawa Ieyasu clashed in a massive confrontation in a mountain valley in central Japan. By the end of the battle, tens of thousands of warriors lay dead, and Tokugawa Ieyasu emerged victorious, paving the way for his appointment as Shogun and the beginning of the Tokugawa Shogunate.
This dramatic new King & Country series captures the colour, movement, and military traditions of feudal Japan with beautifully detailed Samurai and Ashigaru warriors in 1:30 scale.
How This New Series Began
The origins of this exciting range actually stretch back more than twenty years.
In 2005, King & Country was commissioned by Del Prado Japan to design and produce a series of Samurai-era miniatures featuring both elite Samurai warriors and the Ashigaru foot soldiers who formed the backbone of feudal Japanese armies.
Fast forward to 2025, when King & Country founder Andy Neilson and his wife Liza travelled through central Japan on a walking tour visiting historic castles, traditional inns, and famous battle sites connected to Japan’s medieval past.
Seeing life-sized displays of Samurai warriors, Ashigaru soldiers, and even live historical reenactors proved highly inspiring. Yet despite the rich history and strong tourist interest, one thing seemed missing — quality miniature figures that truly captured the atmosphere and drama of the period in the distinctive King & Country style.
That experience helped inspire the launch of this brand-new series.
The Ashigaru Warriors
The first releases focus on the Ashigaru, the massed foot soldiers of feudal Japan whose name roughly translates as “light feet”.
Originally recruited from commoners and farmers, Ashigaru became an essential part of Japanese warfare during the late medieval period. Armed with bows, spears, and later matchlock arquebuses introduced by Portuguese traders, these soldiers played a major role in the outcome of battles such as Sekigahara.
King & Country’s new figures showcase the unique appearance of these warriors, including:
- Traditional lacquered armour
- Conical Jingasa war hats
- Sashimono back banners
- Yari spears
- Matchlock arquebuses
- Taiko battlefield drums
Each figure is rich in historical detail and designed to create dramatic battle displays and formations.
First Releases in the SEKIGAHARA 1600 Series
SW001 – Ashigaru Archer Reaching for an Arrow
This Ashigaru Archer wears the typical body armour of a Japanese foot soldier of this feudal period. Relatively inexpensive to produce it consisted of a simple ‘cuirass’ of lacquered metal to cover the chest and back areas. Cloth sleeves were padded with integral splints of the same metal or hardened bamboo sewn on top or the outside of the garment.
Below the waist a split armoured apron surrounded the lower body protecting the soldier’s private parts, thighs and backside. Lower down were the loose fitting leggings complete with metal or bamboo shin guards.
One of the most striking features of Japanese armour of this era was the ‘Sashimono’, a long banner worn from a cross bar and pole arrangement attached to the back of some Ashigaru’s armour. These banners were often marked with the family crest or symbol of the particular commander or Samurai leading that unit.
SW003 – Kneeling Ashigaru Archer
Outfitted and equipped in the same manner as SW001 this particular Archer is in addition wearing the ‘Jingasa’, the conical or bowl-shaped “war hat” designed for combat and mass production.
These “war hats” were typically made of lacquered iron, leather or wood and provided basic protection against downward blows and both the sun and inclement weather.
In addition, clan and unit crests would often be painted at the front of each hat which would be attached by rope or cloth chin straps to the wearer’s head.
Cloth sunscreens are also attached to each “war hat” to shield the neck and sides of the head.
One of the most striking features of Japanese armour of this era was the ‘Sashimono’, a long banner worn from a cross bar and pole arrangement attached to the back of some Ashigaru’s armour. These banners were often marked with the family crest or symbol of the particular commander or Samurai leading that unit.
SW004 – Ashigaru Archer About To Launch An Arrow
Captured in a dynamic firing pose moments before releasing his arrow.
Aiming upwards this Archer is about to let fly…
SW006 – Sitting Ashigaru Arquebusier
By the year 1600 many Ashigaru were heavily equipped with ‘Tanegashima’, Japanese-made matchlock arquebuses introduced into Japan by Portuguese traders in 1543. These weapons revolutionized warfare allowing lower-class Ashigaru to train and destroy heavily armed cavalry or Samurai.
Within a few short years arquebus-armed ashigaru far outnumbered the older, traditional archers leading from a two-to-one ratio at the time of Sekigahara to a four-to-one ratio in later periods.
Archers however still had one distinctive advantage… They could fire, reload and fire once more much faster!
Our Ashigaru Arquebusier is loaded and ready to fire.
SW008 – Kneeling Priming Ashigaru Arquebusier
This figure is priming his match lock mechanism with a little gunpowder in preparation to fire.
Also note the standing metal ‘ramrod’ close at hand with all three of these first Ashigaru Arquebusiers
Preparing his weapon for battle with fine historical detailing throughout.
SW010 – Standing Firing Arquebusier
One of our leading Arquebusiers, complete with his ‘Sashimono’ banner, aiming at the enemy and about to open fire.
SW014 – Ashigaru Taiko Drum Set
Taiko Drums are traditional Japanese barrel shaped percussion instruments ranging from small to massive sizes known for their thunderous sound and physical performance style.
With roots in ancient rituals, battle and theatre they are characterized by high energy, synchronized movement and perfect discipline.
In battle they were used to communicate between commanders and units as well as scaring the enemy.
Our spectacular and dynamic two figure team and their Taiko drum can easily sound and make their presence felt on any battlefield… anywhere!
AVAILABLE: Mid to Late May
Retiring Soon – Final Chance to Order
Several classic King & Country pieces are being retired this month, including:
- TR001 Victoria & Albert
- TR004 Grand Duchess Olga & Grand Duchess Tatiana
- TR007 The Grand Duchesses’ Maria & Anastasia’
Once sold out, these items may become difficult to obtain.
Order Yours Today
If you would like to secure any of these upcoming releases or retiring favourites, contact The Military Workshop today.
We are proud to stock one of Australia’s best selections of King & Country figures, dioramas, and military miniatures.
Visit us in-store in Brisbane or shop online.