WWII US Coast Guard Auxiliary

Thrust into WWII in December of 1941, the US quickly found itself unprepared for the threat of submarines, particularly German U-boats, prowling the vast coastlines, and sowing fear of attack even in places like Manhattan. Seeing the massive lack of ships and personnel available from the interwar US Coast Guard, the Cruising Club of America quickly advocated for a civilian sourced auxiliary, to help boaster the Coast Guard's coverage. Endorsed by the Government, over 2000 private boats, largely yachts, and sail boats would be accepted into volunteer service and converted for asymmetrical warfare use with whatever spare equipment was available. Calling themselves the Corsair Fleet, or in Florida, the aptly named Mosquito fleet; the civilian volunteer captains and crews would quickly become known as the "Hooligan Navy". This moniker stuck even when the official USCG Auxiliary was formed, as able bodied and experienced sailors went off to the Navy, and were replaced with ex-rum-runners, old fisherman, and ruffians seeking adventure. While very few U-boats were ever engaged, the Hooligan Navy did provide vital reassurance to shoreline communities, assist in shielding the radio traffic of outgoing convoys, and quickly respond to aid torpedoed ships. 

This figure is based on some of the few surviving Hooligan navy photos. Despite their ragtag civilian composition, this is easily one of the coolest minifigures I've ever designed. Patrolling the Atlantic coastline required cold weather clothing, depicted here with the US Navy issued deck jacket and coveralls, as well as the felt over boots similar to those I've previously done for Battle of the Bulge figures. The head features artwork representing the USN blue wool balaclava, with polaroid 1021 goggles. I've added a layer of gloss ink over the green polaroid goggles to give them a nice pop, and complete the really cool, dark look of this figure. 

Editions: 

Original Proof Copy - 1 of 1, first complete minifigure out of the printer. Signature by Landon Reimer, sealed plastic collectors slab with Brick Warp artwork. 

Collectors Edition - Signature by Landon Reimer, sealed plastic collectors slab with Brick Warp artwork. 

Base Model - Complete figure in hand-stamped numbered case inspired by WWII era packaging. Not sealed. This packaging again, is hand-stamped and is not intended to look perfect. 

Art features: 

• Custom printed wrap around minifigure head 
• USN blue wool balaclava
• Polaroid 1021 goggles with green lenses and gloss printing 
• USN Deck Jacket with US Navy back printing 
• USN blue cold weather deck trousers 
• USN felt cold weather overshoes
• Dark brown minifigure hands representing leather gloves 
• Inside leg printing 
• Holographically sealed packaging (original and collectors edition) 
• Hand stamped WWII inspired packaging (base model) 

Legal: This is not a LEGO® Product. LEGO and the LEGO minifigure are trademarks of the LEGO Group, which does not sponsor, authorize, or endorse this product. The LEGO Group is not liable for any loss, injury or damage arising from the use or misuse of this product