WWII US Marine BAR Gunner - Iwo Jima 1945

While sifting through Iwo Jima references during my deep research into the flag raisings, I ran across numerous photos of BAR gunners atop Suribachi. As it turns out, the Marine Corps TO&E evolved during WWII increasing 1 BAR per rifle squad to 3. Forming the backbone of the Iwo Jima invasion, the 5th Marine Division was also partly made up from veteran Marines from the disbanded raiders and paramarine battalions, with a particular fondness for the BAR. The result being that many squads were made up of half or more BAR wielding Marines. 

This particular figure is designed from an amalgamation of references for Iwo Jima BAR gunners, as I wanted to include a variety of interesting details. Representing a Marine further into the fighting over the island, he includes a more grizzled head, with loose hanging chinstraps printed on the sides. I've included the unique detail of an army issue invasion gas mask bag, worn as a backpack, seen infrequently on Iwo Jima. These rubberized bags were often repurposed for storage, discarding the gas mask, as it offered a valuable opportunity for waterproof storage of cigarettes, underwear, reading material, and anything else which would normally risk being soaked in the standard field pack. Additionally, I came across a unique modification done by at least 1 Marine, where a half of an M1 Garand rifle belt has been cut apart and sewn onto the back adjustment strap of the belt for his BAR. I have no clue on the rationale, although this is similar to a WWI pattern of the belt for assistant gunners, which were equipped with a half rifle, half BAR belt to feed their rifle as well as contribute ammo to the gunner's BAR. 

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

Collectors Edition - Signed by Landon Reimer, serial numbered, and sealed plastic collectors slab with Brick Warp artwork.

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

• Custom printed BrickArms M1 Steel Pot helmet with tan frogskin camo
• Custom printed minifigure head with loose chinstraps and stubble artwork
• M1941 army issue field jacket
• P1941 dungaree trousers 
• Late war Marine teal undershirt
• Marine dog tags
• M1937 army issue BAR belt (field modified)
• M7 invasion gas mask bag (backpack variant)
• BAR tool pouch
• P1941 pack suspenders
• P2 Marine canteen carrier with canteen
• Navy N1 "Boondocker" field shoes  
• Inside leg Marine dungarees printing  
• Holographically sealed packaging (original and collectors edition) 
• Hand stamped WWII inspired packaging (base model) 

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