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Corgi US51203 1:48 Bell AH-1G Cobra US Army 4th Aviation Battalion Gambler Guns Vietnam

Duties & Taxes Prepaid Where Available
30-Day Returns

Preowned - Near Mint (9/10)
Limited edition 2500 worldwide
Out of stock
Dispatch by Mon, Nov 2
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Description

A substantial and highly detailed 1:48 scale diecast representation of a United States Army Bell AH-1G Cobra operated by the “Gambler Guns” during the Vietnam War. Released as part of Corgi's Aviation Archive Unsung Heroes Vietnam Series II, US51203 represents an aircraft of the 4th Aviation Battalion, 4th Infantry Division.

The AH-1 Cobra was developed in response to the urgent requirement for a dedicated armed escort helicopter capable of protecting troop-carrying Hueys and providing immediate fire support to soldiers on the ground. It used major mechanical components from the proven UH-1 family but placed them within a narrow, purpose-designed attack airframe.

The Cobra's tandem cockpit positioned the gunner in the forward seat and the pilot behind. This arrangement reduced the width of the fuselage and presented a smaller target, while still providing both crew members with good visibility over the battlefield.

This release is finished in dark olive drab with subdued United States Army markings and the distinctive “Gambler Guns” insignia. Stub wings carry rocket pods and other external armament, while the nose incorporates the characteristic chin-mounted gun turret associated with early AH-1G operations.

During the Vietnam War, Cobra crews escorted transport helicopters, attacked enemy positions and provided close support to ground forces. They also worked alongside observation helicopters in hunter-killer teams, with the smaller aircraft identifying targets before the Cobra delivered heavier firepower.

Limited to 2,500 pieces worldwide, this impressive Corgi model features extensive diecast construction, a long transparent tandem canopy, detailed pilot and gunner positions, stub-mounted weapons, a movable chin turret, skid landing gear and a large rotating main rotor. Its substantial size and restrained combat finish give it a particularly purposeful appearance.


Fact Sheet

Brand: Corgi

Series: Aviation Archive Unsung Heroes

Range: Vietnam Series II

Model code: US51203

Aircraft: Bell AH-1G Cobra

Aircraft Name / Unit Identity: Gambler Guns

Unit: United States Army 4th Aviation Battalion

Division: 4th Infantry Division

Campaign / Event: Vietnam War

Role: Attack, escort and close-air-support helicopter

Operator / Country: United States Army / United States

Scale: 1:48

Limited Edition Size: 2,500 pieces worldwide

Material: Heavyweight diecast metal with quality sub-components

Special Features: Limited edition release, authentic Gambler Guns and US Army markings, olive-drab combat finish, detailed tandem cockpit with crew figures, large transparent canopy, stub-mounted rocket pods, chin-mounted gun turret, skid landing gear, detailed tail rotor and rotating main rotor


Model Dimensions

Length: 13.25" or 33.7 cm

Width (Rotor Span): 11" or 27.9 cm

Condition

Model Condition - Near Mint (9/10)

  • Model appeared to be sealed prior to photography, but the packaging was opened for inspection due to a patch of paint bubbling just before the engine intake.
  • The paint bubbling is not overly noticeable, which is why the model has been graded as near mint.
  • Despite the noted imperfection, the model displays very well overall.
  • Comes complete.

Box condition - Very Good (7/10)

  • Box is in very good condition for its age overall.
  • Rip present to the side tab.
  • General shelf wear is present.

Photographed under studio lighting to highlight even the smallest imperfections. Buy with confidence, what you see is exactly what you get.

Any imperfections are shown in the images and description. Refer to the grading tab for more details. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to ask.

Condition

This model has sold. Its condition details have been removed because they described the specific item that was available. If another example becomes available, it will be inspected and listed with its own condition details and photographs.

Grading

Grading Criteria

Our grading is based mainly on the physical condition of the model itself, including paintwork, attached parts, repairs, visible wear and overall presentation. Box condition and missing separate accessories are noted separately where applicable.


Mint (10/10)
- As new, with no visible flaws to the model itself.


Near Mint (9/10)
- Very light signs of handling, storage or display only.


Excellent (8/10)
- Light wear or a few tiny marks, but still displays very well.


Very Good (7/10)
- Noticeable wear, small chips or rubs, but still presentable as a display piece.


Good (6/10)
- Obvious overall wear, visible marks or paint loss; better suited as a display or filler piece.


Fair (5/10)
- Heavy wear, larger areas of paint loss, repairs or clearly visible flaws.


Spares / Repairs (4/10 or below)
- Significant damage, missing attached parts, broken components or best suited for restoration/spares.


If a separate accessory, stand, leaflet, certificate or optional part is missing, this will be mentioned in the listing notes. The model may still receive a high grade if the model itself remains in strong condition.

For a full breakdown on how we grade models, please refer to our Condition Grading page.

Shipping

Dispatch & Tracking

Orders are dispatched on the next working day after they are placed. We do not dispatch orders on the same day.

If you would like us to hold your order for a later dispatch date, please add a note in the cart before proceeding to checkout, or contact us directly as soon as possible.

Once dispatched, you can follow your parcel on our 'Track Your Order' page.


UK Delivery

  • Tracked 48 — £4.20: Usually 2–3 working days. Available on orders under £100.

  • Tracked 24 — £5.20: Aims for the next working day after dispatch. Free on orders of £100 or more.

  • Parcelforce expressAM — £9.50: Guaranteed by 12 noon on the next working day after dispatch. Free on orders of £200 or more.


International Delivery

We ship worldwide from the UK using tracked services, with parcels insured up to the full order value.

  • Europe: Usually 3–5 business days after dispatch.

  • Rest of the world: Usually 6–7 business days after dispatch.

 

Add your models to the cart and enter your address to see available services and prices. Postage is combined by weight when you purchase multiple models.

If you place separate orders before they have been dispatched, we will combine them where they can be packed safely together and refund any excess postage paid. Please contact us as soon as possible so we can identify the orders.


Import Duties & Taxes

For supported destinations, duties and taxes are shown and collected at checkout. These orders are sent using a duty-paid service where available, so no further import duties or taxes should be due on delivery.

Duty-paid delivery is available where shown at checkout for the United States, Norway, Switzerland and selected European destinations. See our Shipping Policy for the full destination list.

If duties and taxes are not collected at checkout, your order is sent Delivered Duties Unpaid (DDU). You may need to pay import charges or carrier handling fees before delivery.


We wrap each model box in bubble wrap and use paper void fill inside a sturdy, double-walled shipping box. We may reuse boxes and bubble wrap where suitable, while ensuring your order is protected during transit.

Returns

Returns

You can return an item within 30 days of delivery, provided it is in the same condition as when you received it.

Returns are free for UK customers. Customers outside the UK are responsible for return postage unless the item is faulty or not as described. We photograph and describe each item carefully so you can buy with confidence.

We inspect returned items before issuing a refund. For full details, please see our Returns Policy.

To start a return, email jay@thecollectablesvault.com or use the contact form under About & Help in the top menu.

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Description

A substantial and highly detailed 1:48 scale diecast representation of a United States Army Bell AH-1G Cobra operated by the “Gambler Guns” during the Vietnam War. Released as part of Corgi's Aviation Archive Unsung Heroes Vietnam Series II, US51203 represents an aircraft of the 4th Aviation Battalion, 4th Infantry Division.

The AH-1 Cobra was developed in response to the urgent requirement for a dedicated armed escort helicopter capable of protecting troop-carrying Hueys and providing immediate fire support to soldiers on the ground. It used major mechanical components from the proven UH-1 family but placed them within a narrow, purpose-designed attack airframe.

The Cobra's tandem cockpit positioned the gunner in the forward seat and the pilot behind. This arrangement reduced the width of the fuselage and presented a smaller target, while still providing both crew members with good visibility over the battlefield.

This release is finished in dark olive drab with subdued United States Army markings and the distinctive “Gambler Guns” insignia. Stub wings carry rocket pods and other external armament, while the nose incorporates the characteristic chin-mounted gun turret associated with early AH-1G operations.

During the Vietnam War, Cobra crews escorted transport helicopters, attacked enemy positions and provided close support to ground forces. They also worked alongside observation helicopters in hunter-killer teams, with the smaller aircraft identifying targets before the Cobra delivered heavier firepower.

Limited to 2,500 pieces worldwide, this impressive Corgi model features extensive diecast construction, a long transparent tandem canopy, detailed pilot and gunner positions, stub-mounted weapons, a movable chin turret, skid landing gear and a large rotating main rotor. Its substantial size and restrained combat finish give it a particularly purposeful appearance.


Fact Sheet

Brand: Corgi

Series: Aviation Archive Unsung Heroes

Range: Vietnam Series II

Model code: US51203

Aircraft: Bell AH-1G Cobra

Aircraft Name / Unit Identity: Gambler Guns

Unit: United States Army 4th Aviation Battalion

Division: 4th Infantry Division

Campaign / Event: Vietnam War

Role: Attack, escort and close-air-support helicopter

Operator / Country: United States Army / United States

Scale: 1:48

Limited Edition Size: 2,500 pieces worldwide

Material: Heavyweight diecast metal with quality sub-components

Special Features: Limited edition release, authentic Gambler Guns and US Army markings, olive-drab combat finish, detailed tandem cockpit with crew figures, large transparent canopy, stub-mounted rocket pods, chin-mounted gun turret, skid landing gear, detailed tail rotor and rotating main rotor


Model Dimensions

Length: 13.25" or 33.7 cm

Width (Rotor Span): 11" or 27.9 cm

Condition

Model Condition - Near Mint (9/10)

  • Model appeared to be sealed prior to photography, but the packaging was opened for inspection due to a patch of paint bubbling just before the engine intake.
  • The paint bubbling is not overly noticeable, which is why the model has been graded as near mint.
  • Despite the noted imperfection, the model displays very well overall.
  • Comes complete.

Box condition - Very Good (7/10)

  • Box is in very good condition for its age overall.
  • Rip present to the side tab.
  • General shelf wear is present.

Photographed under studio lighting to highlight even the smallest imperfections. Buy with confidence, what you see is exactly what you get.

Any imperfections are shown in the images and description. Refer to the grading tab for more details. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to ask.

Condition

This model has sold. Its condition details have been removed because they described the specific item that was available. If another example becomes available, it will be inspected and listed with its own condition details and photographs.

Grading

Grading Criteria

Our grading is based mainly on the physical condition of the model itself, including paintwork, attached parts, repairs, visible wear and overall presentation. Box condition and missing separate accessories are noted separately where applicable.


Mint (10/10)
- As new, with no visible flaws to the model itself.


Near Mint (9/10)
- Very light signs of handling, storage or display only.


Excellent (8/10)
- Light wear or a few tiny marks, but still displays very well.


Very Good (7/10)
- Noticeable wear, small chips or rubs, but still presentable as a display piece.


Good (6/10)
- Obvious overall wear, visible marks or paint loss; better suited as a display or filler piece.


Fair (5/10)
- Heavy wear, larger areas of paint loss, repairs or clearly visible flaws.


Spares / Repairs (4/10 or below)
- Significant damage, missing attached parts, broken components or best suited for restoration/spares.


If a separate accessory, stand, leaflet, certificate or optional part is missing, this will be mentioned in the listing notes. The model may still receive a high grade if the model itself remains in strong condition.

For a full breakdown on how we grade models, please refer to our Condition Grading page.

Shipping

Dispatch & Tracking

Orders are dispatched on the next working day after they are placed. We do not dispatch orders on the same day.

If you would like us to hold your order for a later dispatch date, please add a note in the cart before proceeding to checkout, or contact us directly as soon as possible.

Once dispatched, you can follow your parcel on our 'Track Your Order' page.


UK Delivery

  • Tracked 48 — £4.20: Usually 2–3 working days. Available on orders under £100.

  • Tracked 24 — £5.20: Aims for the next working day after dispatch. Free on orders of £100 or more.

  • Parcelforce expressAM — £9.50: Guaranteed by 12 noon on the next working day after dispatch. Free on orders of £200 or more.


International Delivery

We ship worldwide from the UK using tracked services, with parcels insured up to the full order value.

  • Europe: Usually 3–5 business days after dispatch.

  • Rest of the world: Usually 6–7 business days after dispatch.

 

Add your models to the cart and enter your address to see available services and prices. Postage is combined by weight when you purchase multiple models.

If you place separate orders before they have been dispatched, we will combine them where they can be packed safely together and refund any excess postage paid. Please contact us as soon as possible so we can identify the orders.


Import Duties & Taxes

For supported destinations, duties and taxes are shown and collected at checkout. These orders are sent using a duty-paid service where available, so no further import duties or taxes should be due on delivery.

Duty-paid delivery is available where shown at checkout for the United States, Norway, Switzerland and selected European destinations. See our Shipping Policy for the full destination list.

If duties and taxes are not collected at checkout, your order is sent Delivered Duties Unpaid (DDU). You may need to pay import charges or carrier handling fees before delivery.


We wrap each model box in bubble wrap and use paper void fill inside a sturdy, double-walled shipping box. We may reuse boxes and bubble wrap where suitable, while ensuring your order is protected during transit.

Returns

Returns

You can return an item within 30 days of delivery, provided it is in the same condition as when you received it.

Returns are free for UK customers. Customers outside the UK are responsible for return postage unless the item is faulty or not as described. We photograph and describe each item carefully so you can buy with confidence.

We inspect returned items before issuing a refund. For full details, please see our Returns Policy.

To start a return, email jay@thecollectablesvault.com or use the contact form under About & Help in the top menu.