Skip to content

Cart

Your cart is empty

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

Sale price£70.00 GBP

Preowned - Near Mint (9/10)
Limited Edition
1710 of 2500
Pieces Worldwide
Only 1 unit left
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.

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

Goods will be shipped next day after the order is placed.

You can stay updated on your tracking information by clicking Track Your Order here. Alternatively, this can be located via the top menu under 'Track Your Order'.

Please allow extra time for delivery during the busy Christmas period.


UK Shipping

  • Free Express Tracked Delivery (Royal Mail Tracked 24 – 1 Business day)
    For orders over £100.
  • Free Premium Delivery (ParcelForce Express Tracked – 1 Business day)
    For orders over £200.
  • Royal Mail Tracked 48 (2–3 working days) – £3.95
    For orders under £100.
  • Royal Mail Express Tracked (1 business day) – £5.20
    For orders under £100.


Worldwide

International shipping is available and fully insured up to the total order value. Add items to your cart and enter your delivery address in the cart to see postage before checkout. If you buy multiple items, the cart will automatically combine shipping costs based on item weight.


International Import Duties & Taxes

For selected duty-paid destinations, import duties and taxes are calculated and collected upfront at checkout. Where these charges are shown at checkout, your order will be shipped using a duty-paid service where available, helping to reduce the chance of additional import charges on delivery.

Selected European duty-paid destinations currently include Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Cyprus, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Italy, Latvia, Malta, Netherlands, Portugal, Slovakia, Spain, Sweden and the Republic of Ireland.

Duty-paid shipping may also be available for the United States, Norway and Switzerland where shown at checkout.

For destinations where duties and taxes are not collected at checkout, orders are sent Delivered Duties Unpaid (DDU), meaning import charges may be payable before delivery.

Products are packaged very well to ensure secure delivery and a happy customer.

Returns

- Returns are accepted within 30 days of delivery.

- Items must be returned in their original condition.

- Free UK customer returns.

- Non-UK customers are responsible for return postage unless the item is faulty or not as described. We photograph and describe all items accurately to help you buy with confidence.

- Refunds are issued after inspection of the returned item.

For more information on returns, please visit our Returns Policy page.


If you need to return an item, please email jay@thecollectablesvault.com or use the contact form under “About & Help” in the top menu.

Corgi US51203 1:48 Bell AH-1G Cobra US Army 4th Aviation Battalion Gambler Guns Vietnam
Corgi US51203 1:48 Bell AH-1G Cobra US Army 4th Aviation Battalion Gambler Guns Vietnam Sale price£70.00 GBP

Browse Sold Archive

Browse previously sold diecast aircraft and collectable models from The Collectables Vault. This archive shows past stock, rare releases, and examples of the models that may return in future collections.

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.

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

Goods will be shipped next day after the order is placed.

You can stay updated on your tracking information by clicking Track Your Order here. Alternatively, this can be located via the top menu under 'Track Your Order'.

Please allow extra time for delivery during the busy Christmas period.


UK Shipping

  • Free Express Tracked Delivery (Royal Mail Tracked 24 – 1 Business day)
    For orders over £100.
  • Free Premium Delivery (ParcelForce Express Tracked – 1 Business day)
    For orders over £200.
  • Royal Mail Tracked 48 (2–3 working days) – £3.95
    For orders under £100.
  • Royal Mail Express Tracked (1 business day) – £5.20
    For orders under £100.


Worldwide

International shipping is available and fully insured up to the total order value. Add items to your cart and enter your delivery address in the cart to see postage before checkout. If you buy multiple items, the cart will automatically combine shipping costs based on item weight.


International Import Duties & Taxes

For selected duty-paid destinations, import duties and taxes are calculated and collected upfront at checkout. Where these charges are shown at checkout, your order will be shipped using a duty-paid service where available, helping to reduce the chance of additional import charges on delivery.

Selected European duty-paid destinations currently include Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Cyprus, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Italy, Latvia, Malta, Netherlands, Portugal, Slovakia, Spain, Sweden and the Republic of Ireland.

Duty-paid shipping may also be available for the United States, Norway and Switzerland where shown at checkout.

For destinations where duties and taxes are not collected at checkout, orders are sent Delivered Duties Unpaid (DDU), meaning import charges may be payable before delivery.

Products are packaged very well to ensure secure delivery and a happy customer.

Returns

- Returns are accepted within 30 days of delivery.

- Items must be returned in their original condition.

- Free UK customer returns.

- Non-UK customers are responsible for return postage unless the item is faulty or not as described. We photograph and describe all items accurately to help you buy with confidence.

- Refunds are issued after inspection of the returned item.

For more information on returns, please visit our Returns Policy page.


If you need to return an item, please email jay@thecollectablesvault.com or use the contact form under “About & Help” in the top menu.