15Minifigure – Enlisted soldier or veteran from the elite 87th Division of the Chinese National Revolutionary Army NRA (LEGO Alternative)

This minifigure represents an enlisted soldier or veteran (老兵, lǎobīng) from the elite 87th Division of the Chinese National Revolutionary Army (NRA), part of the Central Army during the Second Sino-Japanese War (1937-1945). The 87th Division was one of China’s premier, German-trained units at the beginning of the war. Its soldiers were known for their discipline and bravery, particularly during the grueling three-month Battle of Shanghai in 1937. This character is a generic representation of an experienced enlisted man from this famous historical unit. The item in the picture is a single, detailed toy minifigure:

• He is depicted hatless with a stern and determined facial expression.
• He is wearing the standard-issue M36 uniform of an enlisted NRA soldier.
• The printed details are very accurate for the period, including the enlisted rank insignia on his collar tabs, a brown leather belt with ammunition pouches and cross-straps, and a rectangular unit patch on his chest.
• The light blue shield on his left arm was the specific divisional patch worn by units, like the 87th, that were under the direct command of the central government. He also has detailed printed leggings over his boots.