Minifigure – Russian Imperial Machine Gunner (Madsen Gunner) WWI (LEGO Compatible)

The Figure: WWI Russian Imperial Machine Gunner (Madsen Gunner)

This toy minifigure represents a specialized soldier of the Russian Imperial Army during World War I. He is a Machine Gunner assigned to operate the Madsen Light Machine Gun, one of the world’s first true light machine guns, which was widely used by Russian cavalry and infantry units.

• Headgear: He wears the dark M1915 Adrian Helmet.

  • Historical Context: As with the other figures in this series, the use of the French-supplied Adrian helmet places this soldier in the 1916–1917 period. Machine gun crews were high-priority targets for enemy snipers, making the steel helmet an essential piece of equipment for them.

• Uniform: He is dressed in the standard Khaki “Gymnastirka” Tunic.

  • Gear: He wears a brown leather belt with a Cross-Chest Strap. This configuration was typical for soldiers carrying heavier equipment or sidearms to distribute the weight.

• Accessory (The Printed Tile): In his right hand, he holds a transparent printed tile depicting a Brown Leather Holster/Case.

  • Detail: Given his role as a machine gunner, this likely represents a Holster for a Sidearm (such as a Nagant M1895 revolver or Mauser C96) or a Spare Parts/Tool Pouch for the machine gun. Machine gunners were unable to carry rifles due to the weight of their primary weapon, so they relied on pistols for self-defense.

• Legs: The figure features printed Black High Boots (Sapogi), the standard footwear for Russian troops, with the tunic hem printed over the hips.

• Face: The face print features a Scar on the Cheek and a serious expression, identical to the “Battle-Worn” infantryman, suggesting he is a veteran survivor of the Eastern Front.

Historical Background: The Madsen Machine Gun was a Danish weapon that the Russian Empire purchased in large numbers during the Russo-Japanese War and WWI. Unlike the heavy Maxim guns that required a team to move, the Madsen could be carried by a single soldier (though often with an assistant). These “Madsen Gunners” provided crucial mobile firepower to Russian infantry waves, allowing them to suppress enemy trenches while on the move.