“Midgies: The Complete Miniature Mobile Army” — A Toy Soldier’s War on the Home Front

On proud display at Ghosts of the Battlefield is a charming and seldom-seen piece of wartime Americana: Midgies — The Complete Miniature Mobile Army. This artifact is more than just a toy set; it's a window into the imagination of American children during World War II, when the war effort reached beyond the front lines and into living rooms and schoolyards across the country.

Produced during the 1940s, Midgies was a cleverly marketed set of tiny military miniatures packaged in a colorful and patriotic folder. Inside, young hands could command a full complement of painted plastic soldiers, tanks, jeeps, artillery, planes, and other military vehicles. The box proudly promised a “Complete Miniature Mobile Army,” stirring visions of heroic battles and frontline bravery. These toys allowed children to roleplay the epic events of the war while their parents followed real headlines from Normandy to the Pacific.

But beyond play, toys like Midgies served as miniature symbols of the nation’s patriotic spirit. They reflected not only America’s fascination with military might, but also the deep pride families held in “their boys” fighting overseas. For many children, these toys became emotional anchors—helping them understand, emulate, and feel connected to the fathers, brothers, and neighbors who had gone off to war. They were not just playthings—they were tributes.

Just as importantly, toys like this gave the American public—especially the youngest among them—a sense of purpose. In a time of rationing, sacrifice, and constant worry, playing with patriotic-themed toys gave children and families a way to feel involved, to express their support, and to contribute in spirit. Even if their “doing something” in the war meant only waving flags, buying bonds, or cheering on toy tanks, it reaffirmed a collective identity rooted in unity, hope, and determination.

And companies were quick to recognize this. Smart manufacturers saw the powerful emotional current running through American homes and wisely aligned their products to tap into it. Toys like Midgies were not just playsets—they were products of a marketing strategy that capitalized on the deep-seated need to be patriotic, to feel connected, and to have a role—however small—in the war effort. From model kits to comic books, countless items were stamped with stars, stripes, and slogans, turning everyday purchases into symbolic acts of national pride.

The set in this display appears to be remarkably well-preserved, featuring a full suite of miniatures from signal corps vehicles to anti-aircraft guns and fighter planes—all nestled around the original illustrated packaging. The artwork on the cover boasts classic wartime imagery: the American star, military hardware in action, and a flag-bearing soldier silhouetted in triumphant march. It reflects not only the aesthetic of 1940s patriotic art but also the spirit of total mobilization, where even children’s play supported morale and imagination.

While modern eyes may view these with nostalgia, it's important to remember that such toys were part of a larger cultural effort. They instilled pride, courage, and a sense of responsibility in young Americans—many of whom would grow up to serve in Korea or Vietnam. These toys, while simple, carried a weight of meaning in households where loved ones were overseas and victory bonds were sold door-to-door.

The Midgies set stands today not just as a collectible, but as a poignant reminder of how every corner of American life was touched by the war—right down to the toy boxes of its children.