Warhammer World: First Space Marine

I'm sure many readers will be aware of the rumours circulating about what is happening in coming weeks with the 30th anniversary of Space Marines. To quote Warhammer 40,000's Facebook page:

"The original Warhammer 40,000 Space Marine celebrates his birthday soon.

What are you getting him?

Oh, and obviously, because you’re all our friends (on Facebook) you’re all invited to the party!

We’ll be hosting it in every Warhammer and Games Workshop store in the world on the 16th of April alongside loads of promotions, games, activities and the release of a very special miniature."

Much of the rumours surround what kind of miniature might be produced and retailed to mark this event. In anticipation of this, today I wanted to share with you a photo that I took at Warhammer World of the very first space marine produced off the factory floor when they relocated there in 1997 (i.e. 19 years ago!). This golden find is in the historic section of Warhammer World's exhibits. The text at the bottom of the image reads:

"The first miniature off the production line, after Citadel Miniatures relocated to this site in 1997."

Note that I'm not making any claims here about the nature of the anniversary model. It most assuredly will not be this model as I personally reckon it will be a Mk.6 marine (i.e. beaky!).