Seacraft Shipyards US Navy Corvette - 10 Inch Long Wooden Ship Kit
Wood Model Kit, Box Condition: VG+
$65
From 1945. Above-average quality early wooden ship kit. Features full hull precarved to correct overhead outline, two sheets of very nicely done print wood, wood stock as needed, several sizes of wooden dowels as needed, correct diameter smoke stack dowels, hollow superstructure style build, very well drawn plans with side, rear and overhead profiles, hull sections, cut out doors and window detail, several other views and drawings to aid construction and detail, awnings, rigging diagram, assembly instructions and more. The kit has never been started. Inventoried 100% complete including all parts and plans/instructions. Seacraft Shipyards was located in New York, New York and advertised a line of sailing vessels, aircraft carriers, warships and freighters. If you have more information about Seacraft please email me at oldmodels@yahoo.com
Marusan Nautilus SSN571 Nuclear Submarine Commemorative Issue - (ex-Revell), 1/305
Plastic Model Kit, Box Condition: Exc
$69
Very rare. This is a special issue by Marusan commemorating their very first kit - the Revell Nautilus. The contents are worthy of some detail. First, there is a 'Commemorative Booklet' which tells a fairly long story across many pages (in Japanese). The final page shows illustrations of the first Marusan print advertisements to promote the Nautilus, as well as a Marusan catalog page and a Revell/Marusan catalog page. The actual kit contains a copy of the original instruction sheet with "Marusan Plastic Model Kit" inside the Revell logo design, the older "SAN" logo and the special stand. The model parts are beautifully presented against white cardboard and factory sealed in clear bags. The special stand is included as well as the gold and black stand sticker. Complete and never started, with all paperwork and parts bags in mint condition.
AGA Sokol Polish Navy (U-Class) Submarine, 1/400, 1403
Plastic Model Kit, Box Condition: Sealed VG
$14
Still factory sealed, but the seal has drawn the box top concave. Solol and her sister Dzik were the first submarines delivered to the Polish Navy once WWII began. By Feburary of 1941 Sokol was patrolling the Bay of Biscay. The Dzik was delivered on October 11, 1942 and entered service very quickly. Both of these ships achieved significant success in the Mediterranean and Aegean Seas, where they destroyed several enemy ships. Both subs outlasted the war and were returned to England. The Sokol was broken up in 1949 and the Dzik was lent to the Danish Navy in 1946. Her active service ended in 1957 and she was broken up in 1958. Very nicely molded and detailed but certainly not a 'state of the art' Tamiya style kit. Features full hull with propellers and rudder, display stand, color paint guide for two different paint schemes on the back of the box with rigging diagram and full decals for either scheme with flags.
Constructo Clipper Great Republic - Highly Prefabricated 20 Inch Long Wooden Ship, 1/265, U601
Multimedia Model Kit, Box Condition: VG
$129
20 inches long and 11.5 inches high when assembled. Constructo kits are the finest of all the older prefabricated wooden ship kits. Features a completely shaped and sanded hardwood hull with predrilled mast, bowsprit, anchor chain and pedestal mounting holes, finished wood display stand, finished and painted stand pedestals and mounting nails, a large sheet of heavy cardboard with dozens of completely cut and finished and numbered hardwood parts held on with string, a factory sealed bag of fully finished fittings of metal, wood and plastic, numerous other hardwood parts completely cut to shape and numbered, deadeyes and blocks, paint and glue, wood stock as required and a complete set of sewn, ready-to-install cloth sails, black and white standing and running rigging thread, instructions in English and a full size plan sheet with many views, complete part identifications by number and excellent rigging diagrams. The kit has never been started. All the small parts are still in the factory sealed bags or factory-tied to the display piece. Only the hull was not factory sealed. With full size plans and instructions. Constructo kits were made in Spain and early issues in the USA were marketed by Constructo Nautical Miniatures, Inc, New York 1. There were many series of kits issues by size; some smaller and some larger than this kit.
Revell Documented Arizona Factory Display Owned By Esther Ross, Who Christened The USS Arizona
Plastic Model Kit, Box Condition: VG
$3800
An incredibly rare, documented, one-of-a-kind piece of history in amazing investment-grade collector condition. For the very advanced collector of unique military history and model kits. This Revell Factory Model was originally owned by Mrs. Esther Ross Wassell, who earlier was Miss Esther Ross who christened the USS Arizona in New York on June 19, 1915. She went on to play a very key role in the creation of the USS Arizona Memorial. Thanks to newspaper reports, we know that her father, William Ross, was a prominent pharmacist in Prescott, Arizona. He and his friends convinced Gov. Hunt to choose his daughter from the other 100 applicants anxious to do the honors. It turned out to be a wise choice reasons no one could foresee. Miss Ross took the task of launching the world's most powerful battleship very seriously. She practiced her duties every day after school for months, smashing syrup bottles full of water against a fence behind the house. Miss Ross was popular and well respected in Prescott. Even the Associated Press reported that she "was one of the prettiest girls in the state." A special train took Gov. Hunt, Miss Ross, her family and others to New York for the event. Although the applause for the then unpopular Gov. Hunt, the cheering for Miss Ross was "heard for miles." Page 1 of the Prescott Journal Miner, June 20th, 1915, reported that at the Brooklyn Navy Yard Miss Ross cried "I dub thee Arizona," and "Not a hitch or sign of accident marred the success of the launching." "This is the proudest moment of my life," she stated, "and I am most intensely gratified at the magnificent demonstration that my friends and the city of Prescott has given me." Sometime after the launching ceremony, Miss Ross married Mr. Arthur Wassell and became Mrs. Esther Ross Wassell. She saw the horror of World War II and the disaster of the Arizona touched her deeply. After the war, she joined the drive to create a memorial over the ship to the 1177 sailors entombed in her. She joined the Arizona Memorial Committee which raised all the funds needed to build the Arizona Memorial. She served on the staff and toured the USA giving numerous media interviews and key speeches for the fund raising. Out of gratitude, the USS Arizona Memorial Committee ordered a special Revell Factory Display USS Arizona for her. It came with two specially affixed small Fleet Reserve and Arizona Committee signs (shown in the photos) on the right side; these special markings are only found on the rare "appreciation gift" factory displays from the Arizona Memorial Committee members to important fundraisers. The model was shipped to her in Los Angeles. You can see the original "Arizona Memorial Committee" mailing label that has her full name and address, documenting that it was her model. Esther treasured this gift and kept it in remarkable and very complete condition. Included is the original shipping box in "very good++" condition with all the original shipping tape, all the original internal special cardboard packing material, the model ship in exceptional condition, the cardboard display base(complete but with small tears and very light wear as shown), the colorful backdrop (with wear and slight tears as shown, missing one lower tab), the original display assembly instructions and even an original fund raising card from the Arizona memorial campaign. This display, box and all materials were always in a climate controlled environment. The colors on the cardboard display are in stunning, factory-new condition. The instructions for the display are 'excellent.' The ship is 100% complete and the factory paint is in exceptional condition. Even the factory rigging and all flags are intact. There is very little dust on the ship; it appears to be in 'not displayed' condition; but I know it was displayed for a short time because of the small tears and one tab on the cardboard display backdrop (see photos), which were probably due to putting it up and taking it down. I have only found one repair; the jackstaff broke and was neatly repaired at some point. The factory shipping box still has all the original tape and very little wear for that age. The original Arizona Memorial Committee shipping label is in 'very good' shape. Due to it being on the bottom of the shipping box, it does have some wear, but all the writing can be clearly read with slight magnification. This piece passed to Esther's daughter, who gave it to a friend who then gave it to another friend. The later friend is wife to an OMK customer, who sold me the model. This kit must be shipped insured and I may require it shipped by special courier.
Varney US Navy Fleet Submarine - The First Plastic US Ship Model, 1/240
Plastic Model Kit, Box Condition: Good+
$795
This model is a landmark in the history of Plastic Kits. The Varney Fleet Sub is the primary candidate for the first all-plastic ship kit made in the USA. The famous HO/O train manufacture, Varney, branched out into other scale model kits at the end of WWII. In late 1945, they introduced what are thought to be the first USA produced plastic model kits - the Fleet Sub and the PT-17 Stearman. Both kits were excellent scale models given the state of modeling at that time. However, Varney was 6 years too early. The Fleet Sub and PT-17 met a cool reception when it was introduced to retailers. Hobby Shops were not sure if it would sell, and did not know how to sell it. Consequently, most retailers would not order it and those who did put them where they were not seen by the public. Distributors stopped carrying the kits due to a lack of re-orders. The result was inevitable - they did not sell, and Varney pulled both kits from production very quickly. Varney was committed to cutting the molds on the LST and it was released in 1946 with the same result. That marked the end of Varney's venture into "non-train" scale plastic models. Varney dedicated all production to HO trains and in the late 1940s they sold the molds for the Fleet Sub, the LST and the PT-17 to O-Lin. The molds underwent modification (the hull was divided into two parts instead of one) and it was released by O-Lin and later Lindberg. This kit is a a very nice, never started and complete example. The box top grades 'good+' and has nice color as shown, general light stains and wear, three solid corners and one closed split corner. Three sides are as nice as the top, with one small piece of clear tape on both long sides. The right short side does have a 3/4" x 1/2" tape tear but is fine beside that . Inside, it is complete. The yellow parts display is intact and in 'good-' condition. The original krinkle small parts bag is present but split open; I have included the bag and all parts are inventoried complete. The original glue is present but the tube shattered; I have put it in a zip lock. The stand was glued to the yellow at the factory; the glue has come off. The factory glass rectangle for the stand arm is still present and in it's holder. The heavy one-piece molded hull is in rare crack-free condition and cradled into the holder. The base is in very good condition also. Very large instruction sheet is 'very good++' and folds out to illustrate construction and offers numerous display ideas for this new medium in hobby kits. Decals were not provided with the kit. This kit was made with gray injection molded details, glass stand arm and black injection molded stand and sub hull. I have seen versions with no paint on the base and hull; however, this one has the base and hull factory painted gray. The paint is in 'very good' condition on the hull and 'excellent' on the stand base. A rare example of a classic kit. Shipped with insurance only.
Arii USS Nautilus SSN571 Nuclear Submarine, AR116-D100
Plastic Model Kit, Box Condition: VG
$69
Very rare; not even listed in John Burn's guide. Small scale kit that measures about 6.6 inches long when assembled. The kit is basic, featuring only 10 plastic parts. It is also designed for motorized operation, and comes with a big slow-rpm prop, rubber motor and torpedo-shaped weight holder and weight that hang from the bottom when you wish to operate it. The kit has never been started. The parts are still in the internal factory sealed bags and includes instructions. The instructions are on the bottom of the box top.
Aurora Atomic Submarine Nautilus SS571, 1/242, 500-98
Plastic Model Kit, Box Condition: Exc
$179
Rare, Brooklyn-produced, early 1950s U-Ma-Kit. This was Aurora's first naval model. Molded in the correct glossy very dark gray plastic and includes a display stand and decals to match the box art. Never started and complete with all parts, 'very good++' condition decals and 'near mint' instructions. The box has excellent color, four solid corners with no repairs, no fading and no price tags. The only tape is the factory sealing tape on the long sides. There is a light grease pencil price at the top center as shown and general shelf/edge wear.
Pyro IJN Musashi Battleship - Table Top Navy, 1/1200, C392-50
Plastic Model Kit, Box Condition: Good
$22
Small scale ship kit from the Table Top Navy series. Very nicely done kits for their time. Can be built full hull or waterline. Features propeller and shaft detail, separately molded turrets, stacks, many superstructure parts and more. The kit has never been started. It has been inventoried complete with all parts and instructions. Many of the Pyro kits came from Eagle (then Eaglewall) molds in England. Eaglewall went out of business around 1962 and Pyro acquired at least some of the molds. Pyro reissued some of these kits in the mid 1960s with AJ Rudisill artwork. Evidently the line was successful, as Pyro then cut some of their own molds and expanded the series significantly. The earlier issues have the full color artwork and a three digit part number. Later issues have a 'B' or 'C' in front of the three digit kit number; some have simplified box art that is a modification of the original Rudisill paintings by painting out most of the background. Pyro issued these kits into the late 1960 when Life-Like took over the molds. Some were reissued by Life-Like.
Varney US Navy Fleet Submarine, 1/240
Plastic Model Kit, Box Condition: Exc+
$1100
This model is a landmark in the history of Plastic Kits. The Varney Fleet Sub is the primary candidate for the first all-plastic ship kit made in the USA. The famous HO/O train manufacture, Varney, branched out into other scale model kits at the end of WWII. In late 1945, they introduced what are thought to be the first USA produced plastic model kits - the Fleet Sub and the PT-17 Stearman. Both kits were excellent scale models given the state of modeling at that time. However, Varney was 6 years too early. The Fleet Sub and PT-17 met a cool reception when it was introduced to retailers. Hobby Shops were not sure if it would sell, and did not know how to sell it. Consequently, most retailers would not order it and those who did put them where they were not seen by the public. Distributors stopped carry the kits due to a lack of reporders. The result was inevitable - they did not sell, and Varney pulled both kits from production very quickly. Varney was committed to cutting the molds on the LST and it was released in 1946 with the same result. That marked the end of Varney's venture into non-train scale plastic models. Varney dedicated all production to HO trains and in the late 1940s they sold the molds for the Fleet Sub, the LST and the PT-17 to O-Lin. The molds underwent modification (the hull was divided into two parts instead of one) and were released by O-Lin and Lindberg. This kit is a superb, investment-grade "excellent++" example. The box top has like-new color and gloss, four solid corners with no repairs, no tape or price tags, no marks from tape or tags and no tears or other litho damage. Flaws include very light and even edge wear (as shown), very slight 'dishing' inward and very light foxing on two box sides. Inside, the kit is still as it came from the factory. The yellow parts display is 'very good++' and the only flaw is the scuffing as shown. The small parts bag is still factory sealed and factory stapled to the yellow display. The glass display stand arm is tucked into its holder. The heavy one-piece molded hull is beautiful and in rare crack-free condition and cradled into the holder. The base was factory glued to the yellow display but has come loose. It also includes the unused factory tube of Testors cement in its own holder. Very large instruction sheet is near mint and folds out to illustrate construction and offers numerous display ideas for this new medium in hobby kits. Decals were not provided with the kit. This kit was made with gray injection molded details, glass stand arm and black injection molded stand and sub hull. I have seen versions with no paint on the base and hull; however, this one has the base and hull factory painted gray. The paint is in 'near mint' condition on the hull and 'excellent' on the stand base. A rare example of a classic kit. Shipped with insurance only.
NNT SMS A-80 German Torpedo Boat, 1/700, 70002
Resin Model Kit, Box Condition: Exc
$32
Rare. Very highly quality limited issue kit. Features cast resin waterline hull, superstructure and some detail and an Eduard PE fret with railings and numerous other details. The kit has never been started. The parts are still in the internal factory sealed bags and includes instructions. The 'A' class of German torpedo boats began construction in 1915. Many were built, but A83 through 85 could not be completed at the end of WWI so they were scrapped at Kiel. Many of the A class ended up Polish and Belgian Navies after the war. The balance of the finished ships were scrapped in Britain.