Original Item: Only One Available. This is a very interesting original WWII aircraft recognition model grouping consisting of a Japanese Mitsubishi A6M Zero, a British Supermarine Spitfire, and a large British Avro Lancaster bomber. The Mitsubishi and Lancaster are positively identified as wartime Cruver cellulose-acetate recognition models, dated September 1942 and April 1943 respectively. The Spitfire is unmarked and may also be a Cruver product, although the maker cannot presently be confirmed. All three show varying degrees of age-related warping, cracking, and damage.

During WWII, aircraft recognition training was considered essential for gunners, aircrews, ground observers, and other military personnel. Servicemen had to be able to identify friendly and enemy aircraft rapidly from different angles and at varying distances. Three-dimensional recognition models, often called ID models or spotter models, were used alongside silhouette charts, flash cards, films, and other instructional material to familiarize personnel with the outline and proportions of aircraft encountered in combat.

Many wartime recognition models were produced in approximately 1:72 scale and finished in black so that the aircraft silhouette remained the primary visual feature. Cruver Manufacturing Company and Design Center were among the principal American producers of molded plastic recognition models. Cruver examples were generally made from cellulose acetate, a material that is now well known for developing distortion, shrinkage, cracking, and warping as it ages.

Cruver produced two of these beautiful, original (cellulose acetate) models, and the third is a British Spitfire that may be made by Cruver but it is void of a maker mark or date. The lot is offered in fair condition with some warping and damage.

The British Spitfire is small, measuring 4 ¾ x 6” with some cracking and overall damage. Bubbling of the finish underneath which may have worn away the maker mark.

The Japanese Mitsubishi 00 measures 4 ¾ x 6 ½” and is marked © 9-42 for September 1942 manufacture by Cruver. There is heavy cracking and wrapping on this example as well.

The British Lancaster bomber is very large, measuring 17 ¼ x 11 ½” and being marked © 4-43 for April 1943 manufacture by Cruver. This one is in much better shape though it is obvious that it is made up of two large pieces.

This grouping is particularly interesting because it contains recognition models representing both Allied and Japanese aircraft, including one of the best-known Japanese fighters of the Pacific War, one of Britain’s most recognizable single-engine fighters, and one of the RAF’s principal heavy bombers. The clearly dated September 1942 Mitsubishi Zero and April 1943 Lancaster, combined with the unmarked Spitfire, provide a strong representative group of the aircraft-identification aids used to train American servicemen during WWII.