{"product_id":"original-u-s-wwii-british-japanese-mitsubishi-00-spitfire-and-lancaster-recognition-model-airplane-lot-by-cruver-dated-1942-1943","title":"Original U.S. WWII British \u0026 Japanese Mitsubishi 00, Spitfire, and Lancaster Recognition Model Airplane Lot by Cruver - Dated 1942 \u0026 1943","description":"\u003cp\u003eOriginal Item: Only One Available. This is a very interesting original WWII aircraft recognition model grouping consisting of a Japanese \u003cb\u003eMitsubishi A6M Zero\u003c\/b\u003e, a British \u003cb\u003eSupermarine Spitfire\u003c\/b\u003e, and a large British \u003cb\u003eAvro Lancaster bomber\u003c\/b\u003e. The Mitsubishi and Lancaster are positively identified as wartime \u003cb\u003eCruver cellulose-acetate recognition models\u003c\/b\u003e, dated \u003cb\u003eSeptember 1942\u003c\/b\u003e and \u003cb\u003eApril 1943\u003c\/b\u003e 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDuring 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 \u003cb\u003eID models\u003c\/b\u003e or \u003cb\u003espotter models\u003c\/b\u003e, 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMany wartime recognition models were produced in approximately \u003cb\u003e1:72 scale\u003c\/b\u003e and finished in black so that the aircraft silhouette remained the primary visual feature. \u003cb\u003eCruver Manufacturing Company\u003c\/b\u003e and \u003cb\u003eDesign Center\u003c\/b\u003e were among the principal American producers of molded plastic recognition models. Cruver examples were generally made from \u003cb\u003ecellulose acetate\u003c\/b\u003e, a material that is now well known for developing distortion, shrinkage, cracking, and warping as it ages.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCruver 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis grouping is particularly interesting because it contains recognition models representing \u003cb\u003eboth Allied and Japanese aircraft\u003c\/b\u003e, 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 \u003cb\u003eSeptember 1942 Mitsubishi Zero and April 1943 Lancaster\u003c\/b\u003e, combined with the unmarked Spitfire, provide a strong representative group of the aircraft-identification aids used to train American servicemen during WWII.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Original Items","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":45818852081733,"sku":"ONSV25LOS056","price":295.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1524\/1342\/files\/ONSV25LOS056__01.jpg?v=1790013251","url":"https:\/\/www.ima-usa.com\/products\/original-u-s-wwii-british-japanese-mitsubishi-00-spitfire-and-lancaster-recognition-model-airplane-lot-by-cruver-dated-1942-1943","provider":"International Military Antiques","version":"1.0","type":"link"}