Master Information
What they are:
The federal program these models were constructed under was sponsored by the Navy Department. Sponsoring the 1/72 plastic program, the Navy decided they needed a smaller set (1/432 scale) for distribution on smaller vessels and forward areas. When held 18" away from you, the model is as the real aircraft would appear 1/2 mile away.
The aircraft masters listed on these pages were constructed during World War II. Each brass model is made up of several hand machined pieces that have been soldered together. The B-17 is composed of sixteen pieces. 2 fuselage halves (upper and lower), 2 elevators, 1 main wing, 2 turrets, 1 nose antenna housing, 4 engines, 4 propeller spinners.
Each pewter model is a one piece master replacement. If a brass master was destroyed during the master mold process, a master replacement was cast from one of the first castings and replaced the brass model in the master archive. The solder used to assemble a brass master sometimes melted in the molding process, thereby causing the model to come apart. Reassembly was not practical and the pieces discarded.
On the bottom of each model is engraved the name and the date of the intelligence report used to make the model. Several intelligence errors are built into the models like a P-51 with a half rudder. Also present are several non-Allied models that actually posed no threat to allied forces but due to enemy propaganda were thought to be in production, like the FW 187.
Lineage:
In 1974, Duke Seifreid purchased both the Armor and Aircraft sets from Superior Models. (Comet Changed their name to Superior in the late 50's) He sold them to the private collector I purchased them from in 1982. I purchased both the Tank and the Airplane masters from that collector in 1988. I sold the armor set to a private collector in L.A. in 1994.
Commercial History:
During the war and post-war years they were offered to the public by Comet as part of their Authenticast line.
During the 70's and 80's the were sold by Heritage USA under the Air Power brand name.
During the 90's limited pieces were offered by Distinguished Flying Collectibles during the 50th anniversary of WW II.