WWII Ship Recognition Training Models

Description: Bessarabis models are among the rarest of the WWII ship recognition models. These are 1:1200 scale, waterline, lead-alloy, cast metal ship models. They predate the models produced by Comet, Authenticast, Framburg & South Salem Studios. The Bessarabis Company was the earliest manufacturer of scale ship identification models for official use by the United States military during the WWII era. This was a small company with 4 - 8 employees reportedly located in the Bronx or Bronxville area of New York City. There are no markings on the models to indicate a date of manufacture, but a review of identification manuals and other material shows that all of the ships that the models represent were in service or under construction prior to the end of 1942. Bessarabis produced two sets of United States Navy ship models, the earliest set, Set #1, contains at least 29 models while the second set, Set #2, contains 30 models. These models are not attached to mounting boards, as found in other mid-war sets, but are wrapped in soft paper with cotton and inserted into individual cardboard boxes. All boxes have their paper and cotton still. Each case contains a "Contents of this Locker" card that lists the numbers and names of the models. The only identifying mark on the models is a raised number on the bottom of the hull, it is sometime found in an oval depression. Models in both sets are numbered from 1 through 30 resulting in two models of different ships having the same number. This has made it difficult to properly identify the models in Set No. 1, the early set issued in 1940/41. Bessarabis' total production of the three cased sets was probably less than 1,000 before their contract was terminated. The same models that are found in the sets were also issued individually and some boxes are found with Army Air Force stock numbers written on them. Identifying characteristics of the models are found in the dark gray paint, gun barrels that have a tendency to be flat on the bottom, and in the masts which are cast, not wire as found on the models produced by other manufacturers. The masts are very fragile and frequently missing from the model. The intactness of the models in this set is shockingly good. The models for each set are carried in a wooden case closed with a sliding top. On the inside of the sliding top is a set number handwritten in red pencil. Each case contains a "Contents of this Locker" card that lists the numbers and names of the models.Cased sets are extremely rare and individual models are only rarely found. This is case #219

Price: 3000 USD

Location: Saint Clairsville, Ohio

End Time: 2024-08-07T09:41:46.000Z

Shipping Cost: 0 USD