Comet/Authenticast
This site is dedicated to Comet Metal Products
diecast models and figures from the 40's, 50's and 60's

Overview

Authenticast models are heavy cast metal (zinc, lead, tin alloy) models manufactured by Comet Metal Products of Richmond Hills, NY in the 40's, 50's and 60's. Prior to WWII, Comet manufactured a range of metal toy soldiers, including the "Brigadiers" line (15), as well as other metal products. In the mid to late 1930's Comet pioneered a centrifugal casting process which allowed the maker to dramatically increase the level of detail (8). This process was named the "Authenticast" process. During WWII, Comet manufactured airplane, ship and land 'recognition' or 'identification' models. These were used as to train the military to recognize various military vehicles and weapons. Comet reported produced over 10,000,000 models from over "88,000,000 precision parts"(10). In the 50's, Comet sold these items to the public, along with a series of toy soldiers and model railroad accessories. Comet also continued to make other products (washing machine counterweights, anchors, etc.).

From the 1944 catalog, an overview of the process of making miniatures at Comet Metal Products....

For more on recognition models, see my WWII Recognition models page

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Armour/Land vehicles

Authenticast first offering in 1945 featured about 53 tanks and military vehicles from the USA, Germany, Britain, Japan, and Russia. As time passed and more tanks, vehicles and missiles were developed, the count increased to about 75 vehicles. Two scales were offered, 1:108 and 1:36. The 1:108 models were called 'student' models. The larger scale models were referred to as 'Teachers models'. Authenticast offered Teachers models for all the Japanese tanks and for all but two British tanks (the Cromwell and Churchill). The vehicles were finished in olive drab (I have seen two different tones) or gray (again, I have seen more than one tones of gray). One thing fairly common on Authenticast tanks (and less common on modern white metal miniatures) is that the tracks were often 'tack' welded to the hull, instead of being cast in one piece. See my Authenticast Armour page for more on Authenticast Armour!

Authenticast Armour page

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Airplanes

Authenticast produced a fairly wide variety of Airplane models at a scale of 1" to 36 feet (or 1:432). In 1945, the first offering featured over 90 planes from the USA, Britain, Germany, Japan, Italy, Russia, Netherlands. The planes were finished in a dark gray color. Some versions featured a hole in the plane at the center of gravity, allowing the plane to be suspended from a string. See my Authenticast airplanes page for more pictures of airplanes from Comet Metal Products.

Junkers JU 88

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Ships

Authenticast ships were offered in five different forms:
Waterline - 1:1200: Waterline ships show the ship as if it were in the water...only the upper part of the hull is exposed above the waterline. Authenticast produced a large number of waterline ships. In 1945, the price list features over 250 models from the USA, Britain, Japan, Germany, France, Italy, and various "merchant ships of all nations". Prices ranged from $0.35 to $3.50

Authenticast Galster Class

Authenticast Galster Class

Teachers model - 1:500 : These are larger scale waterline models, and were composed of wood and metal. Over 55 were available from representing the USA, Germany, and Japan. In 1945 the prices ranged from $9.00 to $21.00. Photos Courtesy of Lynn

Waterline and Full Hull Kits - 1:500: In addition to fully assemble models, Authenticast also offered kits. These kits featured MANY parts, as well as all the tools and paint necessary to assemble and paint the models. Approximately 50 kits were offered, featuring the USA, Germany and Japan. Prices ranged from $6.00 to $11.00. At least one Full Hull kit was also made: The Battleship Missouri. The hull was wood and had to be carved by the Buyer...all other parts were ready for assembly. The price was $12.95

PT 103 kit - 3/16 inch to 1 foot: Authenticast also made a full hull PT 103 kit. This kit featured a precarved hull (ready for sanding) and over 100 metal parts. The ship came with a wooden cradle and cost $11.00 in 1945.

Plans for Authenticast PT 103

Full Hull Completed Models: Finally Authenticast also made some pre-assembled full hull kits. Featured in the first catalog was the US Battleship North Carolina and a Troop Transport.

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Figures

Comet also made military figures. Before WWII, these figures were sold under the "Brigadiers" trade name. After WWII, many of the figures were made by Comet's Irish arm, Comet Gaeltacht Industries. Holger Eriksson, a Swedish sculptor, was the primary creator of most of these figures. His initials "HE" can be found on the base, with the H and E connected. Often the word "Eire" is also inscribed. The Cross shaped base was also characteristic of these figures. Later these figures were manufactured by SAE
Usually these figures came in sets. For example, a set of USA soldier would be12 piece kit: 7 soldiers with rifles, 3-two man teams with machine guns and 2-two man teams with mortars. Figures came in a variety of sizes, from 30mm to 54mm.
Figures were not restricted to WWII, but also included many other eras and nations.

Mixed German figures	Mixed German figures	Mixed German figures	Single German figure
Single German figure		Note the cross shaped base with initials	Again, note the initials on the base

WWII Soldier Sets - pictures courtesy of Tom S

Set S3	Set S4	Set S5	Set S6
Set G8	Soldiers and tank, S8	Soldiers and Tank, S8

Figures from Ireland - Comet Gaeltacht

Comet Gaeltacht Box

Comet Gaeltacht Box End piece

Comet Gaeltacht Logo From box interior

Comet Gaeltacht Logo closeup

Comet Gaeltacht figures

Comet Gaeltacht figures

Comet Gaeltacht figures Note the "EIRE" and "HE" inscriptions

 

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Model Railroad Accessories

Comet had an extensive line-up of Railroad accessories. Figures were very common, as were signs, cars, and a wide variety of figures. Many of the figures were designed by Holger Eriksson and came from Comet Gaeltacht Industries . Comet also manufactured bridge sets, a line of rail cars, and many other rail accessories. Below is a Depressed Center Car. Note the detailing on the surface of the railcar, as well underneath the car.

Authenticast railroad car box	Authenticast railroad car top of box	Authenticast railroad car side of box	Authenticast railroad car base, note the details
Authenticast railroad car		Authenticast model railroad figures

Authenticast Road sign

Other Items

Comet was also well known to inventors. Many inventors came to Comet to have their items prototyped (10). They would then take the prototype to investors to try to raise capital. For example, Comet made prototypes for can openers and pea shellers (10). Comet also made miniature football fields (with players) to assist pro coaches in play calling (10). Finally, Comet helped design an entire factory in miniature, helping the engineers plan machine placement and improve work efficiencies(8).

Authenticast Factory	Authenticast Factory	Authenticast Factory	Authenticast Factory
Authenticast Factory	Authenticast Factory note the Authenticast logo	Authenticast Factory Note the label "Richmond hills"	Thanks to Jay for the pictures

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An Annotated Historical Timeline
a compilation from various sources on the web and in printed media. Please see my references section. Special thanks to Fred Dorris for his extensive research into the Slonim's and Comet Metal Products.

1894 - Abraham Slonim born in Kiev, Russia. 1913 - Abraham Slonim emigrates from Kiev Russia to the United States. His sons, Joseph and Samuel are born in New York in 1913 (Joseph) and 1915 (Samuel) (17a) 1920  -  Slonim works as a tinsmith in New York (17a). Although the NY times reports the company started in 1919 (31) , this assertion is contradicted by census information (Fred Dorris' extensive research -17a). More likely, Slonim entered the "metal's" business in that timeframe. 1930 - Abraham Slonim is listed in the census as working  for (and is listed as owner of) Metal Display Company (17a),  which was probably the predecessor to Comet Metal Products . 1930's - Wiking Models manufactures ship models in Germany. As World War II commenced Wiking constructed recognition models for German forces. Although is has been reported that Abraham's sons, Joseph and Samuel moved to the US to join their father at Comet (3,31) (supposedly one or both brothers had been employed at Wiking models (4,12))  Census records make it clear that both were born in New York (17a). 1930's - The Authenticast process is created and perfected, using a centrifuge to force molten metal into a cast, creating a high level of detail (3). Models were distributed in the USA by Louis Wolf & Co. Sometime during this time period, John Warren creates his "The Warren Lines" range of toy soldiers (15,23) 1940 - Comet copyrights "Brigadiers for Metal Soldiers"(25), Comet's first line of diecast toy soldiers. Curt Wennberg assigned to USA by the Swedish army as a military attache(24). Wennberg was "put in contact with Comet" (23,25) 1941 -John Warren sells remaining toy soldier stock to Comet Metal Products (15,23) 1942  - Abraham Slonim signs up for the draft and lists himself as owner of Comet Metal Products(17a). 1943 - Comet Metal product reaches it's peak year of production, with over $2,000,000 in sales (31) 1944 - Authenticast Comet Gaeltecht Industries is started in Ireland by Comet Metal Products (7,19). Comet takes advantage of end of the war abatements and incentives. Comet (Ireland) hires Holger Eriksson, a Swedish sculptor/designer(24). Over time, Erickson sculpts over 200 masters (15,23). Initially only the painting was done in Ireland, later all the work was done there (23). 1945 - Abraham Slonim sends President Truman a 1/500 model of the USS Augusta Harry S. Truman Library (11); First catalog Published in 1945   Catalog Volume 1 - 1945 Comet factory photo from Comet Letterhead, 1945. See S. Berliner III's site f or current pictures of the building 1950 - Abraham Slonim dies (22). Joe and Sam Slonim continue the family business. 1950 - The Comet Gaeltacht factory burns down (23,25,24). There is much controversy about this, and recent research by others indicates that the factory did not burn down, but closed for business reasons (personal communication - multiple sources). Molds are salvaged (acquired?) by Wennberg, who relocates to South Africa and forms SAE (Swedish African Engineers) in association with Fred Winkler and Sixten Crafoord (26,25). Holger Eriksson joins SAE. SAE manufactures Toy Soldiers for a number of years. Holger stays with SAE through approximately 1957 or 1958 (16,26). At that time he became unhappy with the quality of the Casting then joins Prince August, and did private commissioned work (25). June 25, 1950 - Korean War begins, Comet employs 11 people at this time. August 19, 1950 - Comet now employs 32 people. The Korean war has created new demand from the US government. New Yorker magazine publishes an article on August 5th (32), describing the use of a map by CBS news to show the rapidly advancing N. Korean Forces. The article mentions, in passing, the use of Comet Metal Products tanks. New Yorker follows up on August 19th with a short article on Comet Metal Products (33). The article mentions the factory ramping up from 11 to 32 employees in just a few months. The article also explains the scale of the tanks. One inch to nine feet was chosen because the Navy (during WWII) decided a pilot in training looking at the model from 15 feet away (at a 45 degree angle) would be the same as a flying pilot viewing a tank from about a mile in the air. Teachers models (1" to 3 feet) fell out  of favor because 1) they cost 5 times as much to produce, and 2) the smaller models could be carried ashore in a "briefcase", making them easy to transport (33) 1951 - Mechanix Illustrated publishes an article on Authenticast, "Models to Order" by Harry Kush. The article details the factories output in WWII, as well as the companies ability to create small scale models of almost anything. Among other highlighted items were a miniature football field, and various items manufactured for inventors and entrepreneurs. In 1951, articles are also widely released by NEA syndication and King Features syndicate. 1951 - Second Catalog Published Catalog Volume 2 - 1951 1951 - Time Magazine publishes and article in the small business section "Model Production Line". The Comet factory produces in about one week: 4500 tanks, 800 planes, and 5000 ships and currently employs 50 people. The Korean War has created a resurgence in business, and government demand in ID and spotter models has surged. Current annual sales: $500,000. 1952 -  Third Catalog Published Volume 3 - 1953 1953 - Fourth Catalog Published Volume 4 - 1955 1955 - Fifth Catalog Published Volume 5 - 1955 1958 - 6th Catalog Published Volume 6 -1958 1959 - New York Times article on Comet Metal Products by Alexander Hammer published in September, 1959. The article features Comet Metal Products, and contains historical and (at the time of publishing) 'current' information about the company. At the time Comet was making (among other things) missile identification models and many ID models for 'Russian' weapons...understandable, given the state of the Cold War. (8) At this point in time about 30% of the output was for the military, 30% models for consumers, and the remainder miscellaneous items....camera shutter weights, anchors, etc. At this time the factory employs 56 workers. 1960 - Jeff Bowen at Industrial Models Inc of Wilmington Delaware purchases the Authenticast line of Comet metal products and plans to create a new independent affiliate: Authenticast, Limited (9). Nat Polk, of Polk's Hobby's, a near legendary retailer of that era reported the new company was "unable" to make the items (7). Actually, the company did release the models for approximately 2 years. Authenticast catalog number 7 was released by Authenticast, Limited. The distinguishing mark is the logo change: logo on the back no longer reads: Authenticast with Comet Metal Products below it, but  reads Authenticast with The Finest Models Ever Built written below it. 1960- Catalog 7 released under the Authenticast Ltd name Volume 7 -1960 Thanks to Fred Dorris 1960's The rising use of plastic causes many metal casting firms to leave the toy business (23) 1962 - The models are sold to Jeff Brown(?) and Ian 'John' Carter of Superior Models (3,4,14), (ed. note: Probably at this point the models passed from Jeff(?) Brown to Carter, who worked for Brown at Industrial Models) After acquiring the molds, Superior did market tanks, although they made some modifications. To the left is an M36 Jackson. Superior retained the Authenticast turret, but modified the base. Molded into the base of the turret are the same (identical font, size, etc.) markings on both versions: "M36B1 M36". The treads, however, are now an integrated part of the hull (instead of tack-welded to the hull as on the Authenticast version), and the hull now has cables and accessories. Even though the some of the molds were modified, many of the tanks kept the original Authenticast numbering scheme. Also shown is a comparison of the current Superior version German Galster class vs. the original Authenticast version. Other tank molds appear to be essentially the same. See my discussion below on the Chaffee and Patton tanks.   Superior also obtains the ship molds from Framburg (3), another producer of WWII recognition models. Several of the Framburg molds are still used by Superiors successor, Alnavco. Superior Chaffee 5166 photo Courtesy of Jay S. Superior M36B1 #5167 Superior M36B1 5167 Box Comparison of Authenticast M36 (right) to the Superior M36 Comparison of Authenticast M36 (right) to the Superior M36 Comparison of the Authenticast Galster to the current Superior Galster   1965 - Alnavco becomes distributor of Superior Models.(3) 1974 - Custom Cast founded by Duke Seigfried. Specialized in fantasy miniatures(20) Merges with Heritage models mid to late 70's Early 1970's (1974?) - Duke Seigfried buys the Comet master models for the Armor and Airplanes (13). Sells the planes under the 'Air Power' name(1). Superior Models branches out into Fantasy Figures and Spaceships...a larger market. 1982 - Brass Master Models sold by Duke Seigfried to a collector, then resold to Ed Pugh of Reaper Miniatures. Ed sells armor master models to a private collector in 1994. Ed still has the airplane masters. Master models are used to create new molds if the existing models break or are damaged. A set of Armor molds stays with Custom Cast. (13) 1984 - Quality Castings acquires models from Custom Cast, including many of the armor molds. Over time, many of the castings are 'improved' to increase accuracy and detail. (1,4,14).Some of the molds still retain the 'Comet' logo on the base (4, personal observation). To the right are photos of the amphibious jeep from Quality Castings/19th Century miniatures. Interestingly, they come in packages of two. The first clearly shows the Authenicast markings. The other has the markings partially scratched out, but you can still see them. Also shown is the M46 Patton. It appears to have the Authenticast hull and treads (separate pieces...not cast together!). The turret looks the same. Numbers on the base have been scratched out. Finally a I show a Chaffee. The treads are now part of the hull (not welded) but other than that the detail is the same. Again, the number on the base is scratched out.             Authenicast/Quality Castings Quack. The base clearly shows the original Authenticast markings Authenticast/Quality Castings Quack. Strangely the other one in the package has the Authenticast markings partially scratched out. Authenicast/Quality Castings Patton #5179 Authenicast/Quality Castings Chaffee #5166 1999 - Alnavco purchases molds for ships from Superior Models (3) 2002 - Quality Castings sold to 19th Century Miniatures. Models are still sold, but very few appear to be the original Authenticast version. See discussion above (1984 - Quality Castings). (1,personal knowledge) 2004 - Not a lot of information available. See my references below for more!

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Related Information
Information peripherally related to Comet Metal Products

Wiking Models: A German based model company started by Friedrich Karl Peltzer, son of an Imperial Naval Officer (29). Wiking manufactured ID models for the German army in WWII. In the 1930's, during the rise of the Third Riech, several of the model makers left Germany for other countries.

Authenticast Comet Gaeltecht Industries - Started at the end of the war to take advantage of 'rebuilding' incentives (19,24). The company hires Holger Eriksson, an extremely talented sculptor. The figures were marketed under the name "EIRE" and "COMET". Base of the figures are marked with Erikson's initials (HE). Erikson's toys soldiers and figures are held in high esteem by many collectors.


Comet Gaeltacht

SAE - Swedish African Engineers is a company started Curt Wennberg and Fred Winkler in South Africa using the molds salvaged from the Comet factory in Ireland. Wennberg had worked with Comet for a while during WWII, before moving on to SAE. Winkler was a former employee of Wiking (18,23). Holger Eriksson assisted in this venture after he left Comet (Ireland). SAE manufactured figures through the late 1950's(?). SAE figures were also distributed in the USA under the "Milicast Historical Models" name (26). SAE figures are considered very collectible.

Holger Eriksson

Holger Eriksson

Framburg - H.A. Framburg and Co. was (and is) a manufacturer of lamps and other lighting products. During WWII, Framburg was awarded contracts to build recognition models. Framburg built models for both ships and land vehicles (tanks and armoured cars). The molds were later acquired by Dale Model Company. Dale modified the models (added rotating turrets and wheels) and sold them as toys. For more on Framburg models, see my WWII Recognition models page

Superior Models - Maker of a wide line of models and figures through the late 1990's. Superior is well known for their ship models (from the Authenticast molds). Superior also sold armor, using the same numbering system as the Authenticast tanks.(3)

Alnavco - Early distributor of Superior models, owner of the models since 1999. Currently Alnavo sells a complete line of ships of various scale and makes. Alnavco also sells some armoured vehicles, such as Dragon, GHQ and Forces of Valor.(3)

Custom Cast - Produced historical and fantasy miniatures, later merged with Heritage (20)

Quality Castings - Chuck Cook acquired a set of Authenticast armor molds from Custom Cast circa 1984. Sold to 19th Century Miniatures in 2002.

19th Century Miniatures - Owner of the Quality Castings molds. 19th Century miniatures now feature historical miniatures of many types and styles. A few of the old Authenticast molds remain with the company. www.oldglory15s.com

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References:

1. S. Berliner III - a site packed full of Authenticast information!

2. steelnavy.com Great information on Authenticast history and on Authenticast ship models

3. Alnavco web site, The History of Authenticast/Superior Models

4. Jarek Skonieczny, "WWII Jeep recognition models", The CJ3B page. A bit of information on Comet, Framburg and Dale Model Co.

5. The Jeeptoys website. with interesting information on Dale brand spotter models

6. Friend or Foe? Museum, information regarding airplane spotter models

7. Bruce Manson, "An Interview with Nat Polk - part 2", Train Collectors Quarterly, 1995, from Aristocraft Trains website A couple of short comments from Nat Polk (owner of Polk's Hobby Store in NY) on Comet/Authenticast

8. New York Times Alexander R. Hammer, "Little Plant Is Turning Out a U.S. Arsenal" , The New York Times, September 13, 1959, page F1. The article can be purchased from the Times online archive. This is article is the source of a lot of the information you can find on the Web today. It details Comet's production of recognition vehicles, as well as other scale miniatures.

9. New York Times: Author Unknown, "Other Sales and Mergers", New York Times, August 24, 1960, pg 43 Sale of Comet's Authenticast line.

10. Harry Kush, "Models to Order", Mechanix Illustrated, August, 1951, pp. 66-69 This article discussed not only the recognition models made by Comet, but also the role Comet played in assisting inventors by making prototypes and small models. This article has several nice photos.

11. The Harry S. Truman Library, personal correspondence files, #1906 . Correspondence between Abraham Slonim of Comet and Harry S. Truman's office

12. Paul Jacobs, "A Brief History of the Hobby", 1250 scale page, website

13. Ed Pugh, Reaper Miniatures, "My Monkey Shyne Page" webpage Information regarding Comet Masters

14. "Comet Metal Products", The Miniatures Page

15. Jane and Jerry Walkup, "Collecting American Toy Soldiers", May, 2000, Kaleden, Inc A nice web article with a mention of Comet

16. Holger Eriksson (40mm) Moulds 1958, Prince August, Ireland

17. Fred Dorris, "Ships for the Military", Steel Navy Website,

17a addendums to the article "Ships Models for the Military" by Fred Dorris - personal communication

18. Iain McGeachy, "Tremo Models", www.shipmodels.pwp.blueyonder.co.uk

19. Brian Carrick, "Collecting Toy Soldiers", www.toysoldier.freeuk.com

20. The Courier, A Timeline of the Historical Miniatures Wargaming Hobby

21. Harry Rinker, "Rinker on Collectibles - Column #811, Rinker Enterprises, 2002, web article

22. Obituaries, New York Times, July 21, 1950

23. Henry I. Kurtz and Burtt R. Ehrlich, The Art of the Toy Soldier, pg 280-292, Abbeville Press, 1987

24. Andrew Rose, The Collectors Guide to Toy Soldiers, pg 116-117, Salamander Books/Random House, 1985,1997

25. Richard O'Brien, Collecting American Made Toy Soldiers, Edition 3, pg 560-587, Books Americana, 1997

26. Richard O'Brien, Collecting Foreign Made Toy Soldiers, pg 441-458, Krause Publications, Books Americana, 1997

27. "Red Brick Factory Builds "War Machines", The Bismark Tibune, Bismark, North Dakota, April 24, 1951, pg 2; "Little Factory Turns Out Scale Model Machines", Ironwood Daily Globe, Ironwood, Michigan, April 26, 1951, pg 9. "Little Factory Turns Out Models of War Machines", Sheboygan Press, Sheboygan Illinois, April 24, 1951, pg 7
A syndicated article from NEA. A nice short summary of Comet's production of tanks and ships. Some mention of other items is also made.

28. "Toys of War", East Liverpool Review, Liverpool, Ohio, May 21, 1951, pg 11;"Toys of War", The Independent Record, Helena, Montana, May 8, 1951, pg 9. A syndicated Article from King Features Syndicate. A pictoral article using photos from the Mechanix Illustrated article and from a Comet catalog.

29. Wiking web site http://www.wiking.de/

30. www.87thscale.info Authenticast webpage

31. "Model Production Line", Author Unknown, Time Magazine, July 9, 1951, pg 78
A short article detailing the (then) current production relative to the Korean war, a little historical background, and one picture of the Slonim brothers.

32. "Quick Work", Philip Hamburger, The New Yorker, August 5, 1950, pg 18-19

33. "No Holes, No Bulges", Philip Hamburger and Rex Lardner, The New Yorker, August 19, 1950, pg 18-19

Holger Eriksson Collector Society, C/O Lou Sandbote, lou.sandbote@charter.net. Dedicated to the work of Holger Eriksson, this group produces a wonderful newsletter sharing insights on Holgers' work throughout the years.

For more on recognition models, see my WWII Recognition models page

My other Comet pages: Authenticast Armour page, Authenticast airplanes page

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Disclaimer

As is usual with the World Wide Web, often contradictory 'facts' will appear. Due to the self-publishing nature of the web, it is often hard to separate hard fact from opinion or recollection. I have attempted to research items from multiple sources, including printed media of the times, to create as consistent a story as I can. For example, one web source reported that Comet went out of business in the mid-1950's. Yet a printed article in the New York Times refutes this. Another article reports that Comet went out of business in 1962 when the Slonim brothers died. The Times however, reports that the business was SOLD in 1960. Further, the Slonim's would have been mid to late 40's (using a reference from Mechanix Illustrated). They might have died, but there is no obituary in the Times for either Slonim for that date range, thus supporting evidence is slim.

Finally, remember that THIS article is self published, and although I have tried to validate my conclusions, I am probably far from correct on everything I have written. :-)

Mike

PS - If you use the information compiled here in your own article, you might consider citing me as a reference :-)

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