WWII Recognition Models
(a.k.a. ID models, Spotter models)

What are Recognition models?

Recognition models, also referred to as ID models or spotters models, were used by the armed forces to train troops to identify ships, airplanes and ground vehicles. This aided in many areas, from preventing casualties from friendly fire, to better estimates of enemy troop strength. It was not unusual for spotter models to come in at least two scales. A small scale for students to use, and a large scale 'teachers model' to aid the instructor in describing the important aspects of a particular vehicle. Spotter models were made of many different materials, including lead/zinc alloys, plastic/cellulose acetate, and wood. In addition to recognition models, the government also issue recognition cards, pamphlets, and even used kites with airplane silhouettes to help train soldiers.

The next several sections will review Recognition Models from various makers, most of WWII vintage.

The pictures below are from the Las Vegas Army Air Force Flexible Gunnery School, circa 1943

Las Vegas AAF Flexible Gunnery School

Classroom instruction using  ID models to recognize various types of Aircraft.  Las Vegas Army Air Force Flexible Gunnery School, circa 1943

Framburg

H.A. Framburg and CO. was (and is) a manufacturer of lamps and other lighting products. In WWI, Framburg helped the war effort by making high powered search lights. During WWII, Framburg was awarded contracts to build recognition models. Framburg built models for both ships and land vehicles (tanks and armoured cars). Framburg built both the smaller scale ships (1:1200) and larger scale (1:500). Framburg also build a series of large (1:36) land vehicle models. These models are hollow, with a large oval hole in the base. They were cast in one piece, so none of the parts (turret, etc.) articulate. In the mid 40's, Framburg returned to the lighting business, and ceased making ID models.

Framburg made Searchlights in WWI

Framburg Factory

Ships

Teachers Models

Framburg Ship, Teachers model British Warship "Renown"

Framburg Ship, Teachers model British Warship "Renown"

Framburg Ship, Teachers model British Warship "Renown"

Thanks to Paul C. for the Framburg Teachers Model  pictures of the Renown.

Framburg Teachers Base Fiji Class	Framburg Teachers Base Fiji Class	Framburg Teachers Model Fiji Class	Framburg Teachers Model Fiji Class
Framburg Teachers Model Fiji Class	Framburg Teachers Model Fiji Class	Framburg Teachers Model Fiji Class

Student Model

Framburg British T class	Framburg British T class	Framburg British T class
Framburg British T class		Framburg British T class

Comparison of Student and Teacher Models

Comparison - Framburg Student and Teacher models Fiji Class

Comparison - Framburg Student and Teacher models Fiji Class

Comparison - Framburg Student and Teacher models Fiji Class

Comparison - Framburg Student and Teacher models Fiji Class

Another Framburg ship, Le Fantastique. Note the packaging, and the Framburg Logo on the base of this "stand alone" release of the ship.

Thanks to Craig S for the pictures of Le Fantastique!

Framburg Le Fanstastique

Framburg Le Fanstastique

Framburg Le Fanstastique

Framburg Le Fanstastique Note the Logo...

As seen above, the ships were often mounted on light blue or gray boards. These boards were housed in a wooden case (box), often with ships from the same country (Germany, USA, etc)
.

 

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Land Vehicles

Framburg Sherman

Framburg Sherman

Framburg Sherman, base note the words "MED.TANK M-4"

Framburg Sherman, base note the words "GENERAL SHERMAN"

Framburg T35.

Framburg T35 base

Framburg T38G

Framburg T38G

Framburg T38G

Framburg Stuart

Framburg Stuart

 

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Below is a set of Framburg Models from Joseph F. Slisinger Jr. Mr Slisinger was an airborne officer in the 17th Airborne and 82nd at the end of the WWII. He picked these models up when he was in the army. Thanks Mr Slisinger

Framburg Armored Car	Framburg Halftrack	Framburg German Light Tank	Framburg Priest
Framburg Stuart	Framburg T35	Framburg T38	Framburg German armored car

 

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Framburg M-3 Grant

Framburg M-3 Grant3

Framburg M-3 Grant

Framburg M-3 Grant

Thanks Pat!

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Framburg M-3 Grant	Framburg M-3 Grant	Framburg M-3 Grant	Framburg M-3 Grant
Framburg M-3 Grant	Framburg M-3 Grant	Framburg M-3 Grant	Thanks Mike!
Framburg Priest	Framburg Priest	Framburg Priest	Framburg Priest
Framburg Priest	Framburg Priest

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These pictures come from James Lafer. Note how the wheels are cast as part of the model, rather than being attached by axles, and capable of movement. Thanks James!

 

Framburg PZKW2

Framburg PZKW2

Framburg PZKW2 command tank

Framburg PZKW2 command tank

Thanks to spinnin4s!

Framburg German Amphibious tank

Framburg German Amphibious tank

Framburg German Amphibious tank

Thanks to Brit!

A PARTIAL listing of Framburg 1:36 Land Vehicles

Dale Models

Near the end of WWII, Framburg decided to refocus on lighting fixtures. An employee, Mr. Dale, left the company and started producing models with the molds under arrangement with Framburg (note that in the brochure blow that Dale Model is the "official distributor" for Framburg). In fact, several Framburg Ship Model sets are listed as manufactured at 3320 Carroll Ave in Chicago, and Dale model was located at 3328 Carroll Ave in Chicago!

Dale modified the original Framburg land vehicle molds by making two fundamental changes. First he added wheels to the base, allowing the model to roll. Second he separated the mold into parts, casting the turret separately from the chassis. This allowed the turret to rotate. These changes allowed Dale to market the models as toys, and made them popular with children. Some Dale models appear to be "transitional", however, with wheels added, but without the turret modification. Dale also continued to manufacture and distribute the Framburg line of ship models

An interesting detail worth noting is the detail on the machine gun (as on the Priest, and other models). Some models were released with very detailed machine guns. Others with no more than a elongated rectangular bar.

Dale Model Company brochure. Land Vehicles	Dale Model Company brochure. Land Vehicles	Dale Model Company brochure. Land Vehicles
Dale Model Company brochure, Ships	Dale Model Company brochure, Ships	Dale Model Company brochure, Ships

My thanks to Connie for the Dale Model brochure pictures

Dale Model Company Sherman Tank

Dale Model Company Sherman Tank

Dale Model Company Sherman Tank, base

Dale Sherman, base note the words "GENERAL SHERMAN"

Dale Model Company DUKW

Dale Model Company DUKW

Dale Model Company DUKW

Dale Model Company DUKW

Dale Model Company DUKW

Dale Model Company  T-17	Dale Model Company  T-17	Dale T-17 Tire	Dale T-17 Tire note the Dale Model Co label
Dale T17 (my second T17)	Dale T17 (my second T17)	Dale T17 (my second T17)

Dale Model Company  Jeep

Dale Model Company  Jeep

Dale Model Company  Jeep

Dale Model Company  Jeep

Dale Model Company  Jeep

Dale Model Company M3 w/ 75 mm Gun Tank Destroyer

Dale Model Company M3 w/ 75 mm Gun

Dale Model Company M3 w/ 75 mm Gun

Dale Model Company M3 w/ 75 mm Gun

Dale Priest	Dale Priest	Dale Priest	Dale Priest
Dale Priest	Dale Priest
Dale Priest Repaint The main gun is not original. but note the detail on the machine gun	Dale Priest Repaint	Dale Priest Repaint	Dale Priest Repaint

A nice marking which differentiates Dale wheeled vehicles is "Dale Model Company   Chicago" molded into the tire.

A Quick Framburg/Dale Models comparison

Framburg Sherman, top Dale Sherman, bottom note the wheels on the Dale Sherman

Framburg Sherman, left Dale Sherman, right note the moveable turret Dale Sherman

Framburg Sherman, left Dale Sherman, right

Evolution of the Sherman - Framburg to Dale

From Left to Right: Dale 2nd Generation, Dale 1st Generation, Framburg

From Left to Right: Dale 2nd Generation, Dale 1st Generation, Framburg

From Left to Right: Dale 2nd Generation, Dale 1st Generation, Framburg

Above are comparison picture of a Framburg Sherman, early Dale Sherman, and late Dale Sherman. The Framburg Sherman (as stated before) has no wheels. The early Dale has wheels, but Dale continued to use the original mould for the hull, which cast the turret and hull as one piece.

From Left to Right: Dale 2nd Generation, Dale 1st Generation

From Left to Right: Dale 2nd Generation, Dale 1st Generation

From Left to Right: Dale 2nd Generation, Dale 1st Generation Notice the difference in hull length

From Left to Right: Dale 2nd Generation, Dale 1st Generation Notice the difference in hull length

 The late model Dale had a retooled hull. The hull and turret were cast separately, allowing the turret to rotate. As a result of the retooling, there is a noticeable difference between the hull of the early and late Shermans (other than the turret is detached on the late version). The hull of the late generation Sherman is noticeably longer (approximately 1/4 inch) than the Framburg and early Dale Shermans. The details of the hull are also a bit "crisper" on the second generation model. Finally, instead of the words "Med. Tank M-4", the recast Sherman has the words "GENERAL SHERMAN"

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Another example can be seen in the armored car below. For the Framburg model, with the wheels cast as part of the hull. Dale attached wheels to the hull using an axle, allowing the models to roll.

Framburg photos from James Lafer

Framburg left (no axle), Dale right (axle present)

A Partial list of Dale Models

Vehicle Type

M-4 Sherman

General Stuart

Halftrack with 75 mm gun

Staghound Armored car

M-7 Priest

Jeep

T-17 E Armored car

Dick S. emailed me his recollections of Dale Models, and was then kind enough to send me pictures of his collection:

"...I remember playing "soldiers" as a kid and using dime store white metal toy soldiers and Dale Company vehicles. I never knew what they were and what their history was until discovering your fine web site. Lots of the kids that I used to play with had different toy soldiers, but somehow each of us ended up with ONE Dale model. We often traded toy soldiers, but we would only trade the Dale models on a one for one basis so nobody ever had two of them at one time. The most popular ones were the M-4, The Stuart and the M-3 half-track. The least popular ones were the Jeep and the "Duck". As you might imagine, these models were probably played to death. We always did think that they were not mere toys, but recognition models, since we also knew of the black "hard Rubber" aircraft I.D. models. Years later I was able to find a few of these models at antique flea markets and toy shows."

        " I also have another tank model that I'm not sure of. It's marked "JAPANESE AMPHIBIAN TANK" on the bottom of the right tread. It is only about 3 3/8" long, but looks like one of your photos of a "teaching model". It has it's original paint, a movable turret and no wheels on the bottom."

"The M-4 Sherman's original box has a price of $1.55 on it! The "Universal Carrier" has that name rubber stamped with dark paint on the inside of the track."

An Authenticast model... ...Mike's comment

Thanks Dick!

South Salem Studios

According to Fred Dorris in his article, "Ships for the Military" South Salem Studios was started by a French immigrant, Enzo Yocca. South Salem Studios produced ship models at 1:1200, 1:2000 and 1:5000 scales. Yocca's studio produced a set of models in conjunction with Comet Metal Products in 1943. South Salem Studios models were also sold in area department stores circa 1945. According to Dorris, Comet purchased South Salem in 1945 or 1946.

South Salem Studios Top of Ad, 1945

South Salem Studios Base of Ad, 1945

Below is a 1:500 scale model of the USS Missouri. The BB-63 Missouri was an "Iowa" class ship. According to the owner of this model, Salem depicts the Missouri with squared-off bridge, the way the USS Missouri and USS Wisconsin were actually built. . The Framburg version has a rounded/enclosed bridge, the way the USS New Jersey was originally built.

1:500 USS Missouri

USS Missouri, 1:500	USS Missouri, 1:500	USS Missouri, 1:500	USS Missouri, 1:500
USS Missouri, 1:500	USS Missouri, 1:500	USS Missouri, 1:500	USS Missouri, 1:500

1:1200 - USS Arkansas

South Salem Studios USS Arkansas

South Salem Studios USS Arkansas

South Salem Studios USS Arkansas

South Salem Studios USS Arkansas

Merchant ships

Cruver

Cruver Company of Chicago manufactured 1:72 scale recognition models of aircraft. During the early years of the war, many airplane recognition models were carved from wood (see below). A push was made to create models from "non-essential" materials, i.e. materials not needed for weapons and other items for the war effort. The Cruver company of Chicago developed a method using cellulose acetate to create these models. Cruver models are black 'plastic' and are marked by the Cruver trademark: a "C" in a circle. Finding a Cruver model is good shape can be difficult. The material used to manufacture the models deteriorates with time, causing the models to sag, or even disintegrate.

An example of other Cruver offerings

Thanks to Jeff for the pictures!

			To the left is the trademark Cruver "C" with the circle around it.

 

Cruver also made small scale (about 1'' across airplane models, most often seen in gray plastic. Please note that even the small scale Cruver planes featured the Cruver  "C" with the circle around it trademark. These then entered the market post war as Cereal premiums (small prizes placed in cereal to lure kids into buying the product). Cruver planes were featured in Kix cereals by General Mills.

Cruver - Aristocraft Auction

Cruver poster

Small scale Cruver planes

Cruver German ME210	Cruver German ME210	Cruver ME210	Cruver German Arado
Cruver German Arado	Cruver German HS129	Cruver German HS129	Cruver Russian SB3
Cruver Japanese Lily	Cruver Japanese Lily	Cruver Japanese Lily

These small scale models were then released as "cereal premiums" in 1946 or 1948 (conflicting reports) and featured 24 different airplanes.

In addition to recognition models, Cruver other items for the military. Included amoung these were sextants and air speed "computers" (plastic dials with nomograms used to compute airspeed)

Cruver Maritime Sextant

Cruver Air Speed Computer

Cruver Air Speed Computer

Cruver Air Speed Computer

Cruver playing cards

 

Comet Model Airplane and Supply

Early in the war when ID models were in demand and most companies could not yet meet the demand. The US Government worked with Comet Model Airplane and Supply Co. to develop a program for building 1:72 identification models (Reder, 2000). Comet provided templates and instructions for the models. The US military started the program in 1942 to train the youth of America to carve detailed ID models from wood. Diagrams, instructions and materials were distributed High School students (typically in "shop" and woodworking classes) to make these wood ID models. The models were carved of pine or basswood because balsawood was not durable enough, and was in demand for other war needs (Gayley, 2004). The models were subject to QC (usually by adult teachers), were painted black, and were then sent to military.

Thanks to Jim for the catalog pictures!

The government also provided plans and instructions directly to the public. These were also distributed to high school wood-shops for construction. Below is an partial excerpt from the book (the entire book gives extensive instructions on construction) and plans for a German FW-190.

ID Model Building Book Cover	ID Model Building Book inside cover	ID Model Building Book Contents
ID Model Building Book  pg1	ID Model Building Book pages 2 and 3	ID Model Building Book rear
ID Model Plans FW-190	ID Model Plans FW-190

Comet Metal Products/Authenticast

Comet Metal Products was formed in 1919 by Abraham Slonim. In the 1930's Slonim started making metal soldiers, and attempted to interest the military in using diecast models as identification models. With the advent of WWII, Comet was commissioned by the US government to manufacture identification models for ships, planes, trucks. It is widely reported that from 1941-1945 Comet made more than 10,000,000 models of military items (Kurtz and Ehrlich, The Art of the Toy Soldier, Abbeville Press, 1987). In 1945 Comet released these models to the public under the Authenticast name. These models were sold to the general public until Comet's sale in 1960.

Ship photos courtesy of Jeff

Comet Triptz Teachers Model	Comet Triptz Teachers Model	Comet Triptz Teachers Model
Comet Triptz Teachers Model	Comet Triptz Teachers Model	Comet Triptz Teachers Model

 

One of the  planks found inside the box of spotter models.

Cruiser Tank, #5005 mounted on the plank 'insert'

Markings on the underside of the plank

Universal Carrier, #5002 mounted on the other end.

Markings on the underside of the plank

 

Authenticast produced a fairly wide variety of airplane models at a scale of 1" to 36 feet (or 1:432). Ship models were made at 1:200 and 1:500 scale (Student and Teacher models). Tanks and land vehicles were also made at two scales, 1:108 and 1:36. Today the 1:36 scale vehicles are hard to find. See my Authenticast tank page, my Authenticast airplanes page, and my Comet Metal Products page for more information and pictures.

Australia/New Zealand

During WWII,  ID models were manufactured for ANZAC (Australian and New Zealand Army Corps). Scaled at 1/24 scale, these models were made of ceramic. The tanks measured 8-9 inches long. American, British, Australian, and Japanese tanks were made. Some of the tanks had the statistics of the tank molded as part of the base. Others did not. All seem to have one characteristic marking:
D↑D

ANZAC Japanese tank

ANZAC Japanese tank base

Thanks to Russell for the pictures!

Bryan B, and avid collector from California, sent me this list of Australian airplane recognition models

 

Model	Number
BEAUFIGHTER	E9/2166
AIRSPEED OXFORD	E9/2189
BEAUFORT	E9/2261
SPITFIRE MK. V. TROP.	E9/2275
B-17 FORTRESS	E9/2324
P-38 LIGHTNING	E9/2326
MOSQUITO	E9/2335
P-51D MUSTANG	E9/2340
HELLDIVER	E9/2349
VULTEE VENGEANCE	E9/2510
CA-12 BOOMERANG	E9/2990
CHERRY	E9/3522
HELLCAT	E9/3810
HELEN	E9/3812
JILL	E9/3890
IRVING	E9/3929
JACK	E9/3935

 

Thanks Bryan!

Wiking

Wiking Models SS Hood	Wiking Models SS Hood	Wiking Models SS Hood
Wiking Models SS Hood	Wiking Models SS Hood	Wiking Models SS Hood

 

Recognition models were not just used by the Allies. Germany also produced recognition models, the most famous being Wiking models. Wiking was started by Friedrich Karl Peltzer in 1930. Peltzer, the son of an Imperial Navy officer, produced ship models at a scale of 1:1250 and later at 1:1275. From 1939 to 1945, Wiking manufactured recognition models for the German government. The models included ships and ground vehicles.

Interestingly, as Germany fell under the influence of the Third Reich, several model builders left Wiking to later become makers of recognition models at Tremo (in England) and Comet Metal Products (in the USA).

Wiking (Viking) continued to sell the models post war, entering the US market.

Rodach

I don't have much information regarding Rodach ID models. They are of German manufacture, and are made of wood. The detail appears to be quite good. They have a diagnostic "Angel" marking on the base. Many also have the marking "This is an official object. Misuse is punishable"

They may be named for the German town of Rodach. From the online Journal of the US Army 11th Armored Division (http://www.11tharmoreddivision.com/history/151st_armored_signal_company.htm) "April 10-11: Entered Rodach—Toy tanks and cigarette lighters. Also plentiful multicolored Champagne (Pink & White)."

Rodach T34	Rodach T34 base	Rodach Angel Logo
Rodach Stug	Rodach Stug
Rodach Panzer IV	Rodach Panzer IV	Rodach Panzer IV
Rodach Box	Rodach Box	Rodach Box  - note the Wehrmacht stamp!

Thanks to John R for the pictures! Thanks to Ted for the information on additional model types!

A partial listing of Rodach models:
 

Churchill

T-34

KV-1

StuG III

PZKW IV

Sherman

Panther

Tiger

German half tracks (2 types)

T34-76

T34-85

Pictured below is Ted's collection of ID models - WOW!

Goebel

A rather unique, and quite rare, set of ID models are the Goebel models. These are small, approximately 1/100, id models made of ceramic. On the base the have the diagnostic Goebel Company Wide Crown Trademark. For tanks with turrets which rotate, this crown is on a "plug", which secures the turret to the hull. On the other models, the crown is imprinted upon the base.

The tanks were manufactured by the German porcelain company, W.Goebel Porzellanfabrik. In 1879, the Goebel's started manufacturing porcelain. By the late 30's, they started creating the now famous of figurines based on the artwork of Sister M.I.Hummel. When World War II began, although a small number of figurines were made for export, the German government required Goebel to make dinnerware for the military, communications insulators, and other "useful" items. Additionally, Goebel was instructed to created "sand table" models. The models were placed on a large table representing the field of battle, and were used to visualize the tactical distribution of various military units.

In "Miller on Hummels" Robert Miller reports seeing 100-150 tanks of various sizes and colors in the Geobel Factory in Germany during a visit in the early 1990's

Please see the References, below

Goebel Tiger Tank	Goebel Tiger Tank	Goebel Tiger Tank	Goebel Tiger Tank
	Goebel Panther Tank	Goebel Panther Tank	Goebel Panther Tank
Goebel Panther Tank		Goebel Panther Tank	Goebel Panther Tank
Goebel Panther Tank		Goebel Sturmgeshutz	Goebel Sturmgeshutz
Goebel Sturmgeshutz	Goebel Sturmgeshutz	Goebel Sturmgeshutz
Goebel Panzer IV	Goebel Panzer IV	Goebel Panzer IV	Goebel Panzer IV
Goebel Panzer IV		Crown markings on the base  - color enhanced	Crown markings on the base  - color enhanced

Miss Fay's Collection!

Many thanks to Miss Fay for all the photos!

My Goebel ID models

Goebel Stug and Panther

Goebel Stug	Goebel Stug	Goebel Stug	Goebel Stug	Goebel Stug
Goebel Panther	Goebel Panther	Goebel Panther	Goebel Panther	Goebel Panther

A partial listing:

Model	size	color	Base markings
Panzer IV	2 3/4"	light tan	Pz IV
Sturmgeschutz	2 5/8"	light tan	Sturmg
Tiger	3 5/8"	dark tan	10 Tiger
Panther	3 7/8	dark tan	81 Panther
Sherman		olive drab	Sher man 8
German halftrack (long)		light tan	? SPW
German halftrack (short)		light tan	? SP.W.
Hetzer (Jagpanzer 38)		light tan
T-34/76		green
T-34/85?		green
KV-1		green	KW.1
Churchill

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WWII US Military  Silhouette Models

US Navy Silhouette:Dornier	US Navy Silhouette:Dornier	US Navy Silhouette:Dornier
US Navy Silhouette: HE 111	US Navy Silhouette: HE 111	US Navy Silhouette: HE 111
US Navy Silhouette: JU-88	US Navy Silhouette: JU-88	Thanks to eBay member  wingedprop for the pictures of the Navy models!

U.S. Army Air Corps Version

 

FW 190 Silhouette Model Envelope

Metals were hard to come by, and shipping and logistics were often a problem. One answer, silhouette models made of cardboard. Each was die-cut and could be easily assembled. Once assembled, it provide a "silhouette" view of the aircraft for the soldier/trainee to memorize. Both the Army and the Navy issued these models.

Note the fact that the Army and Navy issue their own version of these models. The distinguishing mark is in the title box, which bears the mark of the appropriate branch of service.

On the civilian front, Sil-O-Model (a play on the word silhouette) released a series of models to the general public. Not a bad idea to train the general public to identify friendly and foreign aircraft. The threat of attack was still quite real, and a trained and vigilant civilian population was not a bad thing during this time.

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Other U.S. Recognition Aides

In addition to models, the US government also utilized other aides, such as books, posters, playing cards, and even kites!

Posters

Recognition Poster 1943	Recognition Poster 1943	Recognition Poster 1943	Recognition Poster 1943
Recognition Poster: Insignia 1943	Recognition Poster: WEFT Wings, Engine, Fuselage, Tail	Beaufort poster - large format note the WEFT approach middle right Beaufort Inset, US Navy release	Spitfire poster - large format

Handbooks and Manuals

Numerous handbooks were issued at various times throughout the war.

Silhouette Handbook

Silhouette Handbook

Recognition Training manual for Aviation Cadets - Pre-Flight school. This, and similar books, were used in the College Training Detachments (CDT). Cadets were sent to CDT for a period of time before being sent to Classification and pre-flight training.

	rear	front
Glossary	Aviation Cadet Recognition Book  B-17	Aviation Cadet Recognition Book A-20

Recognition cards

ID cards were issued to troops to help with training. These were playing card sized, and features pictures on one side, and silhouettes on the other. The US was features in 2 decks, one for Aircraft and one for Ships. The US Army aircraft deck was green, the US Navy Aircraft and Ships deck was dark blue. Other decks included British ships (red) and Japanese ships (yellow).

Army ID Card Deck Front of Box

Army ID Card Deck Rear of Box

Army ID Card Deck Front of Cards

Army ID Card Deck Back of Cards

Reproduction Set

Recognition Journal

Recognition Journal January, 1944

Recognition Journal January, 1944

24 issues of Recognition Journal were produced from September 1943 to August 1945.  As the war progressed,  existing weapons were modified and new planes, land vehicles and ships were introduced. The Army and Navy realiz