WWII
Recognition Models
(a.k.a. ID models,
Spotter models)
Civilian Observers in WWII - The AWS
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 |
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
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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 |
My Framburg Teachers Model - Southhampton
.jpg) Framburg Teachers Model Southhampton |
.jpg) Framburg Teachers Model Southhampton |
.jpg) Framburg Teachers Model Southhampton |
.jpg) Framburg Teachers Model Southhampton |
.jpg) Framburg Teachers Model Southhampton |
 Framburg Teachers Model Southhampton |
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 |
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 |
 Framburg M-3 Grant |
 Framburg M-3 Grant3 |
 Framburg M-3 Grant |
 Framburg M-3 Grant |
Thanks Pat!
 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 |
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!
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 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!
 Framburg Sherman Cast Hull |
 Framburg Sherman Cast Hull - base |
 Framburg Sherman Cast Hull |
 Framburg variant Sherman with Headlamps base |
 Framburg variant Sherman with Headlamps base |
 Framburg variant Sherman with Headlamps base |
Shown above are the Sherman with a cast hull (top row) and an unusual variant with headlights which stick well above the chassis (bottom row).
The cast hull Sherman has the rounded chassis (characteristic of the cast hull), vents on the back, access panels on the rear, and "capped" barrel.
The tank on the bottom row has headlight which protrude from the chassis. This is as compared to the other versions which have low, bulnous headlights which are cast as part of the hull. The Sherman also lacks the words "General Sherman" on the base, and is simply marked MED. TANK M-4-2.
Thanks to Greg W. for the pictures and the discussions!
A PARTIAL listing of Framburg 1:36 Land Vehicles - a work in progress!
| Vehicle Type | Markings | Comments | ||
| M-4 Sherman - welded hull | "MED TANK M-4 GENERAL SHERMAN" | angular welded hull | |
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| M-4 Sherman - cast hull | "MED. TANK M-4-2 MED TANK M4" | rounded cast hull | Thanks Greg W |
Thanks Greg W |
| Priest | "106 MM HOWITZER MOTOR T 32 M7" | Thanks Mike |
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| T-17 Deerhound | 6 wheels, wheels are an integrated part of the chassis (i.e. not axles, not free rolling) | Thanks James |
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| T-17E Staghound Armored car | "ARMORED CAR T-17" | 4 wheels, wheels are an integrated part of the chassis (i.e. not axles, not free rolling) | Thanks James |
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| M-3 Medium Tank Grant | ”Med. Tank M-3” | Thanks Mike |
Thanks Mike |
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| General Stuart | "LIGHT-TANK-M5" | |
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| US Heavy tank M-6 | "HEAVY TANK M-6" |  |
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| Jeep | "JEEP" | .jpg) |
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| Halftrack with 75 mm gun | "75 MM. GUN CAR.M-3" | |||
| M-3 A-1 Scout Car | "SCOUT CAR M-3 A-1" | Wheeled scout car, open back, 3 machine guns |  |
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| Half track -personnel carrier | "HALF TRK.PERS. CAR.M-3" "HALF??" | halftrack, open back with seats | ||
| Half track scout car?? | "HALF TRK CAR M-2" | Open back with machine guns | ||
| 37 mm Gun Motor Carriage M6 | Heavily armed truck | |||
| M5 Self Propelled gun | "75 MMGUN CAR M-5" | 3 inch self propelled gun |  |
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| Panzer IV | ||||
| Panzer III | "GER. LIGHT MED. TANK PZ.KW.3 TYPE"C". | |||
| Panzer II | "GER. LIGHT TANK PZ:KW:2" | Thanks spinnin4s |
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| Panzer I Command tank | "GER LIGHT TANK. P.Z.K.W.1 COMMAND TANK" | Thanks spinnin4s |
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| Panzer I | German Light Tank PZ.K.W.1 MAYBACH 1936 | |||
| Amphibious tank: | "German Light Amphibian Tank CKDF4 HE" | Thanks Brit |
Thanks Brit |
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| German T-35 Light Tank | "GER. LIGHT MED.TANK L.T.35" | |
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| German T-38 Light Tank | "PRAGA? GER. TANK 8 TON T.N.H-P.F.X (CZECH) | |
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| German Light Medium tank (ST-39) | "GER LIGHT MED TANK CK.D.V.8.H"? | Thanks Mr Slisinger |
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| German Heavy Tank | "GERM.HVY.TANK.PZ V"? | Early tank - not a Panther | ||
| German armoured car SDKFZ 223D | "GER. LIGHT ARM.CAR SD:KFZ:223 D" | 2 wheel armored car | .jpg) |
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| German 8 wheeled armoured car | 8 wheel armored car | Thanks Mr Slisinger |
Compact list
| Vehicle Type | Markings |
| M-4 Sherman - welded hull | "MED TANK M-4 GENERAL SHERMAN" |
| M-4 Sherman - cast hull | "MED. TANK M-4-2 MED TANK M4" |
| Priest | "106 MM HOWITZER MOTOR T 32 M7" |
| T-17 Deerhound | |
| T-17E Staghound Armored car | "ARMORED CAR T-17" |
| M-3 Medium Tank Grant | ”Med. Tank M-3” |
| General Stuart | "LIGHT-TANK-M5" |
| US Heavy tank M-6 | "HEAVY TANK M-6" |
| Jeep | "JEEP" |
| Halftrack with 75 mm gun | "75 MM. GUN CAR.M-3" |
| M-3 A-1 Scout Car | "SCOUT CAR M-3 A-1" |
| Half track -personnel carrier | "HALF TRK.PERS. CAR.M-3" "HALF??" |
| Half track scout car?? | "HALF TRK CAR M-2" |
| 37 mm Gun Motor Carriage M6 | |
| M5 Self Propelled gun | "75 MMGUN CAR M-5" |
| Panzer IV | |
| Panzer III | "GER. LIGHT MED. TANK PZ.KW.3 TYPE"C". |
| Panzer II | "GER. LIGHT TANK PZ:KW:2" |
| Panzer I Command tank | "GER LIGHT TANK. P.Z.K.W.1 COMMAND TANK" |
| Panzer I | German Light Tank PZ.K.W.1 MAYBACH 1936 |
| Amphibious tank: | "German Light Amphibian Tank CKDF4 HE" |
| Panzer I command tank | "GER. LIGHT TANK P.Z.K.W.1 COMMAND TANK" |
| German T-35 Light Tank | "GER. LIGHT MED.TANK L.T.35" |
| German T-38 Light Tank | "PRAGA? GER. TANK 8 TON T.N.H-P.F.X (CZECH) |
| German Light Medium tank (ST-39) | "GER LIGHT MED TANK CK.D.V.8.H"? |
| German Heavy Tank | "GERM.HVY.TANK.PZ V"? |
| German armoured car SDKFZ 223D | "GER. LIGHT ARM.CAR SD:KFZ:223 D" |
| German 8 wheeled armoured car |
Thanks also to Jeff L.
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 |
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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 |
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 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"
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 |
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A Partial list of Dale Models
| Vehicle Type | |
| M-4 Sherman | |
| General Stuart |  Thanks Dick S. |
| M3 Halftrack with 75 mm gun |
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| Staghound Armored car | |
| M-7 Priest |
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| Jeep |
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| T-17 E Armored car |
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| DUKW |
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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 |
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 An Authenticast model... ...Mike's comment |
 An Authenticast model... ...Mike's comment |
 An Authenticast model... ...Mike's comment |
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Thanks Dick!
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
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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 |
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Thanks to Jeff for the pictures!
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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.
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 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.
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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 |
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 Cruver Air Speed Computer |
 Cruver Air Speed Computer |
 Cruver Air Speed Computer |
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Cruver playing cards
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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.
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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
Abraham Slonim emigrated from Kiev Russia in the early 1900's, where he found work in the metal industry. In the 1930's Slonim started making metal soldiers, and attempted to interest the military in using diecast models as identification models. It was during this time that the name, Comet Metal Products, was first used. 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)...although later articles placed the number at about 3.5 million. 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.
The 'typical' scale for the tanks is 1:108 (15 mm). Teachers models were also made at a larger scale, 1:36. One inch to nine feet (1:108) 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 (New Yorker Magazine, August 19, 1950)
Early Sets - "Ships on Sticks"
.jpg) Comet - "Ships on Sticks" |
.jpg) Comet - "Ships on Sticks" |
 Comet - "Ships on Sticks" |
.jpg) Comet - "Ships on Sticks" |
.jpg) Comet - "Ships on Sticks" |
.jpg) Comet - "Ships on Sticks" |
.jpg) Comet - "Ships on Sticks" |
.jpg) Comet - "Ships on Sticks" |
.jpg) Comet - "Ships on Sticks" |
.jpg) Comet - "Ships on Sticks" |
.jpg) Comet - "Ships on Sticks" |
.jpg) Comet - "Ships on Sticks" |
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.jpg) Comet - "Ships on Sticks" |
.jpg) Comet - "Ships on Sticks" |
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One of the earliest sets by Comet was their Ships on Sticks. These ships were each on a removable "paddle", with the name and or class of each ship displayed on the end. The base of the display is marked "Kay Display, Inc", and may or may not have the US Navy anchor symbol.
Teachers Model
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 |
Tanks
 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). As stated above, 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.
The information below was distilled from articles by Fred Dorris and Paul Jacobs
Another maker of US ship models was Bessarabis. Bessarabis was one of the first manufacturers of recognition models for WWII. They were produced in a small shop in New York. Fred Dorris reports that they were probably manufactured in 1941 and 1942 and that probably less than 2000 sets were manufactured. The set consisted of individual ships in cardboard boxes. The boxes where then placed in a wood case with a sliding top. Three different types of sets were thought to be manufactured. Two U.S. sets (one pre Pearl Harbor and one post), and one German set. The German sets are distinguished by a raised "G-" on the bottom followed by an number (for example G-17).
.jpg) Bessarabis German Navy Wolf Class G-17 |
.jpg) Bessarabis German Navy Wolf Class G-17 |
.jpg) Bessarabis German Navy Wolf Class G-17 |
.jpg) Bessarabis German Navy Wolf Class G-17 |
 Bessarabis German Navy Wolf Class G-17 |
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
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 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 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.
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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 |
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 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!
| 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!
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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 |
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 Goebel Panther Tank |
 Goebel Panther Tank |
 Goebel Panther Tank |
 Goebel Panther Tank |
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 Goebel Panther Tank |
 Goebel Panther Tank |
 Goebel Panther Tank |
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 Goebel Sturmgeshutz |
 Goebel Sturmgeshutz |
 Goebel Sturmgeshutz |
 Goebel Sturmgeshutz |
 Goebel Sturmgeshutz |
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 Goebel Panzer IV |
 Goebel Panzer IV |
 Goebel Panzer IV |
 Goebel Panzer IV |
 Goebel Panzer IV |
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 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 |
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 Goebel Stug |
 Goebel Panther |
 Goebel Panther |
 Goebel Panther |
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 Goebel Panther |
.jpg) Goebel Panther |
.jpg) Goebel Panther |
.jpg) Goebel Panther |
.jpg) Goebel Panzer IV - long barrel |
.jpg) Goebel Panzer IV- long barrel |
.jpg) Goebel Panzer IV - long barrel |
.jpg) Goebel Panzer IV - Short barrel |
.jpg) Goebel Panzer IV - Short barrel |
.jpg) Goebel long halftrack |
.jpg) Goebel long halftrack |
.jpg) Goebel long halftrack |
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.jpg) Goebel short halftrack |
.jpg) Goebel short halftrack |
 Goebel short halftrack |
.jpg) Goebel short halftrack |
.jpg) Goebel? KV-1 |
.jpg) Goebel? KV-1 |
.jpg) Goebel? KV--1 |
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.jpg) Goebel? T-34 |
.jpg) Goebel? T-34 |
.jpg) Goebel? T-34 |
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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 |
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
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 FW 190 Silhouette Model Envelope |
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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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In addition to models, the US
government also utilized other aides, such as books, posters, playing cards,
and even kites!
 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.
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 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 |
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 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 realized that they needed a way to keep the troops current. The Journal of Recognition (later renamed Recognition Journal) was created with the help of Life Magazine. In its pages was information regarding the newest vehicles from the Allies and the Axis, as well as "quizzes" to test the troops
 From Recognition Journal Types of material available for recognition training |
View Masters
The army also provided View Master reels. These could be used in a hand-held viewer, or projected onto a screen. They were created by the Jam Handy Corporation, renowned in the day for its "industrial" films and movies. Each frame showed a view of the plane at a different distance and angle.
 Jam Handy View Master Envelope |
 Jam Handy View Master Reels Junkers 87B and British Skua |
 Jam Handy ViewMaster |
 Jam Handy ViewMaster |
 Jam Handy ViewMaster |
 Jam Handy ViewMaster |
Yet more training aides....
 ID slide |
 ID slide |
 ID Pictures on Newsprint Japanese Planes, Front |
 ID Pictures on Newsprint Japanese Planes, Rear |
 Churchill |
 Churchill - base |
 T-34 |
 King Tiger |
 Tiger |
 Tiger - base |
 Sherman |
 Sherman Base |
 KV-1 |
Show above are pictures other German ID models of unknown heritage sent to me by Johan in France - Let me know if you have any information regarding these!
Like the Rodach Models, most of these are made of wood. Markings on the bottom indicate that the origin is Germany, and the specifications of the tank are also listed.
 Panther |
 Panther |
 Panther |
 Panther |
 Panther |
 Panther |
 Panther |
 Panther |
 Panther |
 Panther |
John D. had these pictures of a wood Panther tank. Thanks John!
 Panzer IV |
 Panzer IV |
Finally, this Panzer IV is slush cast - similar to Comet, Framburg, and Dale, but lacks markings for definitive identification....
Thanks to Johan!
Below is a Churchill model courtesy of Ted. It is WWII vintage.
 Churchill |
 Churchill |
 Churchill |
 Churchill |
See more of Ted's collection up in the Rodach section
German ID Books
 German Ship ID Book Cover Circa 1942 |
 German Ship ID Book Inside Cover |
 German Ship ID Book Inside cover |
 German Ship ID Book British Ships |
 German Ship ID Book British Ships |
Britain
 Recognition models by Frog December 1940 |
In Great Britain, Frog Penguin manufactured recognition models during WWII. These were models of black wood with red writing.
 Aircraft Recognition July 1944 |
 Aircraft Recognition July 1944 |
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Similar to the United States Recognition Journal, Aircraft Recognition was published by the British as a way to keep their troops current.
Japan
 Japanese ID book |
 Japanese ID book |
 Japanese ID Poster Reprinted in Recognition Journal |
StromBecker models are worth a mention. Although sold in the early 1940's as spotter models, these models were not distributed to the military (reference: Friend or Foe? Museum). Still, they had a strong influence on the culture of the time, and are sold as "spotter" models (as clearly stated on their box!) on eBay at at trade shows today . The models were solid wood models, pre-formed and ready for assembly.
 Booklet from StromBecker Model, circa 1946 (back and front cover, laid open flat) |
 Booklet from StromBecker Model, circa 1946 interior |
 Booklet from StromBecker Model, circa 1946 interior |
 Strombecker "spotter model" |
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In addition to Aircrafts sets, StromBecker also made Ship and Tank models. Post-war it made toy soldier sets. As the toy line matured, StromBecker (a concatenation of Strombeck-Becker) became famous for it's slotcar sets, and its Tootsie Toy diecast models.
 StromBecker Ship Advertisement |
 StromBecker Soldier Set circa 1966 |
 StromBecker Wood tank models Toy Soldier Review Magazine |
Recent Vintage Recognition Models
 Bradley |
 Bradley |
 Bradley |
 Centurion |
 Centurion |
 Leopard |
 Leopard |
 M113 |
 M113 |
 Russian BTR? |
 Russian BTR? |
 Russion BTR? |
 T-64 |
 T-64 |
Thanks to Sue for |
My Model
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Modern ID models are made generally made of cast plastic. The models shown above are from Fort Knox, US Army Armor Center. From the Armor School website: "The U.S. Army Armor School trains Armor and Cavalry Soldiers, Noncommissioned Officers, and leaders to fight in full spectrum operations to meet the requirements of the Army in the Contemporary Operating Environment. The Armor School serves as the trainer for the current mounted force, and develops the tools for the future mounted force."
Commonly imprinted on these models are the letters "TASC" - an abbreviation of Training and Audiovisual Support Center....although now it would appear that the section is now called the TSP - Training Support Center. From the Devices Section of the TSP website: "Here at the Devices Section we have skilled craftsmen dedicated to producing realistic training devices. Whether it's an exact replica of an M1A2 tank or a mock-up of an AT-4 Rocket Launcher, we can make it happen! We even have our own Plastics Shop to produce multiple units from molds made in the shop. So remember, if it's made from plastic or wood, the TSC Model and Device Shop can build it for you"
Modern Era ID Cards
 ID cards 1977 |
 ID cards 1977 |
 ID cards 1977 |
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 ID Cards 1985 |
 ID Cards 1985 |
 ID Cards 1985 |
 ID Cards 1985 |
Civilian Observers in WWII: the AWS
During the war, it became apparent that radar would not be sufficient in determining the threat of airborne attack. Early radar was primitive. It could detect incoming aircraft, but not identify the type or altitude. Further, low flying aircraft could evade the radar. The Army Air force sought to supplement it's early warning system by the creation of the Aircraft Warning Service in July of 1942 (the volunteers existed before then, but not in an official capacity)
The Aircraft Warning Service consisted of the Ground Observer Corps (GOC formed on July 15, 1942) and the Aircraft Warning Corps (AWC - formed on the 7th May of 1943). The GOC reported the flight of all aircraft (commercial and military) over US land. The AWC received and processed the reports in what was known as a Filter Center. The Filter Center coordinated visual reports with radar and other sources, often a very chaotic job.
 AWS decal Front  AWS decal Rear |
 AWS booklet Front |
 AWS booklet Rear |
 AWS armband 100 hours of service |
 AWS wings |
 AWS GOC certificate |
 AWS Card |
 AWS Card |
 AWS Card |
 AWS Card |
 AWS Certificate |
 AWS letter |
 AWS Letter |
 Journal of Recognition Commentary on GOC |
 GOC Manual- Cover |
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 GOC Manual pg33 |
 GOC Manual pg 34 |
 GOC Manual pg 51 |
 GOC Manual pg 52 |
 GOC spotter cards |
 GOC spotter cards |
 GOC spotter cards |
Civilians were on there own to learn what the silhouettes of the aircraft looked like until early 1943, when key observers were given 8 weeks of aircraft recognition training. It was hoped that these individuals would teach others. Volunteers were rewarded with armbands (100 hours), "wings", medals, and certificates. All in all, over 14,000 posts were manned. One estimate place the ultimate number of observers at 1.5 million persons! The service was deactivated on May 29, 1944.
Source: The Army Air Forces in WWII Volume 6: Men and Planes, Chapter 3: Air Defense of the United State, Wesley Craven and James Cate, Office of Air Force History, 1955
To the best of my knowledge, the pictures I have used are public domain.
Fred Dorris' site, "Ships for the Military", has a lot of good information regarding Framburg, Comet, and South Salem Studios. Fred has also been kind enough to send me updated information on the history of Comet Metal Products and Bessarabis Models.
For a nice discussion of ID models from the 1940s (Dale, Framburg, Comet) got to
Jarek Skonieczny's WWII jeep recognition models page.For more information on Dale ID models, go to the Jeeptoys website.
For information on Airplane ID models, go to the Friend or Foe? Museum
Robert Reader, "A Brief History of Monogram Models Inc., The First Forty Years", 2000
Charles Gayley, "Making Aircraft ID Models in WWI", Fine Scale Modeling, pp 50-52, May 2004
Moderhack, Werner and Wagner, Ray, Goebel: The Collectors Guide, Vol. 1, Turner Publishing Company, 2002, pg VIII -XIII
Miller, Robert, The No. 1 Price Guide to MI Hummel, 9th Ed. Portfolio Press, 2003, pg 537
Miller, Robert, 20 Years of "Miller on Hummel" Columns, Collectors News, 1998, pg 181-183
A Short History of Recognition ModelsA lot of Authenticast information at S. Berliner III's Comet/Authenticast webpage
More Authenticast information at Alnavco and steelnavy.com
Historic Aviation Memorial Museum: http://www.tylerhamm.com/exhibit-models.htm
The Army Air Forces in WWII Volume 6: Men and Planes, Chapter 3: Air Defense of the United State, Wesley Craven and James Cate, Office of Air Force History, 1955
And finally, my Authenticast tank, Authenticast airplanes, and Comet Metal Products pages for more information.
