Ideal Aeroplane & Supply Naval Curtiss NC-4 Seaplane 54 Inch Wingspan Flying Model From 1918

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Ideal Aeroplane & Supply Naval Curtiss NC-4 Seaplane 54 Inch Wingspan Flying Model From 1918 plastic model kit

Ideal Aeroplane & Supply Naval Curtiss NC-4 Seaplane 54 Inch Wingspan Flying Model From 1918

Wood and Metal Model Kit,   Box Condition: Poor

Please wait for all photos to load. For the advanced collector. Incredibly rare; most likely the only one in existence. There is no record of one of these models surviving or changing hands in the history of model collecting and the internet. More amazingly, the model has most the parts still sealed in the factory ink-stamped envelopes (each is stamped either with "NC4" or the contents). Other than the glue and rubber, the model is complete. The Ideal Aeroplane & Supply Company was the most successful of America's pioneer model manufacturers. They went into business in 1911 and issued their first catalog shortly after. The 1918 issue of the 4.5 foot wingspan NC-4 was Ideal's flagship model and the most expensive - a full $10, a small fortune back then. This model is 'true scale' and is intended to be flown - there are flying instructions for trimming and 'rise off the water' take-offs. There is a surprising amount of prefabrication in this model; much more than the majority of the 1930s/40s stick and tissue kits. It includes many pieces of very light hardwood (this is pre-balsa kit) in different shapes and dimensions, all cut to shape and length, carved or both. There is also plenty of bamboo stock as required. The hardware is all perfectly formed & drilled and includes two beautiful ball bearing propeller shafts, two propeller stops, two aluminum prop hangers, 8 aluminum sleeves (four factory bent for the correct dihedral), 1 set of aluminum braces and a set of masts and one sheet of #34 aluminum. There are more metal parts and they are all still in the factory sealed and stamped (labeled) paper envelopes including an envelope with terminal fittings, rear rubber hooks with nuts, 4 strap fittings, (48) 1/4" screws, (2) 3/8" screws and washers, nails and a set of special tools. Also includes two stunning hand-carved, hardwood props of amazingly light weight, 5 sheets of bamboo paper (for covering), one small spool of metal wire, American national insignia in color, number "4" insignia in color, two very large sets of plans in stunning 'very good++ to excellent+ condition and a very instruction booklet in 'excellent' condition. This kit has never been started. The vast majority of the parts are still sealed; those few that were not sealed have been inventoried complete with the exception of the rubber - it is missing, it turned to dust literally and there is no glue present. NOTE: the box is poor. It arrived flat and I spent hours fixing it correctly - from the inside, using 90lb cardstock and book binding glue. It is presentable as you can see, but the lift-off box top has missing sections as you can see. The lower box is better, it is missing the left short side only. NOTE: this kit must be shipped insured and will be double-boxed.

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