1/48 09673 Life-Like Roman Chariot - (ex- Miniature Masterpiece / Revell / Adams)
Plastic Model Kit, Box Condition: Sealed NM
Still factory sealed and from the original 1950s high-quality molds. This kit has an interesting history. 'Miniature Masterpieces' was formed through an alliance of Lew Glaser (Revell) and Steve Adams (Adams Action Models) in 1953. Although the molds were made at Adams and it had the appearance of an independent company, the firm was run by Revell down to the prototypes being made at the Revell plant. Originally there was no evidence of the parent company on the surface. The State Coach of England was the first kit, issued in 1953. More kits of excellent quality followed. Revell completely took over the line in 1954 and in that year and the next, kits were labeled 'Revell' with a 'Miniature Masterpiece' label on the box top also. However, Adams broke the relationship with Revell in the later 1950s and began making kits under the Adams name in 1958 with the original molds. When Adams decided to leave the plastic business, they sold the molds to the famous HO Craftsman Train manufacturer Athearn, who released the armor under the name 'SNAP.' UPC then reissued the Miniature Masterpiece kits, probably with an agreement with Athearn (because Athearn never reissued them). However, Life-Like acquired the ex-Adams molds from Athearn in the early to mid 1970s and did reissue most if not all of this line. This issue is from about 1976 and lists the former 'MM' kits Chuck Wagon, Western Figures, Wells Fargo Stage coach as well as numerous Pyro and Palmer kits as being currently available.
$40.00