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Jeff D
Moderator
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 Posted on: Aug 18, 2021 - 2:41pm
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Hooo Wee, pricey indeed. And 32 fulltime weeks just to do the other half! Or is that an invoice for the work already done? Do you know if that was in addition to his job at Elco, or was it his job to build models?
Thanks Frank, they are the spitting image of the real props. Heck I'd be tempted to get my ears pierced if I owned them!
It looks like the model you have is likely by Comet Metal Products / Authenticast, originally commissioned by Elco as promotional models to give to VIPS. I'm jealous.
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Frank J Andruss Sr
TOP BOSS
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Posted on: Aug 18, 2021 - 5:09pm
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Jeff one of the reasons Elco hired out Authenticast under Elco license was that Don could not keep up with the orders he was given. Don worked in the Hull Department when he was not making orders. The thing that most do not know is that Don's models were built mostly using metal parts and pieces. His hulls were one piece wood. Authenticast stamped their models at the base and the one I have does not have a stamp, which is why I believe this one was completed by Don. When I had visited the Irwin Chase home back in 1997 he had two Rosencrantz models in his home, one identical to mine and another that was at least 4 feet in length. The family related to me that those boats were built by Rosencrantz. I have enclosed Don's Elco ID, which I have, and a few models that he made for the Company. You can really see Don's wonderful work on PT-41.
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Grady
MASTER
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Posted on: Aug 19, 2021 - 2:44am
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What a great thread , I find all this history fascinating, again the little things tell us so much. I'm all in supporting Frank on educating the next generation,. Not only about the men who walked there decks, but the folks who built them. For me it opens up a new world. . your never to old to find a new passion. Thanks to the site and its dedicated ELCO NUTS I learn everyday so a huge thanks guys.
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Frank J Andruss Sr
TOP BOSS
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Posted on: Aug 19, 2021 - 6:32am
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Grady I am thrilled to find someone new that has taken an active interest in the WWII PT BOATS. There is such a wealth of information out there now, not only in books produced in the last few years but on these sites. You will find that pretty much any questions you might have about the boats, bases, and tenders can usually be answered right here. If you are interested I have 3 published books on the Market. You will find them by going to amazon.com. If you are interested I have a facebook page dedicated to the PT BOATS, BASES, and TENDERS. You can join by looking up The Mosquito Fleet Exhibit.
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Jeff D
Moderator
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Posted on: Aug 19, 2021 - 9:00am
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According to this site, the mfg plate is On the underside of the case is a metal label with the boats real dimensions plus the Comet Products label.: http://sbiii.com/authcmt9.html#zederpt. The site also has 2 photos that bring up higher res versions if clicked on. This page mentions that the Comet models are made of metal: http://sbiii.com/authcmt4.html#mystery
Don't get me wrong, your model is very well done and a piece of history but I don't think it is up to Don's standards of accuracy and exquisite detail. Like the foot rails, on yours and the ones on the model from the website they look a bit large and lack the solid areas at the bow and at the splice in the middle. You can see how well Don nailed them in the photo of the PT 41 model of his you posted. Here's what the website models look like:
The ones on your model look exactly the same:
And your case looks the same as on the Comet models. Does the name plate look like this?:
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Frank J Andruss Sr
TOP BOSS
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Posted on: Aug 19, 2021 - 10:24am
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Jeff the name plate is the same and in looking at your evidence I would tend to believe my model is a Comet. I was pretty excited to think i had a Rosencrantz model but in any event she is a great example of model building from the WWII era. In fact here is a photo taken at the Elco Naval Division that shows that very model on the desk
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Jeff D
Moderator
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Posted on: Aug 20, 2021 - 7:23am
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I'd love to know how many Don was able to turn out, sure couldn't have been many based on the hours involved...
If I'm reading it right, the Comet website seems to indicate that those models were given only to certain customers / potential customers / special occasions maybe, and not sold retail so they sound like they are rare. I don't suppose you'd leave it to me in your will hmmm?
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Frank J Andruss Sr
TOP BOSS
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Posted on: Aug 20, 2021 - 8:03am
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Jeff I do know that they are rare and being under Elco License you are correct. They were only given out to certain people so I would think not a ton of these were produced. They are rare and finding one in the shape of the one I have is not easy. Your on a long list lol.
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PRJM3
Advanced Member
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Posted on: Aug 21, 2021 - 8:07am
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Did anyone else notice the inaccuracy on the Comet model shown at the site linked by Jeff D? The port forward and starboard rear torpedoes obviously swapped positions at some point in the models life so that when launched they would roll onto the deck of the boat! The greater question would be, why did I notice that? Possibly because I'm an engineer and/or born under the sign of Virgo (a nit-picking PITA according to my mother) but more likely because I've learned the details of the roll-off launcher by frequenting this site. Regardless, I'm sure Comet didn't release the model that way.
The site linked by Jeff is pretty informative too. I've already spent time studying the ship recognition models produced for the AAF and will be going back for more. Yes, The PT Boat Forum can be educational.
Those are fantastic boat models that you have, Frank, regardless of who made them. Both the rarity and excellent condition add to them just being PT boat models.
Randy McConnell (Randall J. McConnell III) |
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Frank J Andruss Sr
TOP BOSS
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Posted on: Aug 21, 2021 - 10:44am
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Thanks Randy, having one of the Elco Licensed boats is pure joy for me. I get to see it each day while in my office, along with the wonderful models done by Stan Pienkowski. I did play the song several times holding the memo and looking at the photo of Sutphen as he hands the boat to Bulkeley. Some folks might think I am crazy but I find it as getting lost in History. If I did not say so Randy, thanks for posting the link to the song. I have enclosed another photo of that special day. Here Bulkeley is with his Dad Frederick who got the Memo that I have. The builder of the model Don Rosencrantz is front row Elco worker with the pipe in his mouth looking away
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