August 9 & 10, 2022 Toy & General Collectibles
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 8/9/2022
Rare, desirable, and utterly impressive cutaway model of a United Airlines Boeing 377 Stratocruiser. It was a United Corporate Headquarters model. After World War II, commercial aviation progressed at an extraordinary pace as airlines expanded their services and updated fleets with more advanced airliners in order to draw influence of customers and successfully contend with their competitors. Aircraft manufacturers were not only offering improved aircraft but also more comfortable and aesthetically pleasing cabin interiors, which became a crucial part of air travel as the range of airliners and the duration of flights increased. In order to promote these new interiors the airlines used as a variety of advertisements, as well as cutaway models of airliners, which afforded prospective customers a unique view inside the aircraft. This example dates to the late 1940s, and would have been used to advertise innovative "modern" air travel. The model is decaled with the N-Number "N31225". This particular Stratocruiser is a Boeing 377-10-34 and was delivered to United Airlines in 1949. N31225 was part of the first of seven Stratocruisers delivered to United Airlines during the late 1940s and served with the airline as "Mainliner Hawaii" from September 28, 1949-December 29, 1954 when the aircraft was sold to G-ANTX and delivered on June 3, 1955. Constructed of sold wood, with a plastic wall to exhibit the cabin, the model exhibits both the exterior and interior features of the Boeing 377 Stratocrusier. The exterior is painted and decaled reflecting standard late 1940s United Airlines colors and logos. The interior features begin in the cockpit with the flight crew, with a pilot, co-pilot, flight engineer, the navigator who is sitting in the radio room. This is followed by the crew bunks which are next to a lounge where a group of passengers are playing cards. After this is a galley which resembles a small kitchen with a man shaving at the sink, and bathrooms. After the kitchen is coach seating which features a variety of passengers. A man smokes a cigarette while peering out the window while another flips through his brief case as other passengers read or sleep. Following the coach section is the staircase to the lower deck and a small galley, which leads to first class and finally a lounge with sofas. In first class several passengers enjoy a meal, while a woman knits and a man photographs the sights from his window seat. The lower deck features a bar with more passengers enjoying their flight. The forward portion of the lower deck contains a plaque paying tribute to the manufacturer of the model. The plaque reads "Mainliner Stratocruiser Model / Built For / United Air Lines / By / Pacific Miniatures / Alhambra California". The model can be disassembled into several pieces, as the wings and horizontal stabilizers are detachable from the fuselage. The metal propellers are also detachable. The Stratocrusier is mounted on a wood base which features an electrical cord, as the model could be plugged in so the interior can be illuminated. The model is immense and measures approximately 30" tall, with a 65 - 1/2" length, and a 83 - 1/2" wingspan. Each wing measures approximately 38" and the base of the stand measures 35 - 1/2". The model is already impressive, is complete with its original shipping crate. The crate features several labels which are addressed to United Airlines from Pacific Miniatures. One label is also addressed to the director of the Carnegie Museum in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. The crate is equally immense and measures approximately 71 - 1/2" x 22" x 26". The paint and decals are in great condition with typical aging exhibited. Almost all decals are nearly intact. Paint exhibits typical fading from age and various scratches and blemishes. The model is slightly dirty and could be cleaned. Interior is very good with 2 of the kitchen mirrors missing. The electrical functions have not been tested. The crate has turned a dark brown with scattered scuffs, dings, scratches, cracks, and other typical blemishes. Labels on the exterior of the crate exhibit age and tears, but most are surprisingly legible. The interior of the crate still features all of the accommodations to store the model. This is an outstanding example of a seldom offered late 1940's airline cutaway model and is a must have for a pilot, airline collector, model collector, or aviation enthusiast.
CORRECTION: Airplane lights up.
This is not a standard shippable item and will require 3rd party shipping or pickup arrangements to be made.
Condition: (Very Good Plus).
Item Dimensions: Crate: 71 - 1/2" x 22" x 26".