Seeking info on estate sale find: USS Forrestal, 1:500 by Comet Metal Products Co.

[DNADave]

Hi All

This is my first post here, but I think I'll stick around given the number of military items I find at estate sales.

 

What I found this week looked like a regular plastic model, but when I picked it up to move it, it was HEAVY! The stamp on the bottom was too blury to really make out, but for $30 I took a chance. What I first thought was "COAST" Metal, really says "COMET" Metal Products. I could make out USS Forrestal, and "Unclassified" but a lot of it is blurry.

 

What I learned was interesting, regarding the fires on board the "FID" or the "Fire Stall" as it was called. But now I'm looking for info on what this item is. I doubt is was a toy, but I don't know. I'm not sure of the rarity, other than I can't find much on the interweb.

 

I'll try a few pics and see what the crowd thinks.

 

It looks like I can't use photobucket here? so the thread may be useless w/out pictures. i'll keep trying

 

 

 

[DNADave]

I think I got it....

[firefighter]

It was used for training.They had ships and planes from Allied and Axies countries.Very cool and some are very collectible.

[swmdo]

These came in recognition kits for the various Navies and were usually in wooden cases. The heaviness is due to it being made with lead. Store in a cool spot as the lead will bend easily in heat. Used to train pilots and aircrew recognition of vessels for both friend and foe or allies and axis. Comet is one of many manufacturers who made recognition models during WWII.

[turmanator]

That's a nice one!

[Dave]

This is one of the only post-WW2 ID models I've ever seen, but I have to agree that it does appear to be one. Quite interesting!

 

As a random historical note, we used to also call her the "Forrest-fire"...

[Baron3-6]

There is a really good Discovery documentary, I think it was called "USS Forrestal: Situation Critical" out there somewhere. There was a lot of heroism in fighting the fire that broke out on the flight deck.

 

Very cool model and nice find!

[firefighter]

Almost post war.Date looks July '45.Probably the last ones made though.I have the cruise book from the Forrestal Vietnam cruise.I can't imagine the chaos that was going on.John McCain was on that cruise.He could have went home but volunteered for another ship and was shot down.I have a friend that was on the Oriskany.He said they were 12-15 miles out and could see the fire.

[38Driver]

Not a chance it's a 1945 date. Ship didn't reach the fleet until 55.

[doyler]

Correct

 

Construction was began in July of 1952 and she was launched in 1954.

[doyler]

http://www.steelnavy.com/1250MilitaryDorris.htm

 

 

Interesting page on the ship models.It states that Comet continued to make these well after the War.

[1SG_1st_Cav]

Very nice model! Great price!

[firefighter]

Not a chance it's a 1945 date. Ship didn't reach the fleet until 55.

 

 

What does the date look like to you? Doesn't look '55'

[doyler]

 

 

What does the date look like to you? Doesn't look '55'

Kinda looks like 65 ?

[Datil_Mountain_Muse]

And the Forrestal was still going strong in 1988 w/ CVW-6. I KNOW. And it had really high 'knee-knockers' in the passageways.