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Description
What is this?
Original pre‑war cast‑metal desktop model of a twin‑engine transport aircraft, presented as a commemorative/award by the Imperial Japanese Aviation Association (日本語：帝国飛行協会 / Romaji: Teikoku Hikō Kyōkai).
- Box lid bears the ink stamp: 「記念品 帝国飛行協会」 (“Commemorative Item – Imperial Japanese Aviation Association”).
- Underside of the airplane is cast/engraved: 「帝国飛行協会」.
- Metal alloy body (cast “white metal”/zinc type), nickel‑silver tone. Two small propellers fitted.
- Size (photos with ruler): wingspan approx. 17–18 cm (≈7 in), length ~13–14 cm (≈5–5.5 in).
- Period piece; not a modern reproduction.
Who made/used it?（Who?）
The Imperial Japanese Aviation Association (帝国飛行協会) was a semi‑public national body active from the 1910s through the 1940s to promote aviation in Japan. It worked with government, Army/Navy, schools, and industry to popularize flying, sponsor air meets & model contests, publish magazines, and raise donation funds for aircraft procurement. Items like this were awards, presentation gifts, or donor premiums to encourage public support for aviation.
What happened / what does it represent?（What?）
A stylized model of a twin‑engine transport (civil/military liaison & training types of the late 1930s). Such commemoratives were displayed in schools, clubs, and private homes—symbols of modern technology and national aviation pride on the eve of the Pacific War.
When?（When?）
Late 1930s–early 1940s (Shōwa pre‑war years). The casting style, typography, and association mark match period souvenirs before 1945.
Where?（Where?）
Produced and awarded in Japan; the Association’s activities were nationwide, with headquarters in Tokyo and regional chapters.
Why was it made?（Why?）
To promote aviation awareness, reward supporters, and commemorate events (air shows, exhibitions, donation drives, school programs). The clearly marked box and base show it was an official Association presentation.
How was it made/used?（How?）
Cast‑metal body with plated finish; small press‑fit propellers; presented in a plain kiri‑style wood box stamped with the association name—practical packaging typical of period awards.
Exact Japanese Marks (for researchers)
- Box lid: style="margin: 0px 0px 12px; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-width: normal; font-size: 20px; line-height: normal; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size-adjust: none; font-kerning: auto; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variant-emoji: normal; font-feature-settings: normal; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-variation-settings: normal; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Plane underside: 「帝国飛行協会」
Condition
Pre‑war original with age patina: surface oxidation, plating wear, small scratches; both propellers present (one slightly bent from age/handling). Wood box shows handling marks and age darkening. Please review all photos; sold as found.
Why collectors value this piece
- Clearly association‑marked on both box and model.
- Pre‑WWII aviation object—bridges civil & military collecting fields.
- Compact desktop size; excellent display & research value.
Keywords / Tags
Imperial Japanese Aviation Association; Teikoku Hiko Kyokai; prewar Japan; aviation award; transport aircraft model; WWII home‑front; propaganda; donor premium; original box; Japanese militaria; aeronautical history.
Historical note: This item is offered as a period artifact for research/collecting purposes only. It does not endorse any past ideology.
Shipping
Worldwide Shipping
Economy Shipping→International e packet
Delivery Time:
approximate 7-21days(To USA)
14-21days(To Europe)
With Tracking Number & NO Insurance
International
Import duties, taxes, and charges are not included in the item price or shipping cost. These charges are the buyer's responsibility. Please check with your country's customs office to determine what these additional costs will be prior to offerding or buying.
