Pre-WWII Imperial Japanese Aviation Association Commemorative Plane Boxed
Original pre-war cast-metal desktop model of a twin-engine transport aircraft, presented as a commemorative/award by the Imperial Japanese Aviation Association (: / Romaji: Teikoku Hiko Kyokai). Box lid bears the ink stamp:??? (“Commemorative Item – Imperial Japanese Aviation Association”). Underside of the airplane is cast/engraved:?? . 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. The Imperial Japanese Aviation Association 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? 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. Late 1930s-early 1940s (Showa pre-war years). The casting style, typography, and association mark match period souvenirs before 1945. Produced and awarded in Japan; the Association’s activities were nationwide, with headquarters in Tokyo and regional chapters. Why was it made? 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? 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). 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. 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. Approximate 7-21days(To USA).