Japanese wood recognition model of USS Idaho BB-42.
Grey hull & superstructure, light brown decks
Collection
Models Collection
Made/Created
Artist
Momiyama Bros Of Tokyo, Japan
Date made
1940
Notes
Date: mid-20th century
Lexicon
Nomenclature 4.0
Nomenclature Primary Object Term
Model
Nomenclature Sub-Class
Other Documents
Nomenclature Class
Documentary Objects
Nomenclature Category
Category 08: Communication Objects
Search Terms
USS Idaho (BB-42)
Material
Wood
Interpretative Labels
Label
These recognition models were made in the workshop of Momiyama Brothers of Tokyo some time in 1940. They were used to train members of the Imperial Japanese armed forces in the accurate identification of both friend and foe. This method of identification was commonly used by Axis and Allied navies during the period and would be augmented by books and flash cards featuring the silhouettes and characteristics of naval vessels. Boxed sets of these types of models were found in Japanese military bases and also hidden in caves on the island of Okinawa at the end of the war. This set was “liberated” by an American serviceman and brought to the United States after the cessation of hostilities. Rather than a molded metal hull with component metal parts attached which was commonly used in the production of US recognition models, Japanese models were carved from soft wood, painted, and varnished, with the decks colored to represent natural wood.
