Old Montgomery Ward Model Kit worth building?

[kwaheltrut]

Hi all,

I don't have much experience with model ships. I inherited this old model ship kit and I want to know if you think it's worth much before I put it together with my kids. It looks to be complete and mostly unmolested. The original sticker on the back looks like it came from Montgomery Ward. I am having a hard time finding anything on the internet. Can anyone tell me anything about it?

Thanks for all of your help.

[ccoyle]

1 hour ago, kwaheltrut said:

I want to know if you think it's worth much

 

The answer to your question is somewhat subjective. If the kit is old, which it looks like it is (my guess is anywhere between 1945 - 1965), it might have some value to a collector, even though it is more of a novelty than an actual scale model kit. I don't collect kits, so I can't determine how much that value might be.

 

Now, as to whether you should build it, that too is somewhat subjective. The kit appears to be highly simplified, in which case it would not be nearly as difficult to build as an actual scale model kit. On the other hand, is the kit a good design? That I can't answer -- only building it will tell. Building a poor kit design can be very frustrating, but if you got the kit for free and aren't afraid to possibly booger it during the build process, then what is there to lose?

 

Sorry I can't offer more help than that.

Cheers!

 

[Roger Pellett]

It depends on what you want to accomplish.  From the drawings, it is not going to result in anything that resembles a real ship.

[Duanelaker]

Not sure how old your children are, or if you are trying to gain their interest by building models with them, or if  you are interested in getting to build model ships....but you would probably be better off looking at Model Shipways site and ordering a beginner kit from them.

 

As for the model you have, its worth as much as someone would be willing to pay...which is probably about $20 on Flea Bay.  Or you could just have fun with your kids gluing and painting, but keep low expectations.  

 

Best of luck and happy modeling!

 

[Gregory]

29 minutes ago, Roger Pellett said:

 From the drawings, it is not going to result in anything that resembles a real ship.

That's never stopped anyone before..😄

[grsjax]

You have to start somewhere and this is a very cheap way to get into it.  Enjoy the process with your kids and let them have the pleasure of seeing it come together.  Next kit can be something more advanced.

[Joe100]

On 1/19/2022 at 10:01 AM, Gregory said:

That's never stopped anyone before..😄

Dammit! I was drinking some coffee when I read this, now I have to clean coffee off of my phone. Well played! That was funny, 

[Dave_E]

I’d keep the kit… you have an antique of the modeling world. Buy a beginner wooden ship model and get into it if you want. My .02.