This two-part mold with an M-shaped clamp was one part of a Buck Rogers' Junior Caster set marketed in the 1930s. Fans of the space adventure series could make their own lead figurines using the lead bars and melting cauldron included alongside this mold. The results were small, paintable, models of favorite comic characters and vehicles. Available at different levels (Electric, Miniature, and Junior), the casting kits could also be supplemented with additional molds, allowing the creation of new models. The Home Foundry Manufacturing Company offered a comparable casting set for the Flash Gordon characters.
The Buck Rogers comic strip (written by the character's creator Philip Francis Nowlan and illustrated by Dick Calkins) debuted in 1929, followed by a color Sunday strip in 1930 and a radio program in 1932.
Michael O'Harro donated this mold to the Museum in 1993.
Display Status
This object is not on display at the National Air and Space Museum. It is either on loan or in storage.
Object Details
Country of Origin
United States of America
Type
MODELS-Science Fiction
Manufacturer
Rappaport Brothers
Dimensions
3-D (Each Half): 14 × 10.2 × 6.8cm (5 1/2 × 4 × 2 11/16 in.)
3-D (Clamp): 11 × 7 × 0.2cm (4 5/16 × 2 3/4 × 1/16 in.)
Materials
Overall, die cast iron; clip, iron; handles (2), wood
Inventory Number
A19970643000
Credit Line
Gift of Michael O'Harro
Data Source
National Air and Space Museum
Restrictions & Rights
Usage conditions apply
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