Loading Spinner

Model Kits

Model kits have existed since ancient times. Archaeologists have opened royal tombs to discover model chariots, ships, and other unique scaled miniatures inside. In the ‘50s, model kits became popular when the world took an interest in knowing history, understanding how things worked, and dreaming of life’s possibilities. Made of wood, plastic, and metal, some of the first models to come to market in 1936 were made by British model companies Frog and Airfix. Several model companies including Renwal, Varney, Hawk, Empire, and Lindberg appeared in America during the ‘40s. During the ‘50s, the craze took hold with companies including AMT, Revell, and Monogram competing for the marketplace. Over time, the secondary marketplace has grown as well.

Since the ‘70s, model manufacturers have popped up around the globe. Companies including Japanese Tamiya and Hasegawa have created some of the finest models on the marketplace today. Brands from Russia, China, Korea, and Central Europe have taken the market by storm. Still, original model kit companies from Great Britain and the United States still dominate the secondary market, rising in levels of collectability and prices every year.

The general demographics of plastic modeling have changed since their modern introduction in the ‘50s. Originally intended for young boys, now older adults enjoy model building and collecting as well. Often, adult collectors assemble large collections, bringing back memories of long ago. Collectors today look for unopened, unassembled, and rare models with short production periods.


Quick Facts

  • In the ‘90s, numerous countries banned Formula One race cars from advertising tobacco sponsors, thus ending the same on model kits which were meant for youths
  • Ship models constructed in the 18th and 19th centuries for the Royal Navy were known as Admiralty models. Some of these models were so finely made that today they can command more than $50,000
  • Engineering, architectural, and movie prop models are particularly sought after. In October 2006 at Christie's, a Star Trek production model of the Starship Enterprise used in the “Star Trek: The Next Generation” series sold for $576,000, a record price

Recommended Items at Auction

See all items

F-4 Phantom VMFAT-101 Sharp Shooters R.C. Jet
Jun 28, 10:00 AM MST
F-4 Phantom VMFAT-101 Sharp Shooters R.C. Jet
by EJ'S Auction & Appraisal
Est: $0- $0
$22518 Bids
1:6 Scale WWII M5 RC Model Tank w/ Controller
Jun 28, 10:00 AM MST
1:6 Scale WWII M5 RC Model Tank w/ Controller
by EJ'S Auction & Appraisal
Est: $0- $0
$22518 Bids
Messerschmitt ME262A-1A German R.C. Jet
Jun 28, 10:00 AM MST
Messerschmitt ME262A-1A German R.C. Jet
by EJ'S Auction & Appraisal
Est: $0- $0
$9514 Bids
2016 1:50 Nautilus Scale Model w/ Display Case
Jun 28, 10:00 AM MST
2016 1:50 Nautilus Scale Model w/ Display Case
by EJ'S Auction & Appraisal
Est: $0- $0
$13012 Bids
Fairchild PT-19 American Trainer R.C. Airplane
Jun 28, 10:00 AM MST
Fairchild PT-19 American Trainer R.C. Airplane
by EJ'S Auction & Appraisal
Est: $0- $0
$8512 Bids
Beechcraft Model 17 Staggerwing R.C. Airplane
Jun 28, 10:00 AM MST
Beechcraft Model 17 Staggerwing R.C. Airplane
by EJ'S Auction & Appraisal
Est: $0- $0
$8011 Bids
Ark Model "Elefant Jadgpanzer" AFV Tank Model
Jun 28, 10:00 AM MST
Ark Model "Elefant Jadgpanzer" AFV Tank Model
by EJ'S Auction & Appraisal
Est: $0- $0
$13011 Bids
Four-Cylinder Gas Model Airplane Engine
Jun 28, 10:00 AM MST
Four-Cylinder Gas Model Airplane Engine
by EJ'S Auction & Appraisal
Est: $0- $0
$19011 Bids
Simprop Seagull Junkers JU87 Stuka ARF R.C. Airplane
Jun 28, 10:00 AM MST
Simprop Seagull Junkers JU87 Stuka ARF R.C. Airplane
by EJ'S Auction & Appraisal
Est: $0- $0
$9511 Bids
Rivarossi Pocher "Mercedes Cabriolet" Model Kit
Jun 28, 10:00 AM MST
Rivarossi Pocher "Mercedes Cabriolet" Model Kit
by EJ'S Auction & Appraisal
Est: $0- $0
$9010 Bids
Scale Model Aircraft Engine In Glass Display Case
Jun 28, 10:00 AM MST
Scale Model Aircraft Engine In Glass Display Case
by EJ'S Auction & Appraisal
Est: $0- $0
$809 Bids
Black Horse Focke-Wulf FW-190A ARF R.C. Airplane
Jun 28, 10:00 AM MST
Black Horse Focke-Wulf FW-190A ARF R.C. Airplane
by EJ'S Auction & Appraisal
Est: $0- $0
$658 Bids
U.S. Army Air Corps Curtiss JN-4H R.C. Airplane
Jun 28, 10:00 AM MST
U.S. Army Air Corps Curtiss JN-4H R.C. Airplane
by EJ'S Auction & Appraisal
Est: $0- $0
$608 Bids
Dragon "Kleines Kettenkrad" Model Kit
Jun 28, 10:00 AM MST
Dragon "Kleines Kettenkrad" Model Kit
by EJ'S Auction & Appraisal
Est: $0- $0
$757 Bids
Heng Long 1/16 Scale Rc Battle Tank
Jun 21, 10:00 AM MST
Heng Long 1/16 Scale Rc Battle Tank
by EJ'S Auction & Appraisal
Est: $0- $0
$607 Bids
Takom V-2 Rockert Meillerwagen Rocket Transporter
Jun 28, 10:00 AM MST
Takom V-2 Rockert Meillerwagen Rocket Transporter
by EJ'S Auction & Appraisal
Est: $0- $0
$406 Bids
Vintage 1950's Auburn Rubber No. 942 Public Service Kit w/ Box
Jul 07, 5:00 PM EDT
Vintage 1950's Auburn Rubber No. 942 Public Service Kit w/ Box
by One Source Auctions
Est: $0- $0
$656 Bids
Arizona Model Aircrafters "Wright Bros" Model Kit
Jun 28, 10:00 AM MST
Arizona Model Aircrafters "Wright Bros" Model Kit
by EJ'S Auction & Appraisal
Est: $0- $0
$406 Bids
PH122 Ryan STA American Sport R.C. Airplane
Jun 28, 10:00 AM MST
PH122 Ryan STA American Sport R.C. Airplane
by EJ'S Auction & Appraisal
Est: $0- $0
$505 Bids
Assorted Model Space Craft & Steel Model Kits
Jun 28, 10:00 AM MST
Assorted Model Space Craft & Steel Model Kits
by EJ'S Auction & Appraisal
Est: $0- $0
$305 Bids
Doyusha "Lamborghini Countach" Model Kit
Jun 28, 10:00 AM MST
Doyusha "Lamborghini Countach" Model Kit
by EJ'S Auction & Appraisal
Est: $0- $0
$255 Bids
WWI Douglas SBD-3 Model Bomber Fighter Airplane
Jun 28, 10:00 AM MST
WWI Douglas SBD-3 Model Bomber Fighter Airplane
by EJ'S Auction & Appraisal
Est: $0- $0
$304 Bids
U.S. B-26 Marauder K-FW 295857 R.C. Airplane
Jun 28, 10:00 AM MST
U.S. B-26 Marauder K-FW 295857 R.C. Airplane
by EJ'S Auction & Appraisal
Est: $0- $0
$454 Bids
Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt II RC Model Airplane
Jun 28, 10:00 AM MST
Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt II RC Model Airplane
by EJ'S Auction & Appraisal
Est: $0- $0
$554 Bids

Sellers Who Sell Model Kits


Kraft Auction Service

Kraft Auction Service

EJ'S Auction & Appraisal

EJ'S Auction & Appraisal

Donington Auctions

Donington Auctions

Claydon Auctioneers

Claydon Auctioneers