Japanese Type 98 Compass A6M3 Mod. 32 Zero Fighter Relic Display
Sold Out$2,000.00
Special one-of-a-kind 22x18x4 Japanese Zero Fighter Type 98 magnetic compass wall-hanging or free-standing display by Ron Cole - signed 1 of 1.
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This is a superb example of the Type 98 magnetic compass. All original paper tag, data plate, etc. Fully functional, though would need to be resealed before refilling or being made airworthy. Used in all models of the Zero.
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History of the aircraft in the artwork:
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This aircraft (serial number 3148) was built by Mitsubishi Heavy Industries in September 1942. It was one of only 343 built. It was assigned to the 252nd Air Group (Kokutai) and deployed to Taroa in the Marshall islands, and was likely flown in combat by pilot ace Isamu Miyazaki. When Miyazaki was asked shortly before his death if he ever flew this specific Zero while based at Taroa (tail code S-112), he said, "Almost certainly". This was a very rare sponsored aircraft, paid for by the Manchurian Secondary Schools and given to the Japanese Navy (note the fuselage markings aft of the hinomaru).
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In April 1943, the 252nd, and possibly this specific aircraft, intercepted and badly damaged Lt. Louis Zamperini's B-24D bomber. This action is described in the best selling book 'Unbroken', being released as a major Hollywood film in 2014.
Japanese Kamikaze Strike: USS Zeilin 1945 Relic Display
Sold Out$200.00
History (as described on the display): Kamikaze Strike: January 13th, 1945 USS Zeilin, off Luzon, Philippine Islands The Attack Transport (APA-3) USS Zeilin saw action in virtually every Pacific campaign...
Mitsubishi A6M3 Mod. 32 Zero Fighter Relic Display
Sold Out$300.00
Very rare piece of fuselage skin from Japanese Zero A6M3 Model 32, serial number 3148, bearing original and rarely-preserved Aotake blue-green coating. . This aircraft (serial number 3148) was built...
