This is a large 1/500 Scale ID model of the German World War II Light Cruiser Köln (Koeln). One of the "K" Class Cruisers launched in the mid 1920's she and her sister ships Königsberg and Karlsruhe were innovative ships incorporating many modern design techniques. All three were sunk during World War II. Köln was sunk on April 30, 1945 by RAF bombers while undergoing repairs at Wilhelmshaven Navy Yard. Königsberg and Karlsruhe were both lost during the Norwegian campaign in 1940, Königsberg to Royal Navy bombers and Karlsruhe to torpedoes from the British submarine HMS Truant. This model was manufactured for the US Navy by Comet Metal Products Inc. of Richmond Hill, New York. It was manufactured early in WW2 to train pilots and submarine and navy personnel for identification and recognition of axis and allied ships. These "teacher scale" waterline models are also called spotter's models. Other ships of this type were manufactured by Framburg and South Salem. It is close in scale to the large Van Ryper models. Comet, Framburg and South Salem made ID ships for the US Navy representing most major ships in the US, British, German, French and Japanese navies. Ships manufactured for identification and recognition training included Battleships, Aircraft Carriers, Cruisers, Destroyers, Frigates and Submarines. This model is 13.5 inches long and has a wood hull with a lead superstructure and fittings. It is in very good shape for its age, missing only the barrels from the foremost turret, and one from the second main turret. These pieces are easily replaced with wire. These ships are becoming quite rare. This is part of a large collection--many of which are now, or soon will be up for sale. If you have a small collection and want to expand it, this is a great opportunity. Other 1/500 scale ID models ships which are now, or soon will be for sale are: COMET WWII Models: UNITED STATES: BB-55 North Carolina; BB-61 Iowa; CL-40 Brooklyn; CL-51 Atlanta; DD-409 Sims -- GERMANY: BB Tirpitz; BB Admiral Scheer; CL Köln; CL Nürnberg -- JAPAN: CA Atago -- COMET POST-WAR MODELS CVA-38 Shangri-La; CVA-34 Oriskany; CL-83 Manchester -- CRUVER (Resin): Passenger-Coastal; Passenger-New 1 Stack; Combination Passenger Cargo-Old; Standard Freighter-Old; Whaler; Engines Aft Cargo; Liberty Ship; Tanker-Old; Tanker-Modern; Old Three-Island Freighter (Split Superstructure) -- FRAMBURG: GREAT BRITAIN: BB Queen Elizabeth; BB Nelson; BB Malaya; BB King George V; CV Illustrious; CA Devonshire; CL Arethusa; CL Leander; CL Dido; DD Tribal Class; F River Class -- FRANCE: DD Le Fantasque -- UNITED STATES: BB-61 Iowa; CV-9 Essex; CVE-55 Casablanca; DD-692 Sumner; DE-224 Rudderow; SOUTH SALEM: UNITED STATES: BB-43 Tennessee -- Richard Wagner (RIWAG) Athelone Castle; Santa Lucia; Matchless; General William O'Darby; America **Many are in excellent shape, some are fixer uppers.