Unknown Diecast Sikorsky S-58 Helicopter

[hovermd]

OK, fellow diecast helicopter collector enthusiasts...

I purchased this small cast Sikorsky S-58 some time ago. The detail is pretty nice, and it is about 1.5 inches long and about 1 inch tall.

It is a single cast, and the material actually seems like lead to me - could that be correct?

I do not think the main rotor is original. The small brass tail rotor does appear original.

I have no idea of the manufacturer - does anyone know?

Unknown Diecast Sikorsky S-58 Helicopter

[grwebster]

Don't know it, but perhaps a wargamer's piece? Lead was pretty much out of the picture for toys when the H-34 was developed, no? Just sayin

[hovermd]

You may very well be right, GR. If it is lead, I'd also be pretty surprised if it was marketed as a toy for children. A wargamers piece would fit, wouldn't it...

I can't to hear feedback from other MACers!

Mark

[MichaelB]

For a wargamer piece it doesn't have much detail, many are very nice little models (my sort of thing but I've not gone into it too far). However, a wargamer piece might not have included a rotor either, thus explaining those additions.
What's the scale? Most wargaming pieces are 1/285.

[hovermd]

I am a very poor judge of scale. The toy is about 1.5 inches long and 1 inch high. I believe it did have a rotor at one time - the plastic rotor and pin on top are mounted in a hole that appears to be original.

As for the detail, it is not crisp like a typical modern wargaming piece. But, this piece does appear old enough to date to the 1950s, so perhaps the detail is appropriate for the age...

[MichaelB]

Based on that 1.5" dimension, it's about 1/686...or close to 1/700. Sounds like aircraft carrier stuff to me. 1/700 is a common enough scale, but I can't think of a line of metal aircraft near that.
Again, I'm not a wargamer collector...
Michael

[alas]

you could maybe try and ask a pro:
http://www.concentric.net/~richcamp/toymolds.htm

[hovermd]

I asked Rich, who is an authority on home cast toys, and he's never seen a mold or example of the S-58... The mystery remains!

[alas]

check out these small cast models:
http://www.raidenminiatures.co.uk/

?

though they seem to have less detail than yours!