This very rare piece will likely appeal to mostly Dutch collectors. This is a factory model from the Koolhoven aircraft manufacturer. Only ten planes were produced just before the onset of WWII. The F.K.56 was used for training. A machine gun could be fitted in the rear seat. Its first flight took place in 1938.

All ten aircraft were quickly destroyed as soon as the war started, an indication indeed that this model dates back to the late 1930s. It is made of wood and metal and with rubber tires. Despite some chipped paint and tires a bit cracked, the model is in very good condition and retains its vibrant colours!

It may have been displayed along other models of the same manufacturer at one point, and this could explain why the base has been switched. It fits perfectly the model and allows it to be set at different angles, but the inscription on it reads ‘Koolhoven 55’ whereas the correct inscription should have been ‘Koolhoven 56’. Given that the mounting system of the base and the plane are a perfect match, there is no doubt that all the models had the same base and that this set is indeed complete and genuine.

This 1:20 scale model is quite large (58 cm / 22.8" wingspan, 40 cm / 15.8" length). It is both a beautiful and antique piece with distinctive lines and a nice decorative retro object!