1930s Architectural Models

Topographic level signed La Filotecnica Ing. A. Salmoiraghi Milano N. 19971 of burnished brass, from 1930s. In excellent condition and complete with original wood box with brass hing...

A 1930s souvenir building architectural model with thermometer in Celsius. Some wear with a nice patina, but this is old-age. Made of metal. A beautiful nice desktop item or just a d...

Hand drawn and painted rendering of the Italian Fascist building circa 1920-1930. The rendering shows a finished view from above of what became known a...

Unique cast metal French decorative wall diorama frieze We are proud to offer a rare cast metal hand painted fighting scene, encapsulated into a diorama ...

Extremely rare Salesman sample Tavern/ bar by Brunswick, Balke Collender. Scale model of bar complete with stainless steel surface, foot rail. And working spigot, bottom sliding pane...

Architectural models were made by apprentices or during school session to apply for a diploma or a title by their respective guild. The masterpiece (in French: piece de maitrise) combines various difficulties with regard to planning and assembly. Because of the geometric lines, it has a Classic Art Deco feel to it and in the meantime, its warm patina shows its history. This wooden piece of architecture, completely handmade, features a "U" shaped staircase with gilt metal railing. It is typical of the staircases found in the houses in France during the 1930s period. An exquisitely hand carved freestanding miniature...

A Nuremberg Castle 1930s Souvenir building architectural model. Some wear with a nice patina, but this is old-age. Made of metal on a marble base. This was bought as a souvenir in Nu...

Architectural desk money bank and thermometer fashioned out of bronze. It depicts the entrance of the Danish insurance company Baltica. This item was designed and patented by Danish ...

Unique Curio Solid Plaster Head Death Mask Statue circa 1940 For sale in this LOT is a completely original and unique circa 1940 Solid plaster death mask...

1930s pair of Granada's Alhambra Palace framed stucco mock-ups Interior dimensions: 21 x 13cm.

Marble Mansion liquor cabinet. America, circa 1930. Marble cabinet for storing liquor in style, in the form of an American Mansion. Brass handles, mahogany interior. Measure...

This plaster or resin model dates to the late 1930s when a program that was part of the government's Work's Progress Administration's or WPA program employed hundreds of thousands of artists and artisans to built and produce a diverse array of projects. This model stems from Pennsylvania Museum Extension project and by the number 2 was produced in Pittsburgh Pa. These models are becoming quite difficult to find. The following paragraph from a museum will explain the program which started in 1937: The Pennsylvania Museum Extension Project In 1935, “the first year of its existence the Work Projects Administration in Pennsylvania gained the distinction of originating the State-Wide Museum Extension type of project.” (26), and it is obvious from the surviving literature and artifacts made in Pennsylvania that it was the model emulated by many of the other state programs. In fact, Pennsylvania’s prominence in producing visual aids was made quite evident by its proud and boastful offer to willingly share “blue prints and other plans” (27) with any State MEP project that requested them. The PMEP fulfilled two distinct purposes during its existence. The first and most obvious propose was to “prepare… historical and educational objects and exhibits for use as visual aids in education.” (28) The second aim of the Project was to help “museums in their normal work and to organize and operate children’s museums in schools.” (29) The objects were either distributed free of charge or sometime sold for a nominal fee to tax supported Pennsylvania schools, libraries, and museums. Teachers, librarians, and museum curators then used these “visual props” (often thought of as education-through-play) in the classroom as a way to bring alive the culturally diverse, global and rapidly modernizing world that the children of Pennsylvania and America were increasingly caught up it. Mrs. Martha Colt was the Director of the State-Wide office of the PMEP from 1935-1943. The office was located in Harrisburg, the state capitol, at 46 North Cameron Street. Pennsylvania was divided into 16 Districts, and in 1939, there were seven production facilities, or work units...