9.25" tall hand-carved solid acetate plastic master pattern for Aurora's King Kong model kit. HMS Associates (a product development company) of Willow Grove, PA, was hired by Aurora to create master patterns for two new kits in their expanding line of Universal Monster models (Phantom of the Opera and King Kong). Both monsters were hand-carved out of solid blocks of acetate plastic by well-known sculptor Larry Ehling, who was then sub-contracting w/HMS. Ehling would carve each piece, then precisely cut it along the "break line," the seams where pieces fit together. After the sculptures were completed (each took between 2-3 weeks to finish and cost $2,000-$3,000), the pieces were sent to another specialty company, Ferriot Brothers, who created the beryllium copper molds by using a pantograph machine which traced over the acetate pieces while a cutter on the other end carved the mold cavity. When completed, both the sculptures and the molds were shipped to Aurora. There, the molds were inserted into injection molding machines and the production process began. Meanwhile, these master patterns were assembled and painted by staff members, then used for catalog photography and other promotional purposes. Offered here is the master pattern prototype for Aurora's King Kong model kit. Underside of base has faint "33353" in black marker. Base has holes for the "King Kong" name plaque and broken trees, etc., but these separate pieces are not included. King Kong has interesting orange overspray paint job as does the separate small figure of the woman in his hand. This female figure shows a more heavily concentrated orange coating, w/one arm and legs having moderate flaking. Kong figure has some scattered small spots of paint wear, as does base. Still displays VF. A one of a kind piece for the Aurora collector.