Originally Posted by blackshire

It could be argued that the first commercially-available model rockets were introduced in 1947 by Wilmot & Mansour (see: www.jetex.org). The Jetex line, which even Centuri carried some of in its earliest years, included vertically-launched, parachute-recovered models such as the V-2-like "Dan Dare Spaceship" and the two-stage, scale-like "Jetnik" (or "Jet-Nik") satellite launch vehicle.

Originally Posted by article

The Dan Dare Space ship was most ingenious. The motor pressed on a spring-loaded catch; when the fuel was exhausted the catch released and the parachute deployed (see photos). One problem with the comparatively low power-to-weight ratio was marginal stability at lift-off; Peter overcame this with a substantial spring-loaded launch pad to give a high initial acceleration.