PRESENTED is a scratch built model of a member of the famous, "Between the Wars", Clemson Class of flush-deck Four Stack destroyers. The class is famous because nineteen of these ships were loaned to Great Brittan at the beginning of WW II, and earlier, fourteen of this classes' ships ran aground and seven were lost in the infamous Honda Point, California incident in 1923. The example offered is of the U.S. Navy Clemson destroyer, U.S.S. Preston, DD 327,

 

Because of the exactness of it scaling and attention to the most minor  detail, the model had to have been made by one of her more experienced crew members. It is constructed mostly of wood, with some metal parts such as stanchions, propeller guards, shafts and props, and ladder rings with the rigging made of thread. This model is exceptional because of the near exactness of its 105:1 scale, and the extensive attention to detail exhibited. As an example, all the doors and hatches are hinged and therefore open, and there is a life ring fitted on the port aft quarter. Of special interest is the single carved figure of a sailor, more than likely representing the model maker.  These are things rarely seen on even the most advanced models.

 

Block models of this type, were made as a spare time occupation of sailors at sea. They varied in their exactness to the ship's design since plans were not available and the quality of the workmanship. However, the sailors were exacting in the placement of the vessel's gear, equipment and rigging, and in this case armament. This is one of the finest examples we have seen and is in remarkably good condition with everything in place except for one of the four stacks.

Twin anchors and gear

Port midships section and sailor

After deckhouse and emergency steering

Starboard midships and whaleboat

SCROLL DOWN TO VIEW ADDITIONAL GALLERY PHOTOS

 

MODEL CONSTRUCTION: This fully armed and rigged full model in "haze grey" with a red bottom and black boot top sits on a recently added stand. The hollow hull is made from four lifts of wood with a wood deck over. The ship has all the deck detail of the original starting with her twin anchors and windlass on the foredeck with her first 4 inch gun mounted in front of her bridge. Hinged passageway doors are on either side leading to well deck which gives access to the bridge and main deck house. The main mast with cross tree, crows nest, and detailed ladder is fully rigged. Missing is the second stack which mounted on a plate that became the upper deck of the main deck house. Next are the two remaining stacks with a whaleboat on metal davits to starboard and the carved figure of a single sailor looking aft to port. There are two opening skylights next aft with twin 21 inch torpedo tube mounts on either side. At midships is platform structure with two search lights mounted on its top, a whaleboat hung in davits to port and the captain's gig rigged to starboard. All the davits have "strong backs" in place to secure the boats from moving in a seaway. Further aft are the two remaining 21 inch torpedo mounts with a single dual purpose 3 inch gun in between. The aft masts secures to the leading edge of the aftermost deckhouse which has an emergency steering station and a anti aircraft gun on top. On the stern is the aft 4 inch gun and two depth charge racks. Metal propeller guards are on wither side of the fan tail adds further realism.

 

CONDITION: The model is estimated to be approximately 85 years old. It is in exceptional "original" condition. Expect to see some minor age crackling of the paint, mostly along the water line. The only exception are that the top of the main mast was broken years ago, and a pin inserted to hold the glued 3 inch section in position. There also is a fluke missing from one of the anchors, and the top deck over the deckhouse aft of the bridge and second smoke stack is missing. None of this distracts from the over all exceptional looks and workmanship of this important model.

 

APPROXIMATE DIMENSIONS:

 

Model 36" L x 16" H x 3" W

Weight 14 pounds

 

HISTORY: CLEMSON CLASS DESTROYERS

Career
Ordered:
Laid down:	19 July 1919
Launched:	7 Aug 1920
Commissioned:	13 April 1921
Decommissioned:	1 May 1930
Fate:	sold for scrap, 1932
Struck:	6 Nov 1931
General Characteristics
Displacement:	1308 tons
Length:	314 feet 5 inches
Beam:	31 feet 8 inches
Draught:	9 feet 10 inches
Propulsion:	geared turbines
Speed:	35 knots
Complement:	122 officers and enlisted
Armament:	4 4", 1 3", 12 21" tt.

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

The Clemson class was a series of 156  which served with the United States Navy from after World War I into World War II.

The Clemson class ships were commissioned by the United States Navy from 1919 to 1922, built by New York Shipbuilding Corporation and the Bethlehem Steel Corporation, some with alarming speed. The Clemson class was a redesign of the Wickes class, and was the last pre-WWII class of flush-decker destroyers to be built for the United States. Fourteen ships of the class were involved in the Honda Point Disaster in 1923, of which seven were lost. Most never saw wartime service, as many were decommissioned in 1930 and scrapped as part of the London Naval Treaty. However, Nineteen were transferred to the Royal Navy in 1940 as part of the Destroyers for Bases Agreement where they became part of the Town class. Others were upgraded or converted to high-speed transports or seaplane tenders and served through World War II.

 

The fourth USS Preston (DD-327) was a Clemson-class destroyer in the United States Navy following World War I. She was named for Samuel W. Preston.

 

Preston was laid down 19 July 1919 by the Bethlehem Shipbuilding Corporation, San Francisco, California; launched 7 August 1920.

 

She decommissioned at Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 1 May 1930 and was assigned to the Norfolk Navy Yard for strength tests. Her name was struck from the Navy List 6 November 1931 and on 23 August 1932 her hulk was sold for scrap.

 

This article includes text from the public domain Dictionary of American Naval Fighting Ships.

 

OUR GUARANTEE OF SATISFACTION: If not completely satisfied with your purchase it may be returned if without damage, within five days of receipt in its original condition and packaging. Return items must be insured for their full value. A prior email authorization by us for the return is required. Unfortunately, no refund can be made for the cost of shipping, packaging and handling unless we are at fault.

SHIPPING:  The buyer is responsible for making arrangements for packing and shipping using his own forwarding agent and carrier. If the buyer wishes to use the seller's assistance for shipment, he shall hold seller harmless for any damages or loss arising out of their participation. Shipping can be arranged through LDG Delivery Service for approximately $250 for the U.S. East Coast, and certain cities in Michigan, and Indiana. Contact L. Drew Gerard, for quotes. 561-212-7159, Email:  antiquedelivery@aol.com

ACCEPTED FORMS OF PAYMENT are Bank wire transfer, cashier's check, money order, or personal check in which case the item will be held until cleared. No checks from overseas buyers, no credit cards or PayPal accepted on this item.

For the discriminating collector. Buy this outstanding relic of our maritime heritage Now! What a great addition to your office, den or family room.

 

Copyright 2006 by Land And Sea Collection. All Rights Reserved.

 

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