ANTIQUE NEW ENGLAND BUILDER'S HALF HULL SAILING SHIP MODEL
Ca 1870 -1890
Presented is a beautiful builder's "presentation" model made to commemorate a two
masted New England sailing vessel. The large distance between the hole drilled in the deck for the foremast and where the
mizzen is drilled indicates that the design may have had a long deck house amidships. The slightly forward canted "plumb"
bow is indicative of the 1870-1890s. The hull's dead rise is what would be expected in a vessel designed for speed.
The hollow stern sections taper into a streamlined shape of the below waterline after body. All in all, a very beautiful and
advanced hull shape that speaks of good speed under sail.
Original models such as this are much admired, highly
sought after, and in very limited supply.
CONSTRUCTION: The half hull is constructed of seven lifts
of wood not counting the keel, fore bulwark and quarter deck.The hull and deck are varnished which has
taken on a rich golden patina of age. The backboard is a recent replacement.
CONDITION: This half hull is in remarkable original condition considering
its age. Yes, it has some age blemishes and small dents on the hull, and a portion of its lower rubbing strake
is missing near the stern. On deck some dowel or screw holes have been filled with putty. On the back,there are numerous
screw hoes which indicate the model was originally mounted on a backboard, and two eye bolts remain. There is some
wood missing from the cap rail across the transom which is not noticeable except when looking down at the taffrail.
PROVENANCE: From a Maine estate.
DIMENSIONS:
The ship model is 32" L x 4" Depth x 3
3/4" W The backboard is 36" L x 9" H x 3/4" T Weight 9
pounds.
Buy this unique antique half hull model now! What a
great gift for a person who has everything! What a great attention getter.
Looking
Aft From Bow
Looking Forward From Stern
Quarter deck and hole for mizzen mast
Fore deck and hole for main mast
UNDERSTANDING HALF HULLS: There are a number of different types of authentic half hulls
which the collector should be aware as compared to contemporary reproductions. The pictures of the models in this section,
unless noted, have been sold.
BUILDERS CONSTRUCTION HALF HULL: This type model was made for the purpose
of establishing the shape of the vessel and was constructed out of a series of planks called "lifts" which were joined together
using dowels prior to 1820 or by screws afterward. When disassembled, the individual lifts were laid on the floor and expanded
to full size in a process called "lofting". From these shapes were cut the timbers, frames and strakes that were assembled
to build the full size vessel.
Builder's construction models are rare, old, are varnished
rather than painted, and devoid of detail. They are one off, are large, rather than medium to small size, and they always
can be taken apart. If the name of the vessel is known, their value is greater. The varnished wood has generally mellowed
with age and has a rich dark patina. Their value increases with the prominence of the vessel if known, the size of the
hull and of course, most important, its condition.
Builder's construction platingmodels were used to lay out the location
of the ship's plating when construction changed from wood to iron and then to steel.
What is confusing is there are various types of BUILDER'S MODELS which
don't have all those characteristics. Builder's DISPLAY MODELS don't come apart, but were made by builders,
either to present to the ship owners or to be used as displays of completed ships in the builder's offices or at trade
shows for sales promotion. Consequently. they may be done in much greater detail, have painted hulls and other embellishments
that make them more visually appealing. Models of merchant ships enclosed in glass cases can sell for $15000.00 and more.
The example in this listing and this half hull of the SS OITHONA have all the characteristics
of a true builder's display model.
Builder's Model S.S. Oithona, Dated 1850, 60" L x 11 3/4" H x 4" W, Served in Australian Trade, SOLD to New Zealand
This example is of a authentic builder's construction model.
Builder's Half Hull Model of Large Sailing Ship 44" x 10";
Ca 1900; Handed down in maker's family. SOLD!
This is the center section of an authentic builder's plating model of a three
island cargo ship.
Plating Half Hull Model of three island cargo
ship, ca 1900. The ship model is 46" L x 4 1/2 W x 5 1/2" Depth measured from well deck
to keel. The backboard is 54" L x 16" H x 1" D
SOLD
There are numerous English contemporary reproductions of builder's and plating half hull
models on the market which are being offered as antiques. Be careful. One of them is pictured below.
And this one is of a yacht. It is both a builder's construction model, but was later finished in
paint, and became a builder's display model. The model and the yacht were made by the famous Herreshoff Manufacturing
Company of Bristol, RI, around 1931.
The model's dimensions are: one
inch equals one foot:
LOA 33 1/2"
LWL 23"
Beam x 2 = 7"
Draft 4" SOLD to England
IN A NUT SHELL: Block and half block models became more common after 1720 and builders
made these to illustrate the designs provided to them by engineering firms. By the middle of the 1850s half block models were
common in commercial shipyards. They were used as aids for framing, planking and plating ships. By the 1880s more were being
made for display only.
INTERNATIONAL
BUYERS WELCOME: We have satisfied customers in Argentina, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Bermuda, British Virgin
Islands, Canada, Chile, China, Czech Republic, Denmark, England, France, Germany, Greece, Holland, Hong Kong, Ireland, Israel,
Italy, Japan, Kuwait, Martinique, Mexico, New Zealand, Norway, Nova Scotia, Romania, Saudi Arabia, Scotland, Singapore, Spain,
Sweden, Switzerland, Thailand, Turkey, United Arab Emirates, USVI and the Eastern Caribbean.
SHIPPING & PACKING: The
cost of shipping, packing, handling, and insurance to your destination is an additional charge. We price
our shipping honestly, but we expect to be reimbursed for the nominal cost of packaging materials and handling.
OUR UNCONDITIONAL GUARANTEE: If not completely satisfied
with your purchase it may be returned, if without damage, within three days of receipt in its original condition and packaging.
Returns must be insured for their full value. All that is required is a prior email authorization by us for the return. Unfortunately,
no refund can be made for the cost of shipping, packaging and handling unless we are at fault.
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.
Copyright 2008 by Land And Sea Collection™, All
Rights Reserved
