GIANT ANTIQUE BUILDER'S PLATING HALF HULL SHIP MODEL    Presented is a massive antique builder's half hull model, 63 inches wide, that was made to lay out the steel or iron plates to skin the hull of a cargo ship. She has no identifying marks other than the individual hull plates inscribed on her side. Her name and builder are unknown. However, the vessel's lines with her plumb bow and fantail counter stern  dates the vessel as being built around the last quarter of the 19th Century. The hull is built from what appears to be six lifts of knot free wood,  and is mounted on a heavy wood backboard, also of one piece which is 1 inch thick. Combined they weigh 40 pounds. PLATING METHOD: The plating design is marked on the model with all the plates identified using a alpha-numeric grid system. She was to be plated "in and out" - meaning the alternate strake plates were applied to the frames, leaving bands of plating (see right). These were the "in strakes". The gap was then covered by the "out strakes" – another band of plates that overlapped the "ins" on the edges: These were then riveted (this is around 1900 and - welding didn't appear until the acetylene torch became available during WW II. PLATING SEQUENCE: Not counting the extra long stern section there are 123 scribed stations along the keel 1/2 inch apart, and 11 ceilings from "A" through"K". Many plates are marked “in/“out“. There are other notations meaningful to the naval architect and plating foreman. DIMENSIONS: The ship model is 63" L x 6 3/8” W x 7 1/4" Depth measured from well deck to keel The backboard is 66 1/2" L x 11 1/4" H x 1" D Weight 44.5 pounds.  UPS Billable weight 71 pounds   Scale estimated 1" = 10 feet   CONDITION: The half hull shows the hand work of carefully inked vertical and horizontal lines along the entire hull. There is a "old" chip of wood missing at the forecastle. There are a couple of very small chips of wood missing at deck level which show as "old" and a piece missing from the backboard at the point of a split which runs half its length. The split has been braced using metal straps in three places and is stationary. Elsewhere, on the hull there are some minor abrasions which blend into its look of age. There is paint missing at the bow.   The exterior of the hull has inked lines, over a Grey undercoat. It has an appealing warm old patina. The deck is painted black  as is the backboard. The bottom of the hull is  a rose color which is common on British made models at the “Turn of the 19th Century”. The backboard has two brass mounting brackets.   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.    Buy this rare and unique plating half hull model now! What a great gift for a person who has everything! What a great conversation piece. What an interesting addition to your office, den or board room.

Stern section

Bow section

Looking from the bow aft SHIPPING CAN BE ARRANGED by the buyer through LDG Delivery Service for the U.S. East Coast, and certain cities in Michigan, and Indiana, and periodic trips to California. Contact L. Drew Gerard, for quotes. 561-212-7159, Email: antiquedelivery@aol.com For Canadian and overseas shipment contact your local freight forwarding company for quotes. If you wish us to pack and ship the item to a continental U.S. address, you will have to agree to hold us harmless for any damages or loss in shipment. 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 credit cards or PayPal accepted on big ticket items.TO READ OUR COMPANY POLICES IN DETAIL CLICK HERE Buy this very special relic of maritime history Now! What a great find for that special person who can appreciate and afford only the finest. Copyright 2008 by Land And Sea Collection™, All Rights Reserved