West Sea Company

2. Models & Half Hulls

Prices in U.S. Dollars are in GREEN



2.91/5.63   CASED DIORAMA OF FAMOUS NAVY SHIP.   Charming sailor-made folk art shadow box depicting the World War I Navy destroyer U.S.S. FULLER (DD-297) underway in a painted plaster sea.   The detailed little model features a carved wooden hull with realistic details including the conning tower, forward mast, 4 funnels, gun mounts, lifeboats, torpedo launchers, aft deck house, aftermast and another gun mount on the stern.  The ship flies the American ensign from the stern and the prominent hull marking “297” on the bow.  The entire scene is housed under old wavy glass inside a wooden cigar box of the period!  The box measures 8 ¾ inches long by 4 ¾ inches high and 2 3/8 inches deep.  The ship itself measures 7 ¼ inches long.  Excellent original condition in all respects.  The back of the box is impressed with the maker’s mark complying with Florida law, that being “Perfect Cigars Resteros” as imprinted on the right end.  The top of the box has a small wire eyelet for hanging.  A handsome little example of sailor folk art just about 100 years old!  349

The World War I U.S. Navy 4-piper destroyer USS FULLER (DD-297) was laid down by the Bethlehem Steel Corporation, San Francisco, California on July 4, 1917 and commissioned on February 28, 1918. 

Unfortunately, USS FULLER was one of 5 destroyers which met their fate, grounding on the rocks off of Point Honda, California on September 8, 1928.  Historically it was the greatest peace time loss of life ever experienced by the U.S. Navy.  Of course it is difficult to determine if this handsome sailor-made commemorative was constructed before the tragedy, or if it was made in homage of the event.  Either way, it is a rare, very desirable historic relic.


ship box

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2.90  ANTIQUE BRITISH HALF HULL.  Spectacular, original 1800’s shipyard builder’s half block model of the Scottish-built Barque identified as the ANDREW WELCH in hand-painted lettering on the backboard below the hull.  This sleek builder’s model is beautifully-sculpted and decorated in the classic 19th century British tradition which created a working model with enduring pride of ownership.  This genuine half hull turned exhibition piece was constructed in the classic way using multiple sculpted pine lifts sandwiched together.  At least 6 of the lifts are visible on the natural wood hull.  But the upper lifts were then covered in glossy black boot topping.  Given the continuity of the lifts this model contains at least 10 total.  The large sailing ship’s rudder is depicted on the stern. A thin, trim rail borders the dark mahogany deck stem to stern.  A fantastic carved wooden female figurehead adorns the bow followed by a delicate acanthus leaf trail board.  Deck details are equally charming.  A lengthy deck house with painted windows and doors supports the galley’s “Charlie Nobel” smokestack.  Further aft on the poop deck are two skylights and benches, followed by the ship’s wheel and steering gear box supported on delicately-turned ivory legs!  This sailing ship with its three stubbed masts is mounted on its solid wooden backboard.  The lower half depicts the sea in rich brown mahogany up to the waterline.  Above it is lovely, lighter curry maple.  This sailing ship model measures exactly 4 feet long from stem to stern, not inclusive of the bowsprit.  The back board is 5 feet and ¾ inches long by 1 foot and ¾ inches high.  Excellent, very decorative original condition.  There are a few very minor losses on the deck which are not noticeable when the model is displayed.  3495 Special Packaging

The iron hull sailing barque ANDREW WELCH was launched by the Russel & Co. shipyard, Port of Glasgow, Scotland for C. Brewer & Co. (Welch & Co.) of Honolulu, Hawaii in 1888.  Her yard number was 192.  She had a length overall of 185 ½ feet, with a beam of 36 feet and a depth of 18 ½ feet, displacing 885 gross tons.  Under Captain William Marston she was first deployed in the Pacific trade.  In 1908 she was sold to the famous Matson Navigation Co. operating out of San Francisco.  After a lengthy service life her ultimate fate was when she wrecked at Raufarhafn, Iceland on November 15, 1950.  As late as 1968 portions of her hull were still visible.


perspective bow

stern back

andrew welch

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2.89/12.16   RARE P.O.W. MODEL  Exquisite Prisoner of War boxwood ship model made by French Prisoners of War in British prisons from 1775 until Napoleon’s defeat at the Battle of Waterloo in 1815.  This incredible survivor from that splendid era is of a full-rigged, 3-masted 90 gun British ship of the line with the delicately-carved ivory figurehead of Neptune holding a spear.  It flies the British ensign from the foremast, the long commissioning pennant streaming from the main and the squadron flag from the missen.  The large British man-o-war flag flies from the spanker. This model is depicted on its waterline in a placid carved wooden sea with blue waves.  Although appearing as a waterline model, it is actually a full hull model set into a slot in the sea!  The hull is complete with keel, rudder and stem.  What is remarkable is the originality of this model.  It is totally untouched and complete with all lines and rigging in tact and in excellent condition.  Deck detail is absolutely exquisite and near scale. Of note are the swivel guns and their mounts on the poop deck with its incredibly fine railing. The hatches are open revealing the interior of the ship into multiple decks below.  The ship’s transom and galleries are wondrous in their minute detail.  The model is mounted in its original wooden stand lined with bone panels adorned with typically iconic painted P.O.W. bone sashes.  It is beautifully-displayed on a highest quality sculpted hardwood pedestal with felt base measuring 13 ½ inches long by 9 inches wide.  This diminutive, exquisite miniature model measures a mere  8 ¾ inches long from bowsprit to spanker and 7 ¼ inches tall from the waterline to the main mast truck!  Yet its detail is incomprehensible.  It is complete within its custom-made rectangular glass dome.  Inclusive of the glass dome the entire presentation measures 13 inches tall.   Without a doubt this is a museum piece of the first order, circa 1800.  SOLD

Prisoner of War Ship Model authoritarian and author Ewart Freston writes in chapter 10, “The wood ships are superior to the bone and ivory models by reason of the fact that, not only are they more realist as regards appearance, but also because of their being of better proportions, and closer to the original in accuracy of detail.  In the matter of the appearance, the fact of their being made of similar material to the original ships gives them as distinct advance over the bone models.” 

(Ewart C. Freeston. “Prisoner of War Whip Models 1775-1825.” 1973, Nautical Publishing Company Ltd. Limington, England, Camelot Press, Ltd. London and Southampton.)


ship aft

figurehead rigging

stern waterline

hatch comparison



2.28  BUILDER’s HALF HULL.  Original 19th century British dockyard builder’s half block model of the S.S. TYNE as painted in fancy gold script on the backboard.  It is further marked “CAMBELTOWN SHIPBUILDING CO., CAMBELTOWN” in similar fancy gold lettering.  This stout ship hull with 2 masts, superstructure, deck houses, funnel and waterline is mounted on its original backboard with molded trim.  There is a pleasing contrast between the upper half of the waterline represented in blonde bird’s eye maple and the lower portion in darker, rich mahogany.  The hull measures 47 inches in length.  The backboard is 55 inches long and stands 16 inches high.  Good sound condition, noting expected  minor wear on the hull and an age crack in the deck (not apparent when displayed).  This is a genuine identified ship’s half hull well over 140 years old.  We are offering it here at less than half its current market value!  1695 Special Packaging

The cargo steamship S.S. TYNE, official number 83890, was built by the Cambeltown Shipbuilding Company, Cambeltown, Scotland.  Launched on January 9th 1880, she was an iron hulled screw steamer 180 feet in length, 30 feet in breadth, with a depth of 13 feet displacing 8,900+ tons.  Her owners were Fisher, Ronwick & Co. of Newcastle-on-Tyne.  Nearing the end of her successful career as a freighter in the North Atlantic she was en route London on December 1st 1912 when she struck Bonit Rock on the southeast end of Aldernay Island.  It is the northerly most island of the English Channel Islands, off the coast of Normandy, France.  She sank in the same year that the greatest shipwreck of all time occurred, that of the RMS TITANIC.


bow stern

midships builders

back ship

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2.86  RECOGNITION MODEL.  Authentic World War II U.S. Navy recognition model of the North Hampton class cruiser USS LOUISVILLE (CA-28).  Early in the War such models were commissioned by the U.S. Navy to train gunners, spotters and pilots in the all important task of recognizing ships as friend or foe.  To those ends the scale and detail of this model are truly incredible, down to individual gun barrels and midship cranes.  Realistically, even the large gun turrets rotate!  6 inches long with a beam of 1/8 inch and 1 ¼ inches high. This all cast metal model is in excellent original condition with no damage or missing parts.  Made by “A. PRAM & CO. Chicago 12-44” as embossed on the bottom.  95

LOUISVILLE was commissioned on January 15, 1931 and saw service in the Pacific and Caribbean up until the day of infamy on December 7, 1941 she was dispatched for the Pacific theatre where she actively participated until war’s end.  On June 5, 1945 LOUISVILLE was attacked by a Japanese kamikaze killing 8 crewmen and wounding 45 others.

For her dedicated service in World War II LOUISVILLE was awarded 13 battle stars.


above reverse

name kamikaze

ship

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2.85/4.29  PLANK-ON-FRAME MODEL.  Charming, sailor-made near scale model of an American whaleboat from the 19th century.  This entirely scratch-built model is realistically molded using indigenous wood for frames and planking, and mahogany for the keel, cap rails and rudder.  The rudder is realistically mounted using post and pintel attachments.  Oarlock holders, cleat, tiller, logger head and chocks are similarly constructed.   The model is complete with 4 very realistic oars.   It also has a working brass hinge for attachment to a retractable sailing mast.  The model is mounted in its original form-fitting hardwood stand.  The model measures 12 ¼ inches from stem to back of the rudder.  It has a beam of 3 ¼ inches and is 3 ¼ inches tall to the top of the tiller.  Excellent original condition retaining its original varnished finish.  SOLD


profile interior

hull bow

rudder





2.83  RECOGNITION MODEL.  Genuine WWII miniature model of the famous World War II battlewagon the USS MASSACHUSETTS (BB-59).  Early in the War such models were commissioned by the U.S. Navy to train gunners, spotters and pilots in the all important task of recognizing ships as friend or foe.  To those ends the scale and detail of this model are truly incredible, down to individual gun barrels and even the spotter plane on the catapult of the fantail.   6 ¾ inches long with a beam of 1 ½ inches and 1 3/16 inches high. This all cast metal model is in excellent original condition with no damage or missing parts.  95

The USS MASSACHUSETTS (BB-59) was commissioned on May 9, 1942 and was dispatched to eastern front of the Atlantic where she participated in the Battle of Casablanca.  In November she was assigned to the Pacific Fleet where she fought the Japanese in several famous engagements through War’s end.  For her service she was awarded 11 battle stars.  In January 1986 she was designated as a National Historic Place.  She currently resides in Battleship Cove, Fall River, Massachusetts as a museum ship.


detail bottom

shiP

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2.08  FAMOUS SHIP MODEL with MUSEUM  PROVENANCE.  Period, hand-made model of the World War II troop ship USS HERMITAGE (AP - 54). This sailor-made model exhibits excellent craftsmanship and very fine detail, with all aspects of the ship's construction meticulously executed, even down to the coxswain's rails and planking in the ship's boats!  The large, solid hull wooden model measures 41 inches long by 5 1/4 inches wide at the widest on the bridge wings.  It is mounted atop its original solid cherrywood base measuring 43 inches long by 5 1/2 inches wide and 1 inch thick.  Complete with custom glass case 10 3/4 inches tall overall.  Outstanding original condition for a model of this size, construction and vintage!  1995 Special Packaging

A well-known Museum has commissioned us to sell this model because it is not in keeping with the theme of its collection. The Museum has asked us to provide anonymity during this offering. However full Museum provenance will be provided to the successful buyer so that its valuable history will be retained with the model.

The grand passenger ship S.S. CONTE BIANCOMANO was launched in 1925 by William Beardmore & Co. Ltd. of Glasgow, Scotland, sailing as a luxury liner for Lloyd Triestino So. Anon. di Nav. Italia.  When Italy declared war on the United States shortly after America's entry into the War with Japan in December 1941, CONTE BIANCOMANO was interned at Balboa, Canal Zone, sailed to the U.S. and converted to a troop transport by Cramp Shipbuilding of Philadelphia.  She was commissioned as the USS HERMITAGE (AP - 54) on August 14, 1942. On November 2, 1942 HERMITAGE embarked 5,600 army troops and sailors and departed New York for the Mediterranean.  Six days later the North African invasion began, and HERMITAGE debarked her passengers at Casablanca to participate in the famous campaign known as Operation Torch.  Returning to Norfolk, Virginia on December 11th, HERMITAGE next steamed for the Pacific with nearly 6,000 troops embarked.  After embarking and debarking passengers at Balboa, Noumea, Brisbane, Sydney Pago Pago, and Honolulu the former luxury liner put into San Francisco on March 2nd, 1943.

HERMITAGE next made its way to Wellington, New Zealand on March 27, 1943, calling at Melbourne, Australia and Bombay India.  In Bombay she embarked some 707 Polish refugees, including nearly one hundred children, for a voyage back to California which ended on June 25th.  In the following year HERMITAGE made three similar cruises in the South Pacific, with battle-bound troops, civilians, and refugees.

HERMITAGE departed New York on June 16, 1944 with over 6,000 troops headed for the D-Day invasion of Europe, which had just begun at Normandy.  From then on, until the end of the war, she made 10 more voyages to Le Havre and other ports, bringing additional troops to the European theater and returning the wounded back to the States along with P.O.W.'s.

V-E Day, May 8, 1945, found HERMITAGE in the midst of a celebration in Le Havre Harbor, France.  With the War over, she was pressed into service returning veterans home from the European theater through December 1945.  Departing New York 12 December, the well-traveled transport sailed to Nagoya, Japan to embark 6,000 veterans for Seattle, arriving February 4, 1946.  Assigned to the San Francisco-Marianas run for Operation Magic Carpet, she made three more voyages before being decommissioned in San Francisco on August 20, 1946.

While serving with the Navy, HERMITAGE sailed over 230,000 miles, transporting 129,695 passengers, including American, British, Australian, French and Dutch fighting men.  She also carried Chinese, American, Polish, and British civilians, not to mention German and Italian prisoners.  HERMITAGE was returned to the Italian Government in May 1947 and renamed SS CONTE BIANCAMANO once again.  Fittingly, the sunset of her career saw her continuing in her originally designed role as a passenger liner until she was ultimately scrapped in 1969.


IMAGES COMING SOON

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2.81/5.14 WWII RECOGNITION SET.  Amazing, totally complete ship recognition model set commissioned by the U.S. Navy to train gunners, spotters and pilots in the all important task of recognizing ships as friend or foe.  This full set features a total of 29 individual cast metal model ships of the highest quality and detail.  Each is marked on the bottom of its wooden base with the ship’s name (class), Ship type, Country of origin (Britain), the Maker’s name H.A.Framburg, Chicago, and the Date 12-43.  They are: DRAGON, Light Cruiser; British Navy Tanker/Supply Ship; TYNE Destroyer Tender; SCYLLA, Light Cruiser; “H” Class Destroyer; BLACK SWAN, Modified Sloop;  NELSON, Battleship; QUEEN ELIZABETH, Battleship; WARSPITE, Battleship; KING GEORGE V, Battleship;  ROYAL SOVEREIGN, Battleship;  HAWKINS, Attack Cruiser; HUNT, Destroyer; RIVER, Frigate; ILLUSTRIOUS, Attack Carrier; FURIOUS, Attack Carrier; MALAYA, Battleship; EMERALD, Light Cruiser; CUMBERLAND, Light Cruiser;  EMERALD, Attack Carrier;  DEVONSHIRE, Attack Cruiser; DIDO, Light Cruiser; LEANDER, Light Cruiser; BITER, Attack Carrier; LEANDER, Modified Light Cruiser; SOUTHAMPTON,  Light Cruiser;  ADMIRALTY “VW”;  and TRIBAL, Destroyer.

All models are in excellent original condition.  All superstructures are intact and those with gun turrets rotate properly.  They vary in size from 2 ¾ inches in length from the smallest to 8 inches for the largest.  The wooden mounts vary from 4 ¼ to 8 ¾ inches long.  The entire case, in 2 folding sections, measures 17 inches wide by 13 ½ inches high each and 4 inches thick (folded together).  A stout snap latch assures a tight closure and two cotton rope handles are provided for carrying.  The substantial outer wooden case retains its original haze gray Navy paint!  Outstanding original condition showing actual exhibition and use, but absolutely no abuse.  Ex. Collection of the San Diego Maritime Museum.   2395 Special Packaging

comparison left

right ship 1

ship 2 ship 3

ship 4 ship 5

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2.73 FIRST U.S. NAVY REPAIR SHIP. Here is a true-to-life miniature model of the first American repair ship in the U.S. Navy, the USS MEDUSA (AR-1). This very rare scratch-built wood and metal model depicts the miniature ship in exquisite detail. The vessel is shown at anchor with the chain extending to the surface. Navy stockless anchors are depicted on either side of the bow. The foc'sle has a complicated raised platform mounted with a 100 mm gun flanked by 2 more guns of the same caliber and 2 funnels. The foremast is rigged with 5 van guy wires with 2 deck winches and 2 raised cargo hatches. The 03 navigation bridge is behind. On the 04 flying bridge is the enclosed navigating station with a searchlight aft. It is flanked by 2 lifeboats and the entire foredeck is ringed by delicate double life rails. On the main deck amidships are 2 derricks with various deck cargo. Large raised aft section has a small deckhouse just aft of the king post. 2 ladders with handrails lead into the superstructure. Above 4 lifeboats are on deck on both sides. The ship's smokestack has a steam whistle and 4 ventilators. Behind is another cargo hatch and the aftermast with 4 derricks and cargo winches. The mast is stepped with a "tops" platform and 2 support wires leading to the stern. Another searchlight is mounted between 2 deck lockers. The fantail has a large 2-deck house. The American ensign (made of painted metal) flies from the stern. Notably the entire aft section also has detailed double railing and the accommodation ladder with supporting davit is rigged on the port side. 7 ¼ inches long by 1 1/8 inches wide. An exquisite miniature model both in terms of execution and scale. 849

The USS MEDUSA (AR-1) was commissioned on September 18, 1924. She was the first ship in the U.S. Navy to be constructed solely for the purposes of being a deployable repair platform. MEDUSA saw action in the Pacific during World War II and was awarded one battle star. After her war service she was decommissioned in late 1946.

This real museum model was actually exhibited at the prestigious De Young Museum in San Francisco from the early 1950's.   It was entirely hand-made by an obviously very talented miniaturist using wood and metal components.  There is no plastic.  It comes from the collection which was acquired in 2006 when the museum began selling some major assets in order to fund its expansion program. 

BOW DETAIL
STERN DETAIL

STARBOARD
SHIP

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2.74 FIRST U.S. NAVY HOSPITAL SHIP. The first hospital ship in the American Navy, USS RELIEF (AH-1). This incredible scratch built model ranks in the top three of the museum's collection of miniature models. The attention to detail exhibited by the professional model maker is obvious. A single Navy stockless anchor is on the port bow. Presumably the starboard anchor is down. At the peak the ship flies the Union Jack. The foc'sle has an anchor windlass, 4 ventilators and 3 covered access ladders to below decks. The foremast sports 3 cargo derricks with lines and 2 cargo hatches. It carries a crow's nest and a yardarm above. It is flanked by motor launches, port and starboard. The foc'sle is rimmed by fine double life lines. The raised foc'sle is above the short main deck with access provided by 2 railed ladders. These lead to accommodation ladders on either side of the ship. The conning bridge is on the 04 level with the flying bridge above. The main house is 2 decks with a narrower house above which supports the smokestack, 4 ventilators and skylights above the engineroom. Just abaft the navigation bridge is a smaller house holding 2 deck lockers and a telescope amidships. The 02 level carries 3 lifeboats in their davits on each side, for a total of 6. The aftermast with 4 van guy wires and yardarm is just aft of the house. It has 2 cargo derricks and a cargo handling winch. The derricks rest on the aftermost house which is located just between 2 more lifeboats in their davits. Behind it is another skylight and 2 deck lockers. All of the amidships house is encircled by very fine double life rails. On the fantail is another deck locker and a flagpole flying the American ensign. As configured the ship is shown at anchor. 7 inches long by 1 inch wide. Identified on the bottom as "USS RELIEF (AH-1)." Outstanding original condition. 849

USS RELIEF (AH-1) was commissioned on December 23, 1919 a little more than a month after the end of WWI. In that devastating war it had become obvious that a mobile hospital was essential to the United States' effective prosecution of war. Accordingly, the Second World War proved the ship's value to the American war effort. Serving in the Pacific theater, RELIEF garnered 5 battles stars for her service. Shortly after the war ended the old veteran was decommissioned on June 11, 1946.

This real museum model was actually exhibited at the prestigious De Young Museum in San Francisco from the early 1950's.   It was entirely hand-made by an obviously very talented miniaturist using wood and metal components.  There is no plastic.  It comes from the collection which was acquired in 2006 when the museum began selling some major assets in order to fund its expansion program. 

DETAIL FORWARD DETAIL

PORT

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2.77 WEST COAST LUMBER SCHOONER. Perhaps our favorite in a nostalgic way, having been raise in the Pacific Northwest. This is a charming model of the plucky steam schooner S.S. OREGON. This model is the smallest of all in the collection. But in miniatures "small" is not necessarily detrimental. In fact the smaller the better! This little scale model has a raised foc'sle with anchor windlass. The foc'sle is encircled by fine life rails. 2 ladders with railing descend to the main deck. The deck exhibits the foremast with two derricks and supporting cables. 2 large hatch covers dominate the deck, followed by the aftermast with 2 more derricks and cables. The aft house has the smokestack behind which is the engineroom skylight. They are flanked by lifeboats on either side in their davits. The entire deck is encircle by fine life rails. 4 inches long by 7/8 inches wide. Identified on the bottom. Outstanding original condition. 395

The Steamship OREGON was built by the Heuckendorff Yard, Coos Bay, Oregon in 1907 and dismantled in Sausalito, California in 1943.

This real museum model was actually exhibited at the prestigious De Young Museum in San Francisco from the early 1950's.   It was entirely hand-made by an obviously very talented miniaturist using wood and metal components.  There is no plastic.  It comes from the collection which was acquired in 2006 when the museum began selling some major assets in order to fund its expansion program. 

DETAIL PORT

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2.69 IDENTIFIED OCEAN LINER. Handsome near-scale model of the famous American passenger liner the S.S. LOS ANGELES. The ship is depicted with foc'sle winch and 2 ventilators. The foremast with crow's nest has 4 cargo booms and a heavy lift derrick. Amidships are the 2 smokestacks surrounded by 12 funnels. Each side has 7 lifeboats for a total of 14. Aft are 4 more cargo booms followed by 2 more lifeboats, 4 funnels and the aft deck house. The bottom is marked "City of LA Bot." 6 ¾ inches long by ¾ inches wide. Outstanding original condition. 489

This real museum model was actually exhibited at the prestigious De Young Museum in San Francisco from the early 1950's.   It was entirely hand-made by an obviously very talented miniaturist using wood and metal components.  There is no plastic.  It comes from the collection which was acquired in 2006 when the museum began selling some major assets in order to fund its expansion program. 

detail port

id

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2.70 LARGE CARGO SHIP. Amazingly-detailed model of a passenger/cargo ship. This model bears scrutiny under magnification to reveal its fine points. They are: Navy stockless anchors on each side of the bow. Anchor windlass and 2 funnels on the raised foc'sle. 2 ladders with handrails leading to the main deck with 2 hatches. The foremast has a crow's nest and 4 cargo booms accompanied by cargo winches at their base. There are two more railed ladders leading to the forward house with bridge. The flying bridge is surrounded by tiny lifelines. Leading from the bridge to the second deck are 2 more ladders with railing, 4 funnels and 2 lifeboats in their davits. 2 doors lead into the forward house. The second deck has a raised hatch and 2 funnels. The aft house has 2 doors leading into it. Above, the single smokestack is flanked by 6 funnels, 4 lifeboats in their davits and a covered skylight leading to the engine room. Even the covers on the skylight are depicted in raised position! Moving aft, the enclosed second deck has life rails and 2 more doors with ladders leading to the main deck port and starboard. Like the foredeck, the aft deck has 4 derricks surrounding the aftermast with 2 raised hatches. The raised poop has 2 more ladders, 4 funnels and steering gear box which is surrounded by life railing. A flagpole flying the American ensign (painted metal) is at the stern. Below the fantail the individual rudder is depicted! The complexity and detail of the little model cannot be overstated. As evidenced by its provenance, it is certainly museum-quality. 6 1/8 inches long by 1 inch wide. Outstanding original condition. A simply fabulous miniature ship worthy of the finest collection. 649

This real museum model was actually exhibited at the prestigious De Young Museum in San Francisco from the early 1950's.   It was entirely hand-made by an obviously very talented miniaturist using wood and metal components.  There is no plastic.  It comes from the collection which was acquired in 2006 when the museum began selling some major assets in order to fund its expansion program. 

detail port

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2.63  LOT, RECOGNITION MODELS.  A collection of 34 packages of various all metal parts for 1/1200 scale ship models.  They consist of Cranes, Major gun turrets, Life boats, Airplanes (Walrus, Gladiator bi-planes, Wild cats, Swordfish), Superstructures with masts, Funnels, Gun fire directors, Twin anti-aircraft guns, Single guns, and others.  All are mint  factory new condition in their original sealed plastic packages.  Makers include C.A.P. Aero, Mountford, Fleetline and Hallmark Figures.  Many of the packages retain their original "$3.00" price tags.  The entire collection 39


detail

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2.62   IMPORTANT DIORAMA.  Spectacular 19th century shadowbox ship model of the noted steam/sail barquentine (aka barkentine) "ALEXANDRIA" as identified on her port bow and flown on the name pennant aft.  This extremely well-made diorama depicts the noble vessel underway with sails furled and its two stacks belching dark coal smoke and steam.  It flies the house flag from the foremast and its name pennant from the aftermast.   The vessel is precisely rigged with all standing and running rigging lines, full complement of deck equipment and passenger accommodations along the main deck.  The lookout on the foc'sle points the way as the helmsman on the bridge steers the course.  Realistically, on the bow a spray of cotton splashes as the stem cuts through the sea.  The paper sea is painted with waves trailing aft.  The fine ship qualities embodied in this presentation are incredibly detailed, certainly too innumerable to be completely listed here.  But beginning at the bow:  decorated stem, flying jib sail, foc'sle anchor davits,  hawse pipe, anchor windlass, 2 anchors, ventilator, foc'sle hatch, ship's bell, bitts, port and starboard lamps, more ventilators, forward hatch, scored wooden deck, snaking winch, foremast, 2 cranes, cargo hatch, 2 ladders, bridge, helmsman with ship's wheel, 2 E.O.T.s, binnacle, bridge railing, life rings, access ladder, 2 ventilators, steam whistle, 4 lifeboats in davits, two large smokestacks, 3 funnels, 2 ventilators, engineroom skylight, mainmast, 2 cranes, 2 more lifeboats in davits, aft hatch, accommodation ladder, ventilator, after mast, poop deck hatch, large funnel, Captain's cabin skylight, 2 bitts, aft binnacle, after steering… and much, much more.  There are more than 60 portholes represented.  Adding to its authenticity the midship's Plimsoll mark is painted on the boot topping.  All of these amazing details belie the beauty of the presentation.  This is a near scale model shown is a realistic sea environment, adding much more to its charm over a similar static dockyard model.   The scene is sealed under its original old wavy glass housed in an ornate gilded wooden frame.  The ship itself measures 28 ½ inches long and 11 ¼ inches high from the waterline to the main mast truck.  The case is 34 ½ inches long by 16 ½ inches high and 8 ½ inches deep.  It is in remarkable original, well-preserved condition for such an object over 150 years old!  2975 Special Packaging

It is our studied assessment that this model was professionally made.  We have had at least 2 similar examples in the course of our 40 year tenure which depicted different ships having similar quality attributes and execution.  The particularly well-done rendering of the clouds and sky is attributed to highly regarded English marine painter Francis Hustwick,* suggesting this model was created in collaboration in a cottage industry catering to seamen.  This clientele, intimately familiar with their vessels, accepted nothing less than absolute accuracy.  Much akin to the port painters of the era who were commissioned by ships' officers and crewmen to paint their vessels in a realistic manner with details only a mariner could appreciate.  Although it has a pleasing folk art quality, this model displays a realism and precision far beyond that of an amateur.

The square-rigged British bark ALEXANDRIA was launched in Glasgow, Scotland in 1870 by the Pearce Shipyard.  She was built with auxiliary steam screw propulsion, cutting-edge for her time.  With a length of 300 ½ feet she displaced 1,057 tons.  Her registry number was 840 and her call sign was KBWP.   Owners at the time of launch were Henderson & Company.  ("Record of American and Foreign Shipping 1885," page 136).

* The fluffy cumulus cloud backdrop in his marine paintings were Francis Hustwick's trademark.  He was known to do such collaborations with model makers.  (Marine Art & Liverpool – A Postscript, A.S. Davidson and Anthony Tibbles, "Fifty Ship Paintings by Francis Hustwick," 1999, Jones Sands Publishing, Upton, England).


perspective
aft

AFT Perspective
aft deck

focsle
forward

midships
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2.59  MUSEUM QUALITY MODEL.  Fabulous early1900's hand-made-model of a handsome, early diesel-powered ocean-going passenger vessel.  This near scale model is beautifully proportioned in every detail, defying written description.  The sleek solid wooden hull has a red lead bottom with green boot topping and bilge keel just above the waterline.  The twin brass propellers with struts are depicted along each side of the rudder.  On the upper hull, 19 brass portholes run along each side.  There is another combing just below the main deck which breaks and then continues in a semi circular arc around the stern.  The bow is equipped with Navy stockless anchors on both sides.  The starboard side has an exquisite accommodation ladder supported by a davit.  On the deck, fine life lines capped by a wooden handrail encompass the entire ship.  The main deck exhibits scored wooden planking.  The anchor windlass and foc'sle hatch are forward, and a small snaking capstan/winch is on the covered fantail.  Along the deck are numerous scuppers and chocks.  The superstructure is truly incredible.  The cabin deck has numerous windows with 2 weatherdeck doors on each side.  The windows are real glass framed in wood and contain curtains on the inside!  The upper deck has the pilot house forward with framed windows, 2 doors, a brass searchlight and port and starboard running lights.  Incredibly the conn is complete with a skylight binnacle, a handsome wood and brass helm and a floor-standing engine order telegraph!  A beautifully-carved wooden bench with upholstery adorns the rear.  The navigation bridge has a pelorus on the starboard side.  Both wings have liferings in their holders.  Abaft is the funnel with air horn and 2 ventilator cowlings.  Two lifeboats and a motor launch are in their cradles with davits.  Further aft are 2 ventilators  providing cabin air.  This vessel has 2 tapering wooden masts with guy lines attached with realistic fittings.  Much more could be written here to provide the myriad of minute details.  We find more every time we inspect it.  Without a doubt this is a museum-quality (dockyard type) model of the first order.  39 inches long by 8 ½ wide (beam) and 19 ¼ inches tall at the masts.  Complete with custom solid teakwood stand.  We are proud to be able to offer this model which would make a valuable addition to the finest collection, public or private. 6900 Special Packaging


port side
port side pilot house

bridge starboard
bridge detail

accomocation ladder
conn

fan tail
focsle

motor launch
stack

windlass
comp

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2.55  CLIPPERSHIP MODEL.   Truly spectacular 19th century model of a 3-masted  clippership.  This period model is of the finest construction.  It was scratch-built featuring a sleek solid wooden hull with realistically planked deck, individual ribs on the inner bulwarks and exceptional copper-sheathing on the hull below the water line.  The many hundreds of individual overlapping copper plates are attached by 11 tiny copper nails each, making for literally thousands of attachment points!  Similarly individual deck planks are laid down and attached by hundreds of tiny nails.  The raised foc’sle has 2 fitted deck posts and the anchor windlass.  Forward of it is the brass capstan.  The deck house, just abaft the mainmast, is realistically planked and trimmed.  It is set into the raised poop deck aft.  The poop deck is surrounded by a wooden railing supported by beautifully-turned individual support columns.  The ship has raked and stubbed wooden masts.  The exterior of the hull above the waterline is beautifully sculpted and decoratively trimmed with two bands of wooden strakes.  Construction of all components is of the highest order and must have taken the skilled maker hundreds of hours to complete. The model measures 29 ¼ inches from stem to stern and has a 5 1/8 inch beam as measured just aft of the splash rail.  It is mounted in the traditional manner on 2 turned brass supports on a solid teak wood base measuring 19 inches long by 5 5/8 inches wide.  This model comes with an equally fabulous “access ladder” with individually pinned wooden rungs.  The ladder is slightly tapered and measures 6 5/8 inches long.  The overall condition of this presentation is virtually perfect, showing genuine age, without a doubt museum quality! 2975 Special Packaging



deck

detail
capstan

deck detail
deckhouse

hull sheathing
stern

railing
ladder

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2.54  WWII COMBATANT MODEL by FAMOUS MAKER.   Incredibly detailed scale model of the World War II infantry landing craft (LCI-735) executed by the professional model maker Ed Antin as indicated on the engraved  presentation label “LCI(L)-735 Scale = 1/16” = 1’ BY ED ANTIN.”  This museum-quality model is made of wood and brass in the most meticulous manner, showing all minute details of the ship – truly a scale model.  The further one scrutinizes this model the more amazing it becomes!   The ship itself is 10 1/ 4 inches long, 1 ½ inches wide (beam) and 3 ½ inches tall from the waterline to the main mast.  It is housed in its original custom case with mahogany base and Plexiglas covering measuring 14 ¼ inches long, 5 inches wide and 5 ¾ inches high.  Outstanding original condition!  A true marvel of model making.  695

Ed Antin was an extremely skilled miniature model maker in the 1970’s and 80’s who devised several innovative techniques to improve the makers’ craft.   Examples of his production are rare.

The World War II veteran LCI-735 was laid down by the Commercial Iron Works in Portland, Oregon on January 7, 1944 and was launched scarcely a month later on February 8, 1944, a testament to the industrial might exhibited during America’s wartime production efforts.  She was commissioned on February 18, 1944.  The vessel had a length overall of 159 feet, a breadth of 23 feet and a maximum draft of only 6 feet (for landing troops on the beach).  She displaced 236 tons light and 419 tons loaded.  Her compliment was 4 officers and 24 enlisted, with a troop capacity of 188 men.  Maximum speed was 16 knots.  Armament consisted of three 20 mm cannons and two .50 caliber machine guns.

LCI-735 participated in the invasion and subsequent occupation of the southern Palau Islands from September 6 to October 14, 1944.   For this she was awarded a battle star.  At war’s end she was eventually sold to the National Metal and Steel Corporation at Terminal Island, California.



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2.53 EXCEPTIONAL SHIP MODEL. Especially fine museum quality, scratch-built ship model. This hand-made model depicts the most famous American clippership of all time, the FLYING CLOUD. Built in Boston by America’s premier clippership designer, Donald McKay, the FLYING CLOUD was launched in 1851. It is a true to the original representation exhibiting near scale proportions. All of the standing and running rigging is shown in exquisite detail, far exceeding a typical sailor-made model. The dead eyes appear to be made of bone or similar material and the blocks (pulleys) are individually minutely sculpted of wood and brass wire. When in evidence, extremely fine chain was used for the heavy applications. Deck details include chocks, cleats, bitts, 4 capstans, 2 anchors, anchor windlass, 2 cat heads, fife rails, ladders, deck houses, buckets on the deck houses, 2 shuttered hatches, 6 cargo hatches amidships, bilge pumps, scuttle, Charlie Noble, curved deck house, skylight, 3 life boats with oars, starboard side dinghy in davits, animal cage, lovely carved figurehead of an angel blowing a trumpet, steering gear box with ship’s wheel, ship’s bell in belfry, skylight, rudder with post and pintel construction, chain stoppers and a beautiful carved wooden poopdeck railing among others. In the rigging, the masts are realistically portrayed with banding and mast tops rigged with detailed rat lines and spreaders. The yards are intricately rigged with precision detail and back hauls. The ship flies the silk house flag of Grinell & Minturn & Co. from the main mast and the American ensign of 35 stars from the stern boom. The stern is clearly marked:

FLYING CLOUD
----- o -----
NEW YORK

The ship itself measures 34 ½ inches from bowsprit to boom.  The hull is 28 ¼ inches long with a beam of 5 ¼ inches.  The main mast rises 24 ¾ inches above the keel.  The main yard is 10 3/8 inches in width.  This antique model, certainly over 80 years old, is in an exceptional state of original preservation.  All lines, fastenings, details and attachments are stable and in tact.  In short, it is a beautifully preserved museum quality cased model worthy of the finest public or private collection.  This price could not even be approached by a contemporary modeler for the same quality, easily over $10,000.  (Please check it out).  This is truly an exceptional offering! 4985 Special Packaging

The original glazed and shaped hardwood case is in excellent original condition.  Speaking to its age, it does not contain any plywood components and is of quality construction with braced corners, mortise and tenon construction and a sculpted base.  The case dimensions are 41 ½ inches long by 14 ½ inches wide and 29 ¼ inches high.

This exceptional ship model comes with its original receipt from the prior owner dated 1982 – already described as an antique dating from 1890 to 1920.  The seller was the famed and highly respected West Coast nautical antiquarian Steve Crandell who made a name for himself as the “Captain’s Landing” in Union Square San Francisco in the 1970’s.

FLYING CLOUD was the most famous of all the clippers built by legendary American shipbuilder Donald McKay, including SOVEREIGN OF THE SEAS and the GREAT REPUBLIC.  She was highly lauded for winning her `round the Horn race with the HORNET, made even more remarkable by the fact that she had a woman navigator, Eleanor Creesy, wife of the Captain, Josiah Creesy.  FLYING CLOUD was also known for making two record-setting voyages from New York to San Francisco and for sailing in the Australian and timber trades.

FLYING CLOUD was popularly described as an extreme clipper, along with many of Donald McKay's ships.  But as her dead rise was less than 40 inches she actually was not extreme.  McKay built many fast clipper ships, but only one, STAG HOUND, was actually an extreme clipper, even if others were advertised as such.  Nevertheless, it was popular to characterize clippers as "extreme" banking on the perception they were fast – which indeed they were at the time!

FLYING CLOUD was built in East Boston, Massachusetts, for Enoch Train, who paid $50,000 for her construction. While still under construction, she was purchased by Grinnell, Minturn & Co., of New York, for $90,000.  She was launched in late 1851.

A reporter for the "Boston Daily Atlas" wrote on April 25, 1851, "If great length [235 ft.], sharpness of ends, with proportionate breadth [41 ft.] and depth, conduce to speed, the FLYING CLOUD must be uncommonly swift, for in all these she is great.  Her length on the keel is 208 feet, on deck 225, and over all, from the knightheads to the taffrail, 235 - extreme breadth of beam 41 feet, depth of hold 21½, including 7 feet 8 inches height of between-decks, sea-rise at half floor 20 inches, rounding of sides 6 inches, and sheer about 3 feet."

In newspaper accounts of the day, the clipper ship ANDREW JACKSON claimed the record passage to San Francisco.  The JACKSON  holds the record for fastest passage pilot-to-pilot, arriving off San Francisco in 89 days and 4 hours.   But because JACKSON spent all night between the Farallon Islands and the Golden Gate awaiting a harbor pilot, some consider the time en route as fastest sailing around Cape Horn.  Nevertheless, FLYING CLOUD holds the record for a completed voyage from New York to San Francisco, 89 days 8 hours anchor-to-anchor.  She then held this record for over 100 years, from 1854 to 1989!

In the famous race between FLYING CLOUD and HORNET in 1853, HORNET was given a two-day head start on FLYING CLOUD.  She left New York for San Francisco on April 26, 1853 and FLYING CLOUD departed two days later.  After the15,000 mile voyage around Cape Horn, both ships arrived in San Francisco Harbor at nearly the same time.  HORNET arrived 45 minutes ahead of the FLYING CLOUD!

In 1862, FLYING CLOUD was sold to the Black Ball Line of Liverpool, sailing under British colors without change of name, and was soon traveling between Britain, Australia and New Zealand.  Her latter years were spent in the log trade between Newcastle-Upon- Tyne, England, and Saint John, New Brunswick, Canada.

On June 19, 1874, FLYING CLOUD went aground on the Beacon Island bar, Saint John, New Brunswick.  Her damage was extensive.  She was condemned and sold.  The following year she was burned and salvaged for her scrap metal value.  An ignominious ending for a world class ship.



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stern

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helm

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2.52/5.45  MOST IMPORTANT BUILDER’s HULL.   Original, historically very significant builder’s half block model of the famous 19th century American battleship the U.S.S. OREGON (BB-3).  This large sculpted model is constructed in laminated “lifts” of mahogany mounted to its original framed and painted pine backboard.  This type of builder’s model is known as a “hull plating model” because it depicts and identifies in specific detail the armor plating of the ship’s steel hull.  As such this very model was actually used as a basis for the design and construction of the ship.  On the bottom center of the backboard just below the hull is the hand-painted designation “U.S.S. OREGON” in gold.  The hull has acquired a lovely age patina and variegated surface in the 133+ years since it was laid out.  The backboard measures 97 inches long by 13 inches high.  The hull model itself is 88 inches long, 8 ½ inches wide and 8 inches high.  The entire presentation protrudes 10 inches from the bulkhead when displayed.  This authentic builder’s model of one of the most famous ships in U.S. Naval history belongs in a museum.  It is likely the only identified such model of a major 19th century U.S. Navy combatant still in private hands.  Outstanding, untouched original condition showing wonderful age. 13.995 Special Packaging

Ex.  Collection of the De Young Museum, San Francisco, California.  Deaccessioned at public auction early 1990’s.

The battleship OREGON was laid down by the Union Iron Works, San Francisco, Cal.  in 1891 and commissioned in 1896.   She spent the next two years conducting exercises off the Pacific coast.  On February 15, 1898  news was telegraphed  that the battleship MAINE had exploded in Havana Harbor.  OREGON was in the Puget Sound Navy Yard, Bremerton, Washington at the time.  War with Spain was becoming imminent and OREGON was dispatched to Spanish-held Cuba without delay.  En route, she made a brief stop in San Francisco to load more coal for the long journey ahead, departing on March 19, 1898.  Traveling around Cape Horn OREGON arrived at Jupiter Inlet 66 days later  –  a distance of 15,000 nautical miles!  This was a remarkable achievement at the time.  The record breaking voyage immediately popularized the ship with the American public.  It also emphasized the need for a shorter coast to coast route, which ultimately led to construction of the Panama Canal.  Upon arrival OREGON joined Admiral William T. Sampson’s squadron under the command of her Captain Charles Clark.  On July 3 OREGON spearheaded the Battle of Santiago de Cuba, where she and the cruiser BROOKLYN were the only ships fast enough to chase down and capture the Spanish flagship CRISTOBAL COLON.   The remainder of the Spanish fleet was decimated.   It was at this time OREGON earned the nickname "Bulldog of the Navy," because of the “bone in her teeth” – a reference to her distinctive bow wave at cruising speed..

After the Spanish-American War OREGON sailed to China Station for 2 deployments which included her presence during the Boxer Rebellion.   She was briefly decommissioned in 1906 but recommissioned in 1911.  WWI saw her escorting troop carriers to Europe.  After the Great War, as a result of the Washington Naval Treaty, OREGON was declared "incapable of further wartime service."  In June 1925 she became a museum ship in Portland, Oregon where her forward mast is on display to this day.  But by WWII her scrap metal was deemed more crucial to the war effort than her historical value and she was sold.   Her stripped hulk was later returned to the Navy to be used as an ammunition barge during the Battle of Guam.  In the typhoon of November 1948, she broke loose and drifted 500 miles out to sea.  But her hull was located southeast of Guam and she was towed back.  Sold again on March 15, 1956 OREGON’s venerable hulk was finally salvaged in Japan.

The accompanying original photograph shows OREGON in drydock at the Navy Yard, Bremerton in 1911.  Note that her Great White Fleet era configuration has been changed to haze gray and she has been fitted with a “cage mast” aft as was popular with Naval architects in the first decade of the twentieth century.



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2.47   EARLY U.S. NAVY DESTROYER MODEL.  Period, scratch-built model depicting the World War I era model of the famous 4-Piper destroyer USS BORIE (DD-215).  This hand-made model was meticulously constructed of wood and brass in a charming folk art way using very professional techniques.  Details, while not necessarily to scale, are very faithful to the original.  All manner of deck fittings, lockers, funnels, escape trunks with covers, scuttles, hatches, 6 inch guns, machine gun aft, chocks, bitts, twin kedge anchors, anchor fall, doors, skylight, wireless antennas, halyards, torpedo tubes, depth charges, capstan, ship’s bell, steam whistles, siren, searchlights, running lights, range finder, crow’s nest, binnacles, portholes, 3 sets of davits containing the Captain’s gig, motor launch and whaleboat, swinging boat boom, standing rigging, Union Jack, Ensign, lifelines, life rafts, ladders, accommodation ladder, bilge keels, twin propellers and rudder are all depicted among other details.  This well-built model measures 39 inches long by 3 3/4 inches wide at the widest and stands 15 1/4 inches tall at the foremast inclusive of the original stand.  The mahogany stand is noteworthy in that it is beautifully fitted to the ship’s hull in a graceful manner.  The footprint of the stand is 3 1/4 by 23 inches.  Without a doubt, this model was constructed contemporaneously with the actual ship by a sailor intimately familiar with its details.  It exhibits great age and weathering, even a variegated patina much like that of an actual ship at sea!  Excellent original condition.  Some of the more fragile lines of this model have been reinforced by a professional museum-certified model restorer.  In fact this model was recently deasseccioned by the San Diego Maritime Museum, as identified by the museum acquisition markings painted on the forward left portion of the stand.  An ex-museum bargain which should be at least double this price! 1495 Special Packaging

The USS BORIE (DD-215) was launched by the William Cramp & Sons Shipyard, Philadelphia on October 4, 1919 and commissioned on March 24, 1920 with a compliment of 122 men.  She had a length of 314’ 4”, breadth of 31’ 9”, a draft of 9’ 10” and displaced 1,215 tons.  Top speed 35 knots.

BORIE first saw service in the Black Sea.  After a year she was transferred to the Asiatic Fleet where she spent the next 4 years.  From 1927- 1929 BORIE saw service in the Atlantic cruising the Caribbean and Europe.  In 1929 she again transferred to the Asiatic Fleet for a 3 year tour.  Returning to CONUS in 1932 BORIE joined the Pacific Fleet, stationed in San Diego.  At the outbreak of World War II BORIE was assigned to patrol Panama Bay and the Caribbean.

In late July 1942 BORIE joined USS CARD (CVE-11) as part of a hunter-killer group against German submarines in the Atlantic.  On November 1, 1943, while conducting the last of 4 patrols, BORIE rammed and sank German submarine U-405.  In doing so, the collision killed 27 BORIE crewmen and rendered the ship too badly damaged to maneuver.  BORIE was intentionally sunk by her sister ship USS BARRY (DD-248) on November 2nd.
BORIE received 3 Battle Stars for her World War II service and the Presidential Unit Citation for her participation in the CARD operations.

A second destroyer was named in her honor and commissioned on September 21, 1944.



reverse
perspective

stern
bridge detail

aft detail
midships detail

boats detail
focsle detail

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2.42  CASED DIORMA.  Absolutely exquisite mid-19th century shadowbox depicting a brigantine under full sail plying a very realistic green putty sea.  This expertly-made model is without question one of the finest ever produced!   It features a realistically-carved wooden hull with black bulwark and haze gray decks.  The raised foc’sle has a capstan forward, an old fashioned kedge anchor on the cat head and a windlass.   The main deck has a deck house.  The raised poop deck is complete with after deck house, ship’s rail, and old fashion rolling block ship’s wheel.  The billowing sails are each properly rigged and individually marked to indicate sewn sail canvas.  The stem of the vessel bears a gilded acanthus billet leading to the natural wood bowsprit with dolphin striker.  The after mast has a beautifully-executed mast top with spreaders.  This authentic representation depicts the vessel at sea with white caps.  The background is a painterly depiction of a mountain flanked by lush forests under a beautiful azure sky with fluffy pink cumulus clouds.  Both sides of the diorama are equipped with mirrors which provide a very interesting bow-on and aft perspective of the vessel.   The entire presentation is housed in its original solid walnut Eastlake frame with fancy gilt liner, measuring 27 by 40 inches overall.  This diorama is unusually deep at 12 ¼ inches.  The front is protected by it original old wavy glass, the opening being 33 3/8 by 20 ½ inches.  The back is in its original old milk painted surface which, incredibly, is a single sold pine panel measuring 21 ¾ by 23 inches!  The overall condition of this presentation is absolutely spectacular.  It is truly one of the finest of its type ever made and certainly one of the best such dioramas available today, anywhere in the world!  It has been in our personal collection for over 30 years!  3350 Special Packaging

Provenance:  Steve Crandell, The Captain’s Landing, Fisherman’s Wharf San Francisco, California, 1982.                       



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2.40  AMERICAN SHIP DIORAMA.   Wonderfully charming, 3rd quarter of the 19th century shadowbox of a full-rigged American clippership identified as the “Red Cloud.” in two places.  This exceptional folk art piece embodies all of the bells and whistles desired by collectors.  In addition to being identified, it is signed and dated on the back, “Made by Charles White, Weymouth, Mass. 1875.”  Rigged as a true clipper with six sails on each of her forward masts  and a spanker tri-sail at the bottom of her main, the sails are, top to bottom, Royals, Upper Topgallants, Lower Topgallants, Upper Topsails, Lower Topsails and Courses (Mainsails).  Standing rigging is in place.  From the top of the foremast flies the Union Jack.  The mizen carries the ship’s name flag “RC” and the main the house flag.  The American ensign flies from the spanker halyard aft.  The ship’s hull is realistically-carved from a solid block of wood with numerous details including the capstan and bitts on the focs’le, several deck houses, aft deck house with hatch and helmsman standing at the wheel, with railing and bitts on the poop.  The bow is adorned with a carved Indian warrior figurehead in elaborate headdress carrying a spear.  Above and aft is the nameboard reading “RED CLOUD” with another such board on the stern.  The bowsprit and dolphin striker are well formed and in place.  The sleek jib sails, trysails between masts and all square sails are of carved wood!  The ship is towed by an equally charming tugboat which belches black cotton smoke from its stack.  The tug captain is seen at the helm in the wheelhouse while a crewman attends the tow on the stern.  Many other delightful details defy description.  Approaching the ship on the far left is the pilot schooner under full sail, flying the “hotel” flag indicating pilot aboard.   The entire scene is cast on a choppy green putty sea with whitecaps.  Attesting to its age the backboard is formed of a single solid piece of pine, nicely painted with sky and clouds.  It is housed in its original Victorian wooden frame with ornate gilt liner under glass.   The glazed opening is 21 by 32 inches, with the entire presentation measuring 27 by 38 inches and 4 ½ inches deep.  Two stout eyehooks with copper wire are equipped on the back for hanging.  Excellent original condition throughout, showing good age, preservation and no want of repair.  A world class example.  2150 Special Packaging

Red Cloud (1822-1910) was chief of the Oglala Lakota tribe in the Powder River region of northern Wyoming and southwestern Montana.  He was considered one of the most formidable opponents the U.S. Army faced in the 3rd quarter of the 1800’s.  The Treaty of Fort Laramie Wyoming, signed in 1868, led the way to reservation life for many of the western Indians.  However, in Lakota War of 1876-1877, prosecuted by Crazy Horse and Sitting Bull, Red Cloud did not participate, true to his word in the treaty.  No doubt this act of honor and commitment engendered him in the hearts of many Easterners who eagerly followed the news of the Indian Wars coming from the Wild West.  At the time this diorama was made, Red Cloud had become legendary in the annals of Native American history.

Weymouth, Massachusetts is a small coastal town next to the shipbuilding port of Quincy, southeast of Boston.



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2.99 CASED MODEL. Charming, especially desireable sailor folk art model of the famous battleship U.S.S. TEXAS as prominently engraved on the large brass name plate and on both sides of the vessel's bow. This near scale, solid hull model is entirely hand made from wood and brass with many intricate details not typically found on such models. For example all of the lifelines are made of drilled brass rods. The gun barrels are tapered and drilled brass. The scores of portholes depicted in the hull are drilled and rimmed with brass. All of the other fittings and the superstructure itself are either carved wood or hand-worked brass! This model is in its original battleship gray paint with black boot topping. The paint has alligatored with age and now exhibits a great old surface. The wooden decks in natural finish have also acquired a rich age patina. The ship itself measures 35 1/2 inches long by 14 inches high and 6 1/2 inches wide at the widest. It is mounted on its original solid mahogany display stand in original black paint with cloth bottom and measures 38 inches long by 9 inches wide. The stand is overlaid by the glazed oak case which measures 40 1/2 inches long by 16 1/2 inches high and 11 1/4 inches wide. Excellent overall condition. 2925 Special Packaging

The USS TEXAS (BB-35) was the second battleship to bear the state's name and the second New York class battleship to be built. Laid down on April 17, 1911 by the Newport News Shipbuilding & Drydock Co. in Virginia, she was launched on May 18, 1912 and commissioned on March 12, 1914. She was one of only a few capital ships to serve in both World Wars.

Immediately after her commissioning TEXAS was dispatched by President Wilson to deal with a conflict in Mexico. Finally, in December, she left Mexican waters to join the Atlantic Fleet.

The use of unrestricted submarine warfare by the Central Powers in the Atlantic dragged America into the war in Europe in 1917. TEXAS served in the Grand Fleet by providing convoy escorts to troopships as well as helping the British to blockade the enemy in the North Sea.

Following overhaul in late 1918 TEXAS resumed duty with the Atlantic Fleet. On March 9, 1919 she became the first American ship to launch an airplane.

Early in 1925 TEXAS entered the Norfolk Navy Yard for "modernization" to replace her cage masts with a single tripod foremast and to upgrade her gunfire control system.

In the intervening years leading up to World War II TEXAS saw duty in the the Pacific and Atlantic theaters, serving as the flagship of the entire United States Navy Fleet.

Upon America's entry into World War II TEXAS saw her first combat in "Operation Torch" during the invasion of North Africa in 1942 by providing shore bombardment and naval gunfire support.

Throughout 1943 and into 1944 the veteran battleship carried out her familiar role as a convoy escort.

On the morning of June 6, 1944 TEXAS provided shore bombardment prior to the D-Day assault on the coast of Normandy, France.

On the morning of June 25 TEXAS, in company with the Battleship ARKANSAS, began shelling shore fortifications and batteries surrounding the German-held port of Cherbourg. In the exchange TEXAS lost her navigation bridge and the forward fire control tower with one man killed and several wounded.

After undergoing temporary repairs in Plymouth, England TEXAS again entered the fray, this time to engage shore batteries in the pre-landing assault of St. Tropez, France. That mission completed, she departed 2 days later for her home port of New York.

Upon arrival TEXAS underwent a major overhaul which included replacement of the barrels in her main batteries.
TEXAS departed New York in November 1944 bound for the Pacific theater via the Panama Canal. She arrived off of Iwo Jima on February 16, 1945 where she spent the next two weeks in a gunfire support role during that infamous battle.

Next she steamed into Philippine waters where she spent nearly 2 months providing gunfire support for various Allied landings. During that time she endured many Kamikaze attacks, recording one kill and three assists. TEXAS stayed in the Philippines until the Japanese surrender on August 15th. She received 5 battle stars for her World War II service!

TEXAS was decommissioned on April 28,1948 as she was turned over to the state of Texas as a permanent memorial. Today she remains in San Jacinto State Park, near Houston.

The fact that this model depicts TEXAS with her post-1925 tripod mast, but with her side-mounted 5 inches guns (removed prior to 1930) clearly indicates that the model dates to 1925, certainly no later than 1930!

 

IN CASE
REVERSE
U.S.S. TEXAS

FORWARD
AMIDSHIPS
AFT
STERN

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2.36

2.36 SHIP DIORAMA.  Absolutely delightful 19th century American sailor folk art diorama depicting a charming coastal scene with 3 sailing ships and a tugboat.   The foremost vessel is a 4-masted American bark identified on the starboard trail board and the mizzen pennant as the “DIRIGO.”  She is depicted under full billowing sail, all of which are made from carved wood!  She is outfitted with a carved wooden female figurehead, a capstan on the focs’le, anchor on the cat, 2 deck houses, a lifeboat in davits and even a skylight on the poop.  All lines are in tact rigged with carved wooden blocks.  Aft of the DIRIGO is a small 2-masted schooner under sail, also flying the American ensign.  Forward of the DIRIGO, passing to starboard, is a steam tug towing another American bark out to sea.  The tug billows dark (cotton) smoke as it pulls the bark with no sails into a head wind.  This smaller 3-masted bark is also very nicely executed with carved figurehead, good deck detail and all lines present.   Filling out the scene is a prominent lighthouse on a spit of land.  It towers over 3 adjacent buildings surrounded by a white fence and trees in the background.  Yet another American flag is depicted flying from a tall flagpole capped by pearl.  Ingeniously, a luminescent “light” made of mother-of-pearl adorns the lantern of the lighthouse.  All vessels are of carved wood and ply a painted putty sea.  The large background panel is made from a single piece of pine, nicely painted with subtle colors portraying the sky in a realistic manner.  Evidencing its age, the paint has become slightly alligatored with time.  The sides of the diorama are also pine affixed with old nails and wood screws.  The back is painted in its original dark blue/gray paint with evidence of old newspaper used to seal the joints.  The entire presentation is nicely framed in a period “Eastlake” style walnut frame with gold liner and retains it original old wavy glass.  It measures 24 ½ by 40 ½ inches overall and  18 ½ by 34 ½ inches sight.  The diorama is constructed on a slant, tapering from 7 inches thick at the bottom to 4 inches at the top.  A magnificently preserved example of this desirable form of sailor folk art.  Circa 1890. 3800  Special Packaging

The 4-masted Bark DIRIGO was homeported in the Pacific Northwest in the gold4en age of the lumber trade there, also coinciding with the Alaskan gold rush.  Further research could reveal additional information about the time and place of this scene.


2.36
2.36
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PERSPECTIVE 1
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2.03 FAMOUS BATTLESHIP MODEL with MUSEUM PROVENANCE. Exhibition-quality model of the World War II dreadnought USS CALIFORNIA (BB-44). This sailor-built model is faithful to the original ship and was actually built on board during one of the most famous Naval battles in history, the Battle of the Surigao Straits on October 25, 1944! The large wooden stand bears the engraved Bakelite plaque reading: "MODEL OF THE USS CALIFORNIA Hull turrets and guns are of balsa wood, superstructures are of white pine, gun shields and platforms are of bristol board. Model took 10 months to complete. This model has been through the battle of Surigao Straights in the Philippines. It was there when Mac Arthur landed on Leyte Island in the Philippines. Built by B. M. Mickschl CH CARP. USN." The hull measures 38 inches long by 7 inches wide and the model stands 10 1/2 inches high overall. The stout wooden base measures 41 inches long by 8 3/4 inches wide. Now complete with a professionaly-made custom Plexiglass case. This model is in an incredible state of original preservation considering its construction, detail and age. A genuine piece of history! 2495 Special Packaging

A well-known Museum has commissioned us to sell this model, because it is not in keeping with the Museum's collection objectives. For purposes of public anonymity we will not publish the Museum's name here. However we will provide provenance to the successful buyer so that this valuable aspect of the model's history will not be lost.

The USS CALIFORNIA (BB- 44) was a Tennessee-class battleship launched on November 20, 1919 by Mare Island Navy Yard, California and was commissioned on August 10, 1921, as flagship of Pacific Fleet -- a duty she retained until 1941. She took part in the Presidential reviews of 1927, 1930, and 1934 and was modernized in 1929-1930.

On "The Day of Infamy," December 7, 1941, she was moored at the southernmost berth of "Battleship Row" in Pearl Harbor, Hawaii. At 0805 a bomb exploded below decks in an ammunition magazine killing 50 men and setting her afire. A second bomb ruptured her bow plates. Despite valiant efforts to keep her afloat, CALIFORNIA settled into the mud with only her superstructure above the surface. When the action ended, 98 of her crew were lost and 61 wounded. On March 26, 1942 she was refloated and departed under her own power for Puget Sound Navy Yard for major reconstruction.

Restored to her original glory, CALIFORNIA sailed from Bremerton on January 31, 1944 in time to provide shore bombardment for the invasion of the Marianas Islands. During the bitter fight for Saipan in June, she was conducting shore bombardment when struck by an enemy shore battery killing one man and injuring nine. Following Saipan, her heavy guns helped blast the way during the assaults on Guam and Tinian.

In September 1944 CALIFORNIA prepared for the invasion of the Philippines. From October 17 through November 20 she played a key role in the Leyte operation, including participation in the last classic Naval battle ever fought between surface combatants, the Battle of Surigao Strait on October 20th. That momentous engagement resulted in the decimation of the Japanese fleet. On January 6, 1945 while providing shore bombardment at Lingayen Gulf she was hit by Kamikazes, killing 44 and wounding 155. Again she departed the front to undergo repairs Stateside.

Returning to action at Okinawa in June 1945, CALIFORNIA remained until July 21st. Two days later she joined Task Force 95 to cover minesweeping operations in the China Sea. After the surrender of Japan in early August, CALIFORNIA sailed via Singapore, Colombo, and Capetown, to Philadelphia, with a fitting arrival on December 7th. She was placed in reserve on August 7, 1946 and ultimately sold for scrap in 1959.

CALIFORNIA received seven battle stars for World War II service. Today, her bell rests in a memorial at Capital Park, Sacramento, a fitting tribute to a fine ship and her crew.

SPECIFICATIONS

Length overall: 624' 6"
Beam: 114'(1943)
Mean Draft: 30' 5"
Displacement: 40,950 tons (1943)
Speed: 20 knots (1943)
Main guns: 12 14"/50 cal. (Mk 11), 4 triple turrets
Secondary: 10 x 5"/51 cal. mounted in sponsons
16 x 5"/38 cal. in 8 twin turrets (1945)
56 x 40mm Bofors in fourteen quad mounts
6 x 50 cal. heavy machine guns
80 x 20mm Oerlikons
2 x 21" Torpedoes
Complement: 57 officers, 1026 men

 

PERSPECTIVE
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AMIDSHIPS
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IN 1936
PEARL HARBOR
IN 1944

Order Info


2.67 DETAILED STEAM/SAIL SHIP MODEL. Really superb scratch-built and dated American model of a steam/sail brig from the 19th century. This period model is entirely hand made with precision detail and near scale rigging. The laminated wooden hull is beautifully sculpted and has a hollow interior with keel, tween deck, and lead ballast. The wooden deck in old mustard paint is scored to simulate planking. Details include bowsprit with dolphin striker and chain stays; billet head; both kedge anchors; rotating foc'sle capstan; fife rails; main deck hatch with accommodation ladder; removable deck house with funnel; steam whistle; "Charlie Noble"; 2 ventilators; 2 lifeboats; ship's bell; deck ladder; doors; windows with glass; aft house with door and glazed windows; functional helm; poop deck ladders; helm bell; poop deck skylight and realistic brass eagle sternboard! But there is much more! The deck house is signed on the bottom "Built 1876 to 1882." Using extreme care it may be safely removed to reveal an internal gearing system attached by a leather belt to an arbor running through the port side bulwark. Engaging the arbor with a clock winding key actually rotates the vessel's propeller! When the deck house is in place, the funnel is secured by 4 removable guy wires. As mentioned, the helm is functional and works as a real ship's steering station of the period. The helm is fitted with a wooden spindle attached to the steering gear. Turning the wheel to the left or right actuates the rudder in the appropriate direction! If the realism of this presentation were not enough, the entire model is mounted to a beautifully constructed dockyard cradle complete with hull supports making for a realistic stand. This exceptional model measures 40 1/2 inches long overall by 13 1/2 inches wide at the mains'l yard and 29 inches tall. Condition is nothing short of perfect. All surfaces retain their original old paint. The fine, realistic rigging is original and is in a sound, outstanding state of preservation. A nicer folk art model of its type is not to be found! SOLD

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2.19 DOCKYARD MODEL. Authentic mid-19th C. cased shipyard builder's half hull model of the 3-masted sailing ship VERBENA built by "Wm Pickersgill & Sons, Sunderland," England as identified in hand-painted lettering below the bow. This exceptional model exhibits all of the detail and quality expected of an "owner's model" as built by the shipyard that produced the actual ship. Fine, fancy original glazed hardwood case measuring 85 inches long, 17 1/2 inches high and 9 inches deep overall. The model itself measures 70 1/2 inches long from stern to bowsprit. Circa 1856. Immaculate condition throughout. Certainly worthy of the finest museum!  SOLD

"Lloyd's Register of Shipping" Volume 1871 lists the VERBENA as a wooden hull bark of 260 feet in length, displacing 466 tons net. She was built in Sunderland in 1856 and operated by J. Whitfield of Sunderland.

In a publication entitled "Sunderland Builds Ships," 1989, Tyne and Wear Archive Service, City of Sunderland, England, William Pickersgill is identified as one of the prominent Wearside (River Wear) shipbuilding firms from 1847-1936.

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