A large (over three feet long) and decorative example of a primitive late 19th / early 20th century painted pine shipwrights half hull model ship. Beautiful form, original color and patina!

A really unique and collectible piece of maritime history, his model was used long before CAD/CAM entered the industry. Hand carved and sculpted from a single block of wood, the exceptionally executed to scale replica of what was to be built, allowed boat and yachtbuilders to get a first impression of the three-dimensionality of their design. Basically a prototype to serve as a technical tool for the shipbuilders, as well as occasionally serving as a type of salesman sample, to aide in finding new customers by placing it in the foreground of exhibitors at maritime fairs.

Having a sleek, elongated, well shaped hull, wonderfully smoothed, hand painted reddish brown lower and ebonized (black) upper. Barely visible remnants of the original hand drawn lines used to represent how the plating had to be applied and welded, technical specs, and important information (indicating such a model may have meant thousands of hours of work), now faded away, difficult to decipher do to natural aging process. The patinated, distressed, weathered finish only adds to the overall antique character, charm and historic depth of this nautical folk art work.

Ready to go straight into a home, placed on a fireplace mantel, large shelf, atop a console, or hung on a wall, it would make a wonderful statement piece.

Dimensions: (approx)
37" Wide, 5" High, 3.5" Deep

Condition:
Very good original antique condition, with warm, rustic patina, soft, mellow lustrous sheen. Solid, sturdy and structurally sound, with typical, expected wear and tear, consistent with age, including minor imperfections such as scuffs, scratches, small holes to verso, likely mounted to a display board in the past.