Presented is a carefully handcrafted hull of a classic British three masted Clipper Ship that most likely was  made by a very skilled crew member. The hull is carved from a solid block of wood, with exceptional attention to detail and likely dates back to the last quarter of the 19th Century. The model maker knew his ship and laid out her lines, rigging and fittings so perfectly as to compare with paintings of similar vessels. Her sails are carved from blocks of wood rather than being fashioned out of stiff paper as was the fashion. 

 

Painting of the Bark, "Noodleburn", Ca 1895

 

Behind the bowsprit and dolphin striker, the stem has an ornately carved figurehead of what may be a mermaid followed by trailboards with the ship's name, "GULL". On deck aft of the foredeck and bowsprit is the foremast, and then a forward hatch aft of the forecastle, next aft, a long raised deckhouse with inked ports, and a lifeboat to port and starboard. Then a large cargo hatch, the main mast, another cargo hatch with boats on davits to port and starboard. Then come the ladders to the poop deck with the mizzen mast, a small deck house with inked ports, followed by a skylight and the ships wheel all crafted by hand.

 

Midships section

Poop deck and signal flags

Fore deck with bow sprit & dolphin striker

THE FLAGS: Flying from the truck of the foremast is the flag of the United States which is flown as a courtesy when a ship enters U.S. waters so that we may conclude that "GULL" is planning to call on a U.S. port. From the mainmast truck, the personal or house flag of the owner flies. In this case, it is the cross of St. Andrews on a white field with a blue upper right quarter with four white stars. From the gaff of the mizzen mast, the British Merchant Ensign is flown, with code flags "W", "V" and "R" beneath it. 

 

We date this sailor made model as being made some where between 1875 and 1890.

After section of ship

Carved wood sails

Looking forward from starboard quarter   DIMENSIONS VESSEL: LOA 28" L x 6" W x  17" H          CASE: 37" L x 13" W x 24" H Weight 30 pounds estimated CONDITION: The model and its original case is exceptional in all respects. The rigging is taught, all the gear and fittings are in place and nothing is broken or missing. The finish on the case is dried and has some crackling, and some minor abrasions. The mast, spars, boom and rigging are all correctly fitted. Considering its age of  the models condition is without par. The black, white and grey painted hull is in exceptional original condition. The overall appearance of the model and massive case is quite remarkable and impressive. 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 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  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 Copyright 2007 by Land And Sea Collection™, All Rights