This Interesting WW I Half Model Has Been Sold. Thank you! Builder's or Naval Architect's HALF MODEL OF WW I Transport “WAR RIDDLE” DIMENSIONS: The ship model 48" L x 3 1/2" W x 6 1/2" Depth Weight 16 1/2 pounds Presented is an exceptional builder's half hull model of what was originally built as a wartime Standard “N“ type transport that was the first ship launched from the Harland & Wolff Belfast yard. The name she was ordered under was “War Riddle” but she was not finished until March, 1920 after the War had ended, and never sailed under that name. After launch, she was immediately sold by the government to the Atlantic Transport Line, her new owners, who renamed her “Maine IV“. As the Maine IV, she sailed from either London or Antwerp to New York on a regular schedule until 1927 when she was briefly laid up at Southend. Shortly thereafter she was returned to service until May, 1931 when she was returned to Southend. After this she was sold to a ship broker who in turn sold her to Russian owners who renamed her “SKALA“. This name and the notation 1:48 are written in pencil on the model's back near the propeller cutout. Little is known of her subsequent career, but the records show she was in service for at least another 24 years. It is our opinion that the half model was made for a refit by the Russians though there is no documentation to this effect. Skala was broken up in 1955, and deleted from Lloyd's Register of Shipping in 1978. How this carefully made, near 100 year old model, ended up in San Francisco, CA is lost to history. If you have an interest in half hull models you may find our essay on them helpful. See http://www.landandseacollection.com/id267.html Looking from the bow Looking from the stern MODEL'S CONSTRUCTION: Rarely seen in models of this type made after 1860 is the use of dowels to hold the lifts together. There are two prominent dowels used in this model which can be seen on it's bottom, one forward, the other aft. They do not show on deck because there is a thin wood covering that makes the molding along the sheerline rubbing strake. There are eight lifts of nearly knot free Pine, not counting the detailed rubbing strake. That and the molding on the counter gives her a finely finished look. Her varnished hull has acquired a pleasing patina of age which further enhances her appearance. There is no backboard, but there are four holes in the back which indicates one was fitted at some time in the past. The hull is hung by two brass hooks as is seen in the images. The name Skala and 1:48 is forward of the propeller cutout SPECIFICATIONS OF THE SHIP: Names: War Riddle, Maine IV, Skala Builder: Harland & Wolff Ltd, Belfast, yard number 565 Launched November 27, 1919; delivered March 4, 1920; broken up 1955 Hull: length 413'; beam 55' 8"; 6,600 tons Power: single screw; triple expansion engine by builder with cylinders of 27", 44", and 73" diameter and a stroke of 48"; steam pressure 180 p.s.i.; 517 n.h.p.; coal consumption 45 tons per day Registered in Belfast; official number 142495 Propeller cutout One of two large dowels Detail of the bow Ship's name and scale With out a doubt, this is an exceptional half model, and deserves someone who can appreciate the fine lines and quality workmanship. Overhead deck view PROVENANCE:Purchased at a San Francisco area nautical auction without provenance.Nothing else is known of its origin other than the quality of workmanship and age. Bottom view FLAT RATE INSURED SHIPPING to 48 contiguous States $75.00. OUR UNCONDITIONAL NO NONSENSE GUARANTEE: If not completely satisfied with your purchase it may be returned within five days of receipt in its original packaging if without damage. Return items must be insured for their full value. Only a prior email authorization from us for the return is required. Shipping charges are included in this offer if an error is due to our fault. International buyers welcome, but inquire first. We have satisfied customers in Argentina, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Bermuda, British Virgin Islands, Canada, Chile, China, Czech Republic, Democratic Republic of Congo, Denmark, Estonia, England, France, Germany, Greece, Holland, Hong Kong, Hungary, Iceland, Indonesia, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan, Kuwait, Latvia, Luxembourg, Malaysia, Martinique, Mexico, New Zealand, Nigeria, Norway, Nova Scotia, Panama, Philippines, Poland, Portugal, Puerto Rico, Romania, Russia, Saudi Arabia, Scotland, Singapore, South Africa, Spain, St. Maarten, Sweden, Switzerland, Thailand, Turkey, United Arab Emirates, USVI and the Eastern Caribbean. 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 this item. Copyright 2012 - 2011 by Land And Sea Collection™, All Rights Reserved