Presented is a near perfect example of an unusual builder's half hull model which is likely the work of a master model maker of the Herreshoff Manufacturing Company of Bristol, RI. The design is the work of A. Sidney Herreshoff, 1886 -1970, the oldest of Cap'n Nat's five sons only two of whom followed in their father's footsteps. It is an evolution of the one off "Silver Heels", design number 1204 of 1931 that was used by the company to test new concepts, and serve as a demonstrator.

 

A year after "Silver Heels" was introduced, Sidney designed a less expensive version to meet the challenges of the "Great Depression". This boat was first known only as the 23 foot LWL sloop, and based on an initial purchase of eight boats by the Fishers Island Yacht Club, starting with design 1212 through design 1225, was subsequently known by the FI 23 and  later the FI H-23 designations. As a class. they raced at Fishers Island from 1932 - 1955, and some of them are still sailing today.

 

Sidney Herreshoff, (1896 - 1991) was an accomplished designer in his own right and is given credit for the  "Wishbone Rig" and designed most of HMC's motor yachts during the 1930's. He worked as the company's chief designer after his Dad retired from the business. One of his later sailing designs was "Arion", 42 feet, the first large size fiberglass yacht built in 1955. He also was the founder of the Herreshoff Museum in 1971 which is located on the site of the original boatyard which ceased operations in 1946.

 

 

 

 

BUILDER'S MARKINGS: On the reverse side of the half hull are carefully drawn stations, 43 in total, scribed in pencil, 3/4" apart. There also is the rudder post's location shown in  the same manner. Most builders models are designed to come apart, and lines are expanded to full size in a process called "lofting" which defines the shape of the hull. This model does not disassemble, so the purpose of the lines is to show position of the frames on the keel which must be positioned before the strakes are added to form the hull.

 

CONDITION: The model is in remarkably good condition considering that it probably dates from around 1932 or 75 years ago. There are four to six holes on the back that show it was originally mounted on a backboard. The one it is mounted on is a recent replacement in the style of the early 1930's. Just below the shearline at amidships is 1" x1/4" dent which is not noticeable from a couple of feet away. The same may be said for 2" piece of the toe rail which is missing at the rail directly opposite the end of the coming. On the deck the cap rail is missing right at the top edge of transom and deck joint. There are some tiny age bubbles in the white paint as a result of sapping and a couple of blemishes in the green bottom paint, but taken as a whole all these add to the model's history.

 

Midships Builder's Marks

Builder's Marks showing rudder post

Finely honed underbody with fin keel

Large rudder and sculptured aft section

SCROLL DOWN FOR GALLERY PICTURES 

 

Dimensions: One inch equals one foot:

 

LOA 33 1/2"                            LWL 23"

Beam x 2 = 7"                         Draft   4"

 

Backboard: 37 1/2" L x 11 1/2" H x 3/4" T

GUARANTEE OF SATISFACTION: You must be fully satisfied with your purchase on arrival and that our description is entirely accurate or your money back. The only conditions are that an email authorization be obtained within three days, and that the item is returned in its original condition and packaging, and insured for its full value. Unfortunately, shipping charges are not included in this offer and are non-refundable unless we are at fault.

INTERNATIONAL BUYERS WELCOME, but inquire first. We have satisfied customers in Australia, Austria, Belgium, Bermuda, Canada, Chile, China, Denmark, England, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Holland, Hong Kong, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Kuwait, Martinique, Mexico, New Zealand, Norway, Nova Scotia, Panama, Puerto Rico, Saudi Arabia, Scotland, Singapore, Spain, Switzerland, Thailand, 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 checks from overseas accounts, no credit cards; or PayPal accepted on this item.

It is rare to find an American Builder's Model, and this one has great historic interest to the Yachting Fraternity. It is suitable for home, office yacht club or on display in a collection of only the finest nautical antiques.

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