Builder's Nautical Half Hull Boat Model Transport "War Riddle"

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Builder's Nautical Half Hull Boat Model Transport "War Riddle"

About the Item

This 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 on the West coast of the U.S. 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.

Dimensions:
Height: 7 in (17.78 cm)Width: 48 in (121.92 cm)Depth: 4 in (10.16 cm)
Materials and Techniques:
Wood
Place of Origin:
England
Period:
Early 20th Century
Date of Manufacture:
1920
Condition:
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. Copyright 2012 Land and Sea Collection. All Rights Reserved.
Seller Location:
Palm City, FL
Reference Number:
1stDibs: U120216925716