Scale Model of a ‘Watson’ Class Lifeboat, circa 1931

This cased presentation half hull model is of the first winner of the America’s Cup, the schooner America. The copper coloured bottom is painted with black topsides and has a finely carved garland around the bow. There are two stump masts, a caprail and bowsprit. It is set on a mahogany backboard with a Bakelite name plaque engraved ‘Schooner Yacht ‘America’ Scale ¼ = 1 foot to W.G.J. from G.L.W’. A label identifies the case maker as ‘Lambert Picture Frame Manufacturer, 34 Albert Gate, Hyde Park, S.W.’ and another describes the model, including the fact that the case was added in 1903. It then explains the initials W.G.J. and G.L.W. ‘This model was presented by G.L.Watson to W.G.Jameson. George L.Watson was one of England’s leading yacht designers. He designed four America’s Cup Challengers which included: Thistle, Valkyrie, Valkyrie II and Shamrock II. He also designed the King’s Britannia, and the Kaiser’s Meteor. William G.Jameson was probably the most successful amateur helmsman in the U K in the 1880’s and the 1890’s. Jameson introduced Lord Dunraven to yacht racing in 1887. Dunraven was to build three challengers for the America’s Cup, all designed by G.L.Watson. Jameson in 1892 acted as an adviser to the Prince of Wales and introduced him to Watson who designed his Britannia. Jameson also advised Thomas Lipton in his Shamrock II challenge. Clearly, Watson and Jameson worked closely throughout their careers. Scottish, 1887. Provenance: 1887 George L. Watson presented this half hull to William G. Jamieson 1903 Unknown owner(s) thence The Glen Foster Collection 1999 Hyland Granby Antiques, Hyannis Port, Massachusetts 2002 The Kelton Collection of Maritime Art & Artifacts Probably the most famous racing yacht ever built, and the first winner of the America’s Cup, this schooner, designed by James and George Steers, was built by a syndicate of New York Yacht Club members to sail to England. The purpose of this visit was twofold: to show off U.S. shipbuilding skills and make money through competing in regattas. Only launched on 3rd May 1851, she had crossed the Atlantic and won the 53-mile race around the Isle of Wight by 22nd August that same year. America was captained by Richard Brown, who was a skilled member of the Sandy Hook Pilots group, renowned worldwide for their expertise and speed in manoeuvering schooner-rigged pilot boats...

This highly detailed and unusual scale model is partially planked on one side to reveal the interior structure. There are hinged panels in the sides which open to afford a glimpse of the interior. The whole is raised on two supports upon a shaped plinth base. Italian, circa 1880. Provenance Provenance: By repute King Victor Emmanuel III of Italy and gifted to Duke of the Abruzzi thence by descent until sold in 1973 to Arnaldo Ruschioni. The present model represents a clipper, or fast sailing vessel, first introduced in the early 19th century. The clipper was outfitted with three high masts and a large number of sails, designed to carry small loads of profitable cargo quickly over long distances. The present clipper model was constructed in the third quarter of the 19th century and was formerly owned by collector and naval model...

A Lugger lifeboat model by Twyman for the International Exhibition, London 1862. The planked and pinned hull of this lifeboat has a lead keel, bilge keels, a wooden rudder with a yoke, gesso-coated canvas wales and a grab line. It is fitted internally with a forward compartment enclosing a stove and glazed deck lights, seats, covered hatches with copper strapping, a bilge pump with a handle, mast securing points, a metal anchor with a buoy and other details, together with a quantity of furled masts and rigging, a silk flag, and other accessories. The bow has ‘Sunbeam/Friend of all Nations’ and the stern has ‘Ramsgate’, painted in gold on a black ground. English, 1862. Provenance: H. Twyman (designer/modeller) thence by descent Exhibited: International Exhibition, London 1862, Vol. 2, object no. 2760 The 1862 International Exhibition in London hosted a fine array of exhibits from 28,000 exhibitors, and enjoyed a footfall of 6.1 million (about the same as that of the 1851 Great Exhibition...

A late 19th century scale model of field cannon, the barrel with a flared muzzle on an oak carriage with twin twelve spoke steel rimmed wheels and steel mounted body, a single ammuni...

This collection comprises 97 varied antique fishing ‘priests’, or despatchers, diligently collected by Dave Watson over several decades, made from a var...

This fine shipyard half-hull model has a painted pink hull with a pale green waterline and white topsides with a line of portholes. There are two truncated masts, a funnel and a bow...

Model of the J class yacht "Rainbow" built by noted model builder William Hitchcock. Finely built model with planked wood deck, skylights, winches, c...

Rare period model of a Herreshoff "Class" boat. The sleek scale hull is fitted with floorboards, tiller, boom crutch, cleats, blocks, etc.. Fitted with a dropped centerboards. Set on...

Unusual large scale model of a late Victorian crane, circa 1880. Beautifully constructed in mahogany with brass binding and details and the original working metal winch and chains, a...

Half model of the America’s cup Yacht Endeavor. This is a 3-foot hull mounted blackboard. The hull is painted blue over gold. The planked deck has skylights, Companion Way, Spinnaker...

Half model of the America’s cup Yacht Endeavor. This is a 3-foot hull mounted to a blackboard. The hull is painted blue over silver. The planked deck has skylights, Companion Way, Sp...

Antique French hand built metal on wood scale model of a buildings inner construction with many details. The scale model is made of riveted metal and has great patina.