West Sea Co. MODELS & HALF HULLS Catalog Page 2

West Sea Company

MODELS & HALF HULLS

Catalog Page 2

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2.62 CASED FOLK ART MODEL. Delightful American sailor-made folk art model of a 2-masted schooner under sail. This sculpted full hull wooden model is mounted into a carved wooden azure sea. Attesting to its sailor authorship, the model is realistically rigged with carved wooden sails each of which is attached by means of eyelets or mast hoops as on a real vessel! This painstaking approach to the rigging is very uncharacteristic of a model with wooden sails! The attention to detail is carried through with the portrayal of the standing rigging and deck detail. The ship's boats, complete with oarlocks and crossed wooden oars, are slung in davits on either side and two old fashioned anchors hang from the bow. The deck houses have see-through windows and open doors. Of particular note are the 14 crewmen on deck, depicted in a charmingly naive fashion with colorful caps and individual facial expressions. The vessel flies the American flag from the main mast and is brightly painted, contrasting nicely with the natural finished wooden decks, masts and booms. The model rests in its original very substantial wooden case with old wavy glass. The case retains its original old dark wooden finish with very desirable "alligatored" surface and measures 17 3/4 inches long by 14 inches high and 9 inches wide. Outstanding original condition in all respects. A visually striking presentation which evokes real joy! 995


DETAIL	SUPERDETAIL

2.99 CASED MODEL. Charming, really nice sailor folk art model of the famous battleship U.S.S. TEXAS as prominently engraved on the large brass name plate and on both sides of the vessel's bow. This near scale, solid hull wooden model is entirely hand made from wood and brass with many intricate details not typically found on such models. For example all of the lifelines are made of drilled brass rods. The gun barrels are tapered and drilled brass. The scores of portholes depicted in the hull are drilled and rimmed with brass. All of the other fittings and the superstructure itself are either carved wood or hand-worked brass! This model is in its original battleship gray paint with black boot topping. The paint has alligatored with age and now exhibits a great old surface. The wooden decks in natural finish have also acquired a rich age patina. The ship itself measures 35 1/2 inches long by 14 inches high and 6 1/2 inches wide at the widest. It is mounted on its original solid mahogany display stand in original black paint with cloth bottom and measures 38 inches long by 9 inches wide. The stand is overlaid by the glazed oak case which measures 40 1/2 inches long by 16 1/2 inches high and 11 1/4 inches wide. Excellent overall condition.

The USS TEXAS (BB-35) was the second battleship to bear the state's name and the second New York class battleship to be built. Laid down on April 17, 1911 by the Newport News Shipbuilding & Drydock Co. in Virginia, she was launched on May 18, 1912 and commissioned on March 12, 1914. She was one of only a few capital ships to serve in both World Wars.
    Immediately after her commissioning TEXAS was dispatched by President Wilson to deal with a conflict in Mexico. Finally, in December, she left Mexican waters to join the Atlantic Fleet.
    The use of unrestricted submarine warfare by the Central Powers in the Atlantic dragged America into the war in Europe in 1917. TEXAS served in the Grand Fleet by providing convoy escorts to troopships as well as helping the British to blockade the enemy in the North Sea.
    Following overhaul in late 1918 TEXAS resumed duty with the Atlantic Fleet. On March 9, 1919 she became the first American ship to launch an airplane.
    Early in 1925 TEXAS entered the Norfolk Navy Yard for "modernization" to replace her cage masts with a single tripod foremast and to upgrade her gunfire control system.
    In the intervening years leading up to World War II TEXAS saw duty in the the Pacific and Atlantic theaters, serving as the flagship of the entire United States Navy Fleet.
    Upon America's entry into World War II TEXAS saw her first combat in "Operation Torch" during the invasion of North Africa in 1942 by providing shore bombardment and naval gunfire support.
    Throughout 1943 and into 1944 the veteran battleship carried out her familiar role as a convoy escort.
    On the morning of June 6, 1944 TEXAS provided shore bombardment prior to the D-Day assault on the coast of Normandy, France.
    On the morning of June 25 TEXAS, in company with the Battleship ARKANSAS, began shelling shore fortifications and batteries surrounding the German-held port of Cherbourg. In the exchange TEXAS lost her navigation bridge and the forward fire control tower with one man killed and several wounded.
    After undergoing temporary repairs in Plymouth, England TEXAS again entered the fray, this time to engage shore batteries in the pre-landing assault of St. Tropez, France. That mission completed, she departed 2 days later for her home port of New York.
    Upon arrival TEXAS underwent a major overhaul which included replacement of the barrels in her main batteries.
    TEXAS departed New York in November 1944 bound for the Pacific theater via the Panama Canal. She arrived off of Iwo Jima on February 16, 1945 where she spent the next two weeks in a gunfire support role during that infamous battle.
    Next she steamed into Philippine waters where she spent nearly 2 months providing gunfire support for various Allied landings. During that time she endured many Kamikaze attacks, recording one kill and three assists. TEXAS stayed in the Philippines until the Japanese surrender on August 15th. She received 5 battle stars for her World War II service.
    TEXAS was decommissioned on April 28,1948 as she was turned over to the state of Texas as a permanent memorial. Today she remains in San Jacinto State Park, near Houston.

The fact that this model depicts TEXAS with her post-1925 tripod mast, but with her side-mounted 5 inches guns (removed prior to 1930) clearly indicates that the model dates to 1925, certainly no later than 1930!


IN CASE	REVERSE	U.S.S. TEXAS


FORWARD	AMIDSHIPS	AFT	STERN

2.97 HALF HULL WITH SCRIMSHAW PROVENANCE. Genuine late 19th or turn-of-the-last century half block model of a sleek sailing yacht. This working builder's model is constructed in the traditional manner using 4 pine "lifts" vertically connected with three attachment points visible on the deck. The deck is scribed with transverse station lines as reference points for transferring measurements in the construction of the actual vessel. The model is mounted to its original chamfered pine backboard in black paint with traces of a painted keel and rudder. The reverse of the backboard bears the old typed label reading "Property of Wm. G. Perry, Jr." The model itself measures 18 1/4 inches long. The backboard measures 21 1/2 by 6 inches. Excellent original condition showing good patination to all surfaces with a couple of expected scuffs. A rare item from the personal collection of the most famous scrimshander of the 20th century. 995

According to Dr. Stuart Frank in the "Dictionary of Scrimshaw Artists," 1991, Mystic Seaport Museum, William Perry (1895-1966) bridged the gap between whalemen of the 19th century and modern day "scrimshanders." William Gilkerson in "The Scrimshander," 1972, Troubador Press, San Francisco, states on pages 22-24, "Born in New Bedford at the end of the last century in a whaling family [he] learned whaling lore young, although he never sailed in a working square rigger... He has been called the last of the old scrimshanders. All his life he scrimshaw'd prolifically, engraving around 1000 teeth, according to his own estimate. Other scrimshanders were at work in the 30's, 40's and 50's, but Perry was the most prolific and best known. His scrimshaw career spanned the whole period between the end of the whaling era and the time when America re-awakened to the existence of an art form which was peculiarly her own, an awakening much inspired by President Kennedy."


BACK	LABEL

2.92 SCRIMSHAW WHALEBOAT MODEL. Genuine 19th century sailor-made model of a whaleboat. This endearing folk art representation was obviously done by whaleman intimately familiar with the construction and outfitting of a real American whaleboat. The classic "double-ender" hull was carefully carved out of a single piece of wood with thwarts and 6 rowing stations. Details include copper oar locks, harpoons and lances with their covers, paddles, hatchet, rope bucket, steering oar, a single pulling oar and hinged mast step with mast! What really sets the model apart is the fact that it has several whalebone fittings including the mast step, water bucket, steering oar strut, harpoon rest, and even the knife used the cut the harpoon line in an emergency! This diminutive model measures 8 inches long by slightly over 2 inches in breadth. It is mounted to its original stand which consists of 2 pieces of wood. The first is carved and painted with "waves" to simulate water. The second is a carved and painted plinth with 4 knotted Turk's head "feet." The entire presentation measures 8 inches long by 5 inches wide and stands 3 1/2 inches high. Excellent original condition with old surfaces and a fantastic folk art look! They don't come any more charming than this. 495


INTERIOR	DETAIL	REVERSE

2.96 MUSEUM MODEL. Genuine hand-made model of an early 20th century San Francisco Bay ferryboat operated by the Western Pacific Railroad, as identified on the bottom with pencil markings. This wonderfully detailed waterline model is constructed entirely of wood with hand-cut brass and steel fittings and dates to the 1950's. It comes from the prestigious collection of the DeYoung Museum of San Francisco, California and was recently sold by that institution to generate funds for expansion and improvements of their facility. The model itself measures a mere 4 1/2 inches long by 1 1/2 inches wide. With that, it exhibits superb detailing for a model of its size and type. It is signed on the bottom in pencil, "Wes. Pac. RR Co. Ferry, San Francisco." Excellent condition with the original old painted surface. 495

This exquisite little model is identifiable as the Western Pacific's premier ferryboat EDWARD T. JEFFERY built by Moore & Scott Iron Works, Oakland, California in 1913. She had a steel hull displacing 1578 tons and was 218 feet in length with a breadth of 42 feet and a 16 foot draft. About 1930 she was renamed FEATHER RIVER. Then in 1933 she was again renamed SIERRA NEVADA when ownership was transferred to the Southern Pacific Railroad.

We do not know the identity of the modeler who constructed this fine example, but he was in every sense a skilled professional!


REVERSE	SUPER DETAIL

2.83 BATTLESHIP MODEL. Very rare period model of the famous American Battleship USS WISCONSIN (BB-9). This entirely hand-made model was constructed in the early 1900's and bears an engraved brass plaque reading "U.S. BATTLESHIP WISCONSIN BUILT BY PHIL ROBBINS." It features a waterline hull which is hand sculpted entirely of solid wood, including the superstructure and masts, accented with metal components. Its remarkable detail is very realistic including boats in davits and alongside in the water, steam launches, life lines, ladders, funnels, machine guns, 14 six inch guns, cargo davits and cranes, foc'sle bell, whistles, anchor, liferings, lights, portholes, accommodation ladders, range finders, rigging, deck equipment and of course the revolving fore and aft main batteries representing the WISCONSIN's twin 13 inch guns. The model itself measures 37 inches long, 7 1/4 inches on the beam and 14 3/4 inches tall from the waterline to the mainmast. The glazed oak case measures 44 inches long, 15 inches wide and 18 inches high. A rare museum-quality model of one of America's first dreadnoughts!

The first WISCONSIN (Battleship No. 9) was laid down on February 9, 1897 at San Francisco, California by the Union Iron Works, launched on November 26, 1898 and commissioned on February 4, 1901, Captain George C. Reiter in command.
     Departing San Francisco in March of 1901, WISCONSIN conducted general drills and exercises at Magdalena Bay, Mexico, in March and April before heading back toward San Francisco in June. She next made a voyage, in company with the battleships USS OREGON (Battleship No. 3) and USS IOWA (Battleship No. 4), the cruiser USS PHILADELPHIA, and the torpedo-boat destroyer USS FARRAGUT to the Pacific Northwest participating in 4th of July observances there and scheduled drills and exercises. Those evolutions kept the ship occupied through mid-July.
     WISCONSIN, as flagship Pacific Squadron with Rear Admiral Silas Casey embarked, arrived at Panama, Colombia, in 30 September 1902, to protect American interests and to preserve the integrity of transit across the isthmus. Casey offered his services as a mediator and ultimately the warring sides made an agreement, signing a treaty that came to be known as "The Peace of Wisconsin."
     In May the battleship sailed for the Asiatic Station. WISCONSIN operated in the Far East Fleet over the next three years before she returned to the United States in the autumn of 1906.
     The battleship returned to the Puget Sound Navy Yard and was decommissioned on November 15, 1906, but was recommissioned on April 1, 1908, Capt. Henry Morrell in command.
     Returning to San Francisco in early July WISCONSIN joined the battleships of the Atlantic Fleet in setting out on the transpacific leg of the momentous circumnavigation of the globe known as the cruise of the "Great White Fleet," a dramatic gesture made by President Theodore Roosevelt as evidence of his "big stick" policy.
     WISCONSIN returned to the Portsmouth Naval Yard to undergo refit through June 1909. During that period she shed her bright "white and spar color" donning a more businesslike gray. In the spring of the following year she was placed in reserve and assumed training duties of Naval Academy cadets along with the battleships MISSOURI and OHIO. With that group, she became the third battleship to transit the Panama Canal, making that trip in mid-July 1915 en route to the west coast of the United States.
     On April 23, 1917, with America's declaration of war on Germany, WISCONSIN was placed back in full commission and was assigned to the Coastal Battleship Patrol Squadron in the Atlantic. However she eluded enemy action throughout the War, serving primarily as a training ship.
     Placed out of commission on 15 May 1920, WISCONSIN was reclassified BB-9 on July 17, 1920, while awaiting disposition In New York Harbor. She was sold for scrap on January 26, 1922 in accordance with the Washington Treaty.
     This model represents WISCONSIN during her "pre-gray period," before 1909, and was probably made during that time.

Statistics:
Displacement: 11,564 tons
Length: 373'10"
Beam: 72'2"
Draft: 23'8"
Speed: 16 knots
Complement: 531
Armament: Four 13" guns; fourteen 6" guns; six 6-pounders; six 1-pounders; four .30-cal. machine guns
Class: Illinois

(From "The Dictionary of American Naval Fighting Ships" published by the Naval Historical Center, Washington D.C.)


REVERSE	SHIP	FOCSLE	BRIDGE

DETAIL AFT	STERN	PLAQUE	WISCONSIN

2.78 PRISONER OF WAR BONE SHIP MODEL. Genuine and classic late 18th or very early 19th century P.O.W. ship model as constructed by French prisoners in British prisons during the Napoleonic Wars (1790-1810), fashioned entirely out of beef bone and wood with copper fittings. This hand-made near-scale ship model represents an especially sleek double decker of 48 guns. True to the incredible detail for which these prisoner of war model makers were renown, this example exhibits remarkable detail and execution for its size. Of particular note is the carved bone figurehead of a helmeted warrior holding a sword in his left hand. Behind him the beak head of the ship is authentically carved and detailed with exquisitely rigged standing rigging to the tops of the foremast. Forward of the foremast is are a complex series of woven shrouds. Working aft, dead eyes, standing rigging and ratlines to each of the 3 masts are done so intricately as to defy imagination! The masts and spars are all of equal quality and complexity. Remarkably, the rigging and each of the lines which comprise it, appear to be completely original! Deck detailing includes anchors, anchor buoy, capstan, boats, belfry, hatch covers, combing, ladders, fife rails, deck planking, gratings and more. The bulwarks exhibit the brass cannon with most of the gun ports open, but 4 closed for effect. The pinned and planked hull is nicely executed. At the stern, the carved quarter galleries and stern galleries are finely detailed. The model stands on its original marquetry and painted wooden base supported upon two turned bone pedestals. Throughout its construction this lovely model exhibits hundreds of tiny copper pins used as fasteners. It measures 14 inches long overall, 12 1/4 inches high and 6 inches wide. It is in an incredible state of original preservation evidencing good age, but no damage or repairs. Certainly one of the most important aspects of collecting models from this era is to find an example with original rigging. Here it is!

The undisputed authoritative reference on such models is the hard cover book by Ewart C. Freeston entitled "Prisoner of War Ship Models 1775-1825," 1973, Conway Maritime Press, Ltd., London. An original copy of this marvelous book shall be included as part of this offering with our compliments.


REVERSE	BOW	DETAIL	FOREDECK	STERN	VALUATION

2.70 CASED FOLK ART MODEL. Exceptional late 19th century American sailor-made model of the 4-masted bark signed on the stern in relief "DIL" (probably the maker's initials) and identified on both trail boards as "ALBERT." This charming folk art ship model is entirely hand made in a manner very faithful to the original. The sleek, waterline hull is sculpted entirely out of carved wood. All aspects of this model are executed with a superiority of detail that we have never encountered in such a model before. ALL of the ship's lines, both standing and running rigging are depicted, including the square sail lift lines, bunt lines and clews, and even individually hand tied rat lines. These are details rarely seen even on the finest scale models. Also depicted are the jib sail halyards -- virtually never seen in a model of this type. All tackle (blocks) are individually formed and properly depicted with line actually rove through the cheeks. Other rigging details include chafing gear on the ratlines and even tiny keeper stays tied between them! Fine woolding is in evidence at the attachment of the aft spanker sail. Deck detailing is superior. All 4 hand-carved lifeboats are meticulously depicted in their cradles. The deck detail on this fine model include wooden ship's rails; ladders; deck houses with windows, doors and decorative carving; portholes; the "Charlie Noble"; kedge anchor and anchor davit; capstan; ship's foc'sle bell; hatches; bits; catwalk with railing, steering gear box with wheel; binnacle; port and starboard running lamps; and even deck scuppers! In short, the maker of this model knew every inch of his ship and was determined to get it right no matter how much effort it took!! All the more remarkable is the fact that this beautifully rigged vessel is depicted with a full compliment of carved wooden sails elegantly sculpted in a billowy and realistic manner. To have depicted it with paper or cloth sails would have been a chore enough -- but in wood?! This simply incredible model is housed within its original hand-made wooden case with its original old wavy glass measuring 32 3/4 inches long, 17 1/4 inches high and 9 3/4 inches wide. The model itself measures 24 inches long and 14 inches high. It plies a realistically formed blue putty "sea" with curling waves and painted white caps. This model flies a colorful house flag, large name pennant and the American ensign aft. This is without a doubt the nicest sailor-made model we have ever seen. Outstanding, untouched, original condition. A joy to behold! 3500

Provenance: San Francisco Bay area estate.

    The handsome square rigger ALBERT was launched by the Hall Brothers Shipbuilding Yard, Port Ludlow, Washington in 1890. She was of bark rig with a length of 182 feet and displaced 682 tons. Home ported in San Francisco, she plied the West coast trade until being wrecked near Point Reyes, California on April 2, 1919.
    The 3 flags on this model corroborate its dating and origin. The house flag "P" for Port Ludlow, the name pennant "A" for Albert, and the 40 star American flag which only existed for a few months during the year 1890.
    The provenance of this model is also consistent with its home port and the locale of its ultimate demise -- the rugged outcropping on the Marin coast known as Point Reyes, just north of San Francisco.


IN CASE	DETAIL	REVERSE


FOCSLE DETAIL	RIGGING DETAIL	RIGGING DETAIL AFT	STERN DETAIL

2.67 DETAILED STEAM/SAIL SHIP MODEL. Really superb scratch-built and dated American model of a steam/sail brig from the 19th century. This period model is entirely hand made with precision detail and near scale rigging. The laminated wooden hull is beautifully sculpted and has a hollow interior with keel, tween deck, and lead ballast. The wooden deck in old mustard paint is scored to simulate planking. Details include bowsprit with dolphin striker and chain stays; billet head; both kedge anchors; rotating foc'sle capstan; fife rails; main deck hatch with accommodation ladder; removable deck house with funnel; steam whistle; "Charlie Noble"; 2 ventilators; 2 lifeboats; ship's bell; deck ladder; doors; windows with glass; aft house with door and glazed windows; functional helm; poop deck ladders; helm bell; poop deck skylight and realistic brass eagle sternboard! But there is much more! The deck house is signed on the bottom "Built 1876 to 1882." Using extreme care it may be safely removed to reveal an internal gearing system attached by a leather belt to an arbor running through the port side bulwark. Engaging the arbor with a clock winding key actually rotates the vessel's propeller! When the deck house is in place, the funnel is secured by 4 removable guy wires. As mentioned, the helm is functional and works as a real ship's steering station of the period. The helm is fitted with a wooden spindle attached to the steering gear. Turning the wheel to the left or right actuates the rudder in the appropriate direction! If the realism of this presentation were not enough, the entire model is mounted to a beautifully constructed dockyard cradle complete with hull supports making for a realistic stand. This exceptional model measures 40 1/2 inches long overall by 13 1/2 inches wide at the mains'l yard and 29 inches tall. Condition is nothing short of perfect. All surfaces retain their original old paint. The fine, realistic rigging appears to be original and is in a sound, outstanding state of preservation. A nicer folk art model of its type is not to be found!


DETAIL	STERN	HELM	BOW DETAIL


MECHANISM	ARBORHOLE	DOCKYARD DETAIL	DATE

2.28 WORKING MODEL. High quality scratch built working model of the Royal Navy "Flower" class Corvette CROCUS (K-49) completed Oct 20, 1940 by Inglis, which flies a stenciled cloth British Naval ensign abaft the funnel. This hollow, solid hull wooden model has all wood and metal fittings and rigging. It is meticulously constructed and has realistic scale details such as ladders, lifelines, gun mounts, gun director, RDF, depth charges and depth charge racks, helm, binnacle, portholes, rigged boats, running lights, ventilators and funnel, search lights, davits with tackle, deck winches, anchor windlass, fire buckets, general deck equipment, and much, much more! Further, this model was equipped to be run. The brass propeller revolves on its shaft which runs through stern packing to the interior of the model. Removing the superstructure reveals the engine compartment carved out on the inside of the hull. The rudder is operational and is connected by linkage to the inside of the model as well. It is accessed by removing the depth change racks on the stern. The exterior of the model is finished in its original battleship gray paint with off white highlights, with the hull painted in the jagged camouflage manner of World War II naval vessels. A couple of fiberglass patches exist on the exterior of the hull, which if sanded and painted would be unnoticeable. The model is in original, as found condition, and therefore could use a good surface cleaning, especially on deck. The quality, detail, and craftsmanship exhibited in this model indicate that it may have been a tank model for actual training purposes. 36 inches long and 14 1/2 inches tall, by 7 inches. Now bargain priced for immediate sale. 1195


BOW	DECK DETAIL	VESSEL

2.19 DOCKYARD MODEL. Authentic mid-19th C. cased shipyard builder's half hull model of the 3-masted sailing ship VERBENA built by "Wm Pickersgill & Sons, Sunderland," England as identified in hand-painted lettering below the bow. This exceptional model exhibits all of the detail and quality expected of an "owner's model" as built by the shipyard that produced the actual ship. Fine, fancy original glazed hardwood case measuring 85 inches long, 17 1/2 inches high and 9 inches deep overall. The model itself measures 70 1/2 inches long from stern to bowsprit. Circa 1856. Immaculate condition throughout. Certainly worthy of the finest museum!

"Lloyd's Register of Shipping" Volume 1871 lists the VERBENA as a wooden hull bark of 260 feet in length, displacing 466 tons net. She was built in Sunderland in 1856 and operated by J. Whitfield of Sunderland.

In a publication entitled "Sunderland Builds Ships," 1989, Tyne and Wear Archive Service, City of Sunderland, England, William Pickersgill is identified as one of the prominent Wearside (River Wear) shipbuilding firms from 1847-1936.


STERN	MIDSHIPS	BOW


FOC'SLE	LIFEBOAT	BOW DETAIL


STATISTICS	SIGNATURE

2.17 MODEL. Truly exceptional, authentic dockyard-quality full hull ship model of the excursion steamer SKJELSKØR flying the Danish flag. This period precision model with scale proportions measures 32 inches long and is housed in its original glazed solid teakwood case 23 inches tall, 14 inches wide, and 39 inches long. The realistic quality of this fine model defies description. Suffice it to say it is a "real miniature ship!" All components are fabricated of wood, brass, or painted metal. Construction is of the plank-on-frame technique with deck planking seams caulked with tiny strips of oakum in the traditional manner! A model that would do a Lilliputian proud! Perfect original condition showing signs of age. Circa 1915. 4500

The SKJELSKØR was built in Denmark in 1915 as a coastal freighter/passenger steamer with a length of 60 feet, 16 foot beam, and displacement of 49 tons.


DECK DETAIL	LABEL	SUPER DETAIL