This is a glorious, large
scale Man-o-War ship model currently available. A true one-of-a-kind
Dutch wonder!
The "Duchess"
was also named the "Wappen von Hamburg" I. She was
built in Hamburg by Dutch shipbuilders in 1667, taking service
in 1669.
Originally she was an escort
vessel on voyages to Spitzbergen and the west. Ensuring safe
passage of goods at sea.
In October of 1683 while
in route to Cadiz, a fire broke out in the bows. It spread quickly
throughout the entire ship. In spite of valiant efforts to extinguish
the flames, the fire eventually reached the arsenal and the ship
exploded. The cause of the fire remains unknown.
This model represents the
last work of a fine model builder, Ron Myking, who recently passed
away before he was able to complete this beauty.
Ron's family commissioned
us to finish this maritime model in a fashion fitting his memory.
She arrived with all her
hull work complete. We cleaned her up and oiled all the wood.
Then we began our work creating and installing all the masts,
yard arms, bowsprit, block and tackle, associated hardware, all
rigging, sails and more.
The wooden plank on frame
construction is performed just as the original ship would have
been executed. One board custom fit into place at a time.
The deck is planked in
walnut and loaded with lots of fine detail work.
Intricate carvings of wood
adorn the stern of this lovely model. The painting detail work
is something to behold with a very intricate theme to explore.
Notice how the stern planking
is placed at an angle in striking contrast to the sides.
A British flag flies high
above the stern. Amber toned brass lanterns seem to be illuminating
from below.
The sails are made of 100%
natural cotton which is hand stitched using two different colors
of thread. This accents the decorative lines of what would have
been separate panels of fabric on the actual vessel.
There are two sails on
the main mast, one on the front mast, one on the bowsprit and
another rolled onto the yard arm of the back mast.
The crow's nests are made
of walnut and sealed in natural oils. All deadeyes and blocks
are solid wood. All hardware used is either wood or brass to
ensure the longevity of the model.
The rigging lines are natural
cotton which is waxed, tied and glued into place. All the rat
lines are knotted all the way across, not just glued. She has
all her rigging in place including the flying rigging.
This lovely work of art
is available for sale from Mrs. Myking. Please contact us for
further information.
