A finely carved half-block model of the America’s Cup yacht Defender

A finely executed half-block model of the J Class yacht Rainbow, the celebrated 1934 America’s Cup defender. The model is laid up in exotic timbers and mounted on an ebonised backboa...

A finely executed late 20th century half-block model of the Royal Yacht Britannia, carved in exotic timbers and mounted on an ebonised backboard. The model is by Basil R. Tubbs and i...

A specimen wood half-block model of the J Class yacht Rainbow, designed by G. L. Watson, carved by Peter Ward, late 20th century, with cut-away masts, the hull finished in black and ...

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...

Half model of a single mast sailing yacht. Varnished and painted hull. Mounted to a backboard. Scribed deck. Weight: 4 lbs. Overall Dimensions: 6"H x 27"W x 4"D Made: Ameri...

Fine half model by Marsom Pratt of the Herreshoff design 907 of 1924. The hull is painted blue over white, with mahogany cabin and trim. Mounted to a backboard. Weight: 3 lbs. Ov...

Sparkman & Stephens designed sailing yacht half model by Marsom Pratt II of South Dartmouth, Mass. This is a New York 32, which was 45 feet overall. High-quality model. Weight: 6...

Half model of the sailing yacht Hornet, a Sabre 25, Hull 227. Hull is painted green over black. Weight: 12 lbs. Overall Dimensions: 12" H x 36" W x 4" D. Made: America Mate...