Wick Antiques & Ship Models

By Charlie Wallrock, Photography © Wick Antiques Ltd, wickantiques.co.uk

Just like ships themselves, ship models come in a wide variety of differing forms. Simple half hulls represent one end of this market whilst, at the other, are superb presentation pieces for the ship’s owners and detailed shipbuilder’s models made to scale. WICK ANTIQUES are passionate about this market and offer an extensive range of antique sailing and steam driven ships. A lot of time and energy goes into researching all the models in the collection carefully and to bringing these fascinating pieces of social history back to life. Following on are five pieces from the current collection, which are each exceptional examples of their type. These models show the full range of possibilities for the collector in this area or for the enthusiast considering making their first purchase in this fascinating field.

A US Naval Architect’s Model of the USS Hartford, 1858

Perhaps the rarest and most evocative of all ship models are those produced by naval architects, particularly when the vessel concerned is a famous one. The USS HARTFORD is a legendary ship in American naval circles. Built in 1858, at a time when the navy was gradually moving from sail to steam power, HARTFORD began her life escorting the East India Company but quickly became involved on the Union side in the escalating American Civil War. One of her most famous engagements was in 1864 in the battle of Mobile Bay which ended in the defeat of the TENNESSEE, flagship for the Confederates, in only three hours. The battle was extremely bloody and twelve sailors on board the HARTFORD received commendations for bravery in the form of the Medal of Honour. HARTFORD continued to serve for the following 60 years in the North Atlantic, Pacific and Asiatic Squadrons, finally sinking at her berth in Virginia in 1956. President Roosevelt thought so highly of her that he had planned to make her the centrepiece of a new US Navy Museum, but he died before the plan could be brought to fruition.

This model, carved from solid Oregon pine, is fascinating in that she is marked throughout in painstaking detail with black ink. These markings show the location of gun ports, placings for companionways, ventilation shafts and the funnel, as well as all the necessary construction measurements that would allow her to be built to scale. On the deck there are three stub masts and the rudder and painted billetheads are also present. The model is raised on a cradle and two plaques record all the salient measurements and details. This model is truly, very special.

An Italian Walnut Scale Model of a Clipper with Potential Royal Provenance circa 1880

This captivating walnut model of a tea clipper was made around 1880 and, it is said that she was made for King Victor Emmanuel III and then given to the Duke of Abruzzi, commander in chief of the Italian navy. The model is half planked on one side so that the internal parts of the ship can be seen. There are also hinged sections which can be opened to provide a better view of what lies inside this extraordinary model. She is completed to the very highest standard of fit and finish. Models on this scale are very rare indeed and although the name of the vessel is unknown, the royal provenance seems entirely plausible given the quality of the piece. The model was exhibited at Rassegna Antiquaria, Sacro Convento di S. Francesco, Assisi, Italy, in 1975 and it is definitely of museum quality.

A fine builder’s RNLI presentation scale model of the Hydraulic Steam Lifeboat CITY OF GLASGOW, 1894

2024 is the year of the RNLI’s 200th anniversary, so it is a good moment to illustrate this wonderful builder’s model. Built in 1894, the CITY OF GLASGOW was the second steam lifeboat ever built. Constructed by R & H Green, at Blackwall Yard, London she saved 32 lives during her time in service which ended in 1901. This model was presented to Sir FitzRoy Clayton, a member of the RNLI Committee of Management from 1868 until his chairmanship in 1908. He was a hugely significant force in the development of the lifeboat service in Britain. The model remained in the family until Wicks acquired it recently and it is a very highly prized piece. Steam lifeboats became a great tool in the RNLI’s arsenal and to have a model of one of these early vessels with such impeccable provenance is a dream come true for maritime enthusiasts like the team at Wicks. Another model of very similar form, presumably constructed at the same time, is in the collection of the Science Museum. Both models are of 1:24 scale.

A Boardroom Model of The PS TANTALLON CASTLE 1899

This fine model of the P.S. TANTALLON CASTLE depicts a paddle steamer built for the Galloway Saloon Steam Packet Co., Leith by Messrs. John Scott & Co., Aberdeen Works, Kinghorn. It is a boardroom model, undoubtedly originally displayed in the offices of her owners to demonstrate the superiority of their fleet. Protected in the original mahogany and glazed case, the model has nickel plated fittings, a sure sign of luxury manufacture of this period, and is highly detailed throughout. There is a plaque attached to the case which records the statistics relating to the steamer and the fine paintwork survives in untouched condition. A very interesting model with a particularly high standard of fit and finish.

A shipbuilder’s model of the SS LORD COCHRANE, 1934-1936

Originally launched in 1934 as the SS ARCWEAR, the fine ship depicted in this model was designed with increased cargo space when compared to a typical ship of the period. This design was also intended to increase speed and fuel efficiency. The steel screw steamer, designed by Joseph Isherwood and built in Sunderland by Short Brothers, succeeded in fulfilling all these aims but sadly, was not particularly reliable in poor weather conditions. As a result, she was sold to the Norwich Steamer Company, a subsidiary of George Nicolaou Ltd, and relaunched after refi tting and adjustment as the SS LORD COCHRANE. Thereafter she enjoyed a very successful career with several diff erent owners and continued in active service until 1968 when she was broken up.

The model was in the boardroom of George Nicolaou Ltd and thereafter remained in the family. This fine model still has her original display case and a mahogany stand as well and presents beautifully. She is lovely.

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