September 1, 2009

Old Famous Ship Models

CONTEMPORARY models of old-time ships are nowadays very scarce and precious things; most of them have found permanent homes in the great museums of the world, others in the collections of wealthy connoisseurs. Those that come into the market are keenly sought for, and when in perfect condition command very high prices. There are, on the other hand, a number of quasi-ancient models consisting in part of original work, with modern additions.

To the historian, the student, and the ardent collector the only models worthy of note are those made years ago by men who saw and knew the ships they modeled. Unfortunately there are not very many reliable and authentic models prior to 1700 or thereabouts; there are exceptions, for example, the Votive ship models and ancient Badarian and Egyptian models, some of which are 10,000 years old. Recent exploration at Ur of the Chaldeans has revealed some interesting ship models, particularly a silver model of a boat circa 3600-4000 B.C., which is now exhibited in the Museum at Bagdad. The model, exquisitely made, is about 2 feet long, and has the characteristic high stem and stern posts, leaf-shaped oars, an awning stanchion amidships and five seats for rowers.

A somewhat similar model made of bitumen and clay is exhibited in the British Museum, probably dates from 2600-2700 b.c. is obviously hand-made, rather roughly finished, and was found in the tomb near to the body of the dead. There are practically no known contemporary models of mediaeval ships, although there are some reconstructions and many examples made in modern times.

Phoenician Galley

Roughly speaking, the world’s knowledge of ships—and hence the possibilities of accurate ship modelling—is fairly complete for a period of about 2000 years B.C. Dr. J. Sottas of Paris has spent much time in the study of early ships, and with his own hands has made some beautiful models to express the present state of knowledge of the subject. Thanks to his courtesy it is possible to reproduce two specimens of his art; image. 1 shows a model of a Phoenician ship, while image. 2 represents a Roman ship of the type described in the Holy Bible and elsewhere. It was in such a ship that the epoch-making voyage was made by St. Paul on his journey to Rome. Much could be written about these old ships, particularly

Image 2 Roman Galley

the voyages of the Phoenicians who opened up trade with England and the East in dim, almost forgotten past days. Some actual Viking ships are in existence, dating about 900 a.d., but for the next seven hundred years there is a great scarcity of information.

Bookmark It