Beautiful Folk Art Bas Relief Plaque of Schooner ‘America’

divisor line


The first winner of, and the basis for establishing, the most famous race in yachting, The America’s Cup. Bas relief Half Hull of Schooner “AMERICA” on painted background

Signed M. Blanchard

Framed 33″ x 23″ x 1 ½”Weight 13 ½ lbs.

Presented is a beautifully executed Bas Relief half hull model of the famous Schooner “AMERICA”. The painting is done on oak wood planks, with the schooner half hull in full sail affixed to the background. This is classic American seafaring Folk Art by M. Blanchard. The artist’s signature is normally on the bottom right corner, but in this case, it is missing, with some barely legible indication of initials or signature on the bottom left corner. This is the third piece we’ve had by this artist, and his work is very identifiable. As we’ve not been able to locate any information on the artist, we are not able to assign a date to this piece, but we think the early 20th century. There is a hand lettered emblem on the top right section of the painting that reads as follows: AMERICA, Winner of the Royal Yacht Squadron Queen’s Cup 1851, Builder – William H. Brown, Owner – John Cox Stephens, Designed By – George Steers.

Schooner “America” Specifications: LOA 100ft 6in (30.6m), LWL 90ft 4in (27.5m), Beam 23ft (7m), Draught 11ft 6in (3.5m), Displacement 146 tonnes, Sail area 5,263 sqft (488.9 sqm)

SCHOONER AMERICA HISTORY:
On August 22, 1851, the low black schooner (2-masted sailboat) America sailed around the Isle of Wight in a race to win a silver ewer (pitcher) from the Royal Yacht Squadron. Beating 14 other yachts to the finish, won the contest.

At first, America’s crew considered melting down their prize, valued at  £100 (100 English pounds), to make commemorative medals of their victory. What they did with the trophy instead laid the foundation for what has become the longest contested trophy in international sport.

The America’s Cup ewer

The crew donated their trophy to the New York Yacht Club, under the condition that the cup “be preserved as a perpetual Challenge Cup for friendly competition between foreign countries,” and the America’s Cup race was born.

From 1870, the next time the race was held, until 1980, American yachts won the America’s Cup race 24 times without a loss (the race is held irregularly). The Australian yacht Australia II finally took the cup when it won the race in 1983. Although Americans regained the cup in the next race (in 1987), non-American challengers have won a number of times in the last few decades. New Zealand successfully defended the Cup with its victory in America’s Cup 2000. Since that time, the cup has been challenged and won by both the US and New Zealand, who won the last challenge in 2017.

Detail of Markings

We think that these Bas Relief 3 dimensional pieces of seafaring art, as they encompass both half hull and diorama aspects, make fine and interesting additions to any decor

.CONDITION: The general condition of this work is very good. There is a crack in the wood almost mid way up from the bottom, but we don’t feel it in any way detracts from this fine piece. It would be the result of the wood drying out over an extended period of time. There is also some craquelure mostly in the sky area and upper right hand corner of the painting. And there is some minor paint loss on the sails, but again, it just attests to the age of the piece. We estimate that this was done in the early 20th century.

divisor line
Shipping & Packaging

The cost of shipping, packing, handling, and insurance to your destination, will be calculated point to point and is an additional charge. You may email us to get these costs. We price our shipping honestly, but we expect to be reimbursed for the nominal cost of packaging materials and handling.

Our Unconditional 'No Nonsense' Guarantee

If not completely satisfied with your purchase it may be returned, if without damage, within three days of receipt in its original packaging. Return items must be insured for their full value. Only a prior email authorization by us for the return is required. Shipping charges are refundable if due to our error within the continental United States.

International buyers welcome, but inquire first. We have satisfied customers worldwide.

Standard Forms of Payment

Bank wire transfer, cashier’s check, money order, or personal check in which case the item will be held until cleared. Our prices are quoted net to us so that the use of credit cards or PayPal incur extra charges. Terms on overseas sales are different.

Established in 2003

Celebrating 18 Years of Exellence in Nautical Antiques

Join Our Mailing List


By submitting this form, you are consenting to receive marketing emails from: Land and Sea Collection. You can revoke your consent to receive emails at any time by using the SafeUnsubscribe® link, found at the bottom of every email. Emails are serviced by Constant Contact