Presented is a larger than usual British half model named to the sailing ship
ABELLA, and dated 1867. It has the characteristics of a builder’s presentation model, but was made by English artisans
in the 1950’s as a work of contemporary art using old wood, and traditional methods for antique half hulls of this period.
These were not inexpensive reproductions but high quality works that commanded high prices, and yet were much less than what
an antique half hull of the same size would cost.
It
is comprised of 8 lifts. A “lift” is one plank. The hull’s topsides are painted black with a white whale stripe with painted
gun ports, and a sheer stripe finished in rust. The bottom is finished in varnish allowing the wood grain to be seen. It has
a straight fore foot, long rectangular center section with sharply rounded bilges to maximize carrying capacity. The 39 1/2
inch hull is mounted on a backboard that is 3/4″ thick and 46 1/2″ long. It is finished in brown paint with buff lettering.
Rounded bilges and flat topsides and underbody
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The
name of the ship it represents is unknown, but the shape of the hull clearly shows her to have
been designed to carry large amounts of cargo as shown by her sharply rounded bilges and flat underbody and top sides.
Her painted gun ports were the style of the times.
PROVENANCE: Bought in England from an antiques dealer and enjoyed
by the family for the last 40 years. They are now in th process of downsizing their possessions.
Fantail stern and flat under body
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DIMENSIONS:
Backboard: 46 1/2″ L x 8 3/4″ H
x 3/4″ T
Hull: 39 1/2″ L x 5″ D x 2 3/4″
W
Weight: 12 lbs