Extremely rare and important whale bone model of a crewed whale boat, American, circa 1890. The model has plank- on-frame construction and one can see the individual planks on the outside of the hull with the tiny metal fasteners that attach to the ribs seen inside the hull. The model is a finely constructed and accurately rendered representation of a American whale boat. The model shows a standing harpooner at the bow and another figure holding the steering oar at the rear. There are four seated whalemen each holding an oar with their two finely detailed hands. The figures of the whalemen are highly skilled renderings of each of the six whalemen in the boat. Their faces and hats as well as their clothing is finely detailed. Even the expressions on each of the figures is well presented and each figure has its own “personality” and together they make up the most authentic looking crew. The model is rather large and evokes a strong response from the viewer. The model sits on its original rectangular base with rounded corners. The outside edge around the perimeter has a strip of applied whale bone. There are raised turned whale bone posts that hold the model above the base. At the base surrounding each post are applied whale bone decorative eight-pointed compass rose carvings. The original base recently has been mounted to a wider new mahogany base with the same shape as the original base to add substantial more stability for the model. (SC 1328)
List of Implements Inside Boat
Two rope buckets, Firkin, Logger Head, Five rowing oars, 1 Steering oar, Double fluke harpoon, Killing lance, Hatchet, Knife with sheath, Tiller, Rudder, Six Oar Locks, Canoe like paddle, Piggin.
Condition: The model has been recently restored. All of the loose pieces have been firmed up. The hull, figures and other parts of the boat and its equipment have been cleaned and reassembled.
Reference: "The Whale Boat by Willits D. Ansel, Published by Mystic Seaport Museum 1978.
Dimensions: Length of hull 30 1/2 inches. Length of hull with steering oar 38 inches.
Width of hull 5 1/2 inches, Width with oars extended 22 inches.
Height without mast 13 1/2 inches, Height including mast 25 inches.
