1/2 Model Stepped Hull
Age: Early 20th C.
Materials: Finished Wood
Marks: None
Country of Origin: United States
Description: This mounted half-model hull is of a dark wood, attached to a board. There are two fasteners hooked into the top of the mounting board, between which is a wire that can be hitched to a wall mount to hang the model from. On the back of the mounting board the screws that hold the model to it can be seen.
Size: H. 6.0x W. 36.25x D. 3.0"
Weight: 4.2lbs
Provenance: New Hampshire Estate
Condition: The rim of the ship has been cracked, a line running about ten inches across. There is some damage done to the edge of the model and the mounting board, the finish rubbed away to expose the rough wood beneath it.
History: Half ship hull models are part of maritime history and played an important role in the design and manufacture of wooden boats and ships. Traditionally they were used by maritime designers to refine the shape of a boat’s hull and by merchants who wanted to show prospective customers design details in three dimensions. Because hulls are symmetrical, it was deemed that all the important elements could be viewed in this half hull format.There were various ways of constructing the models, they could be carved from a single piece of wood known as a ‘block model’ or built up using wooden layers, this was known as a ‘lift model’. The shape is carved from a series of strips cut to varying thicknesses and temporarily put together. This method required less material to be removed in the carving process.Lift models, could be later separated and the pieces traced around to create a scale drawing. These drawings were used to create a plan for the construction of the boat. In the case of block models, lead strips were bent over the model where the ribs were to be positioned or they would be cut along vertical lines. These shaped pieces would be drawn and then expanded to make larger templates for the boatbuilder to follow.At the completion of the project, the half hull model would be presented to the owner as a memento, it was often attached to a board so it could be displayed. Original models are collectors items and can be valuable. Some designer were known to destroy them to avoid others from copying their work.