Warren Pister

Good day fellow collectors and builders

I am seeking your knowledge and experience in determining an insurance value

of a vintage wooden ship model I acquired in an estate sale auction over 20 years ago.

It is the very ship model spoken of by PMG here years back. HMS Serapis by  AEROPICCOLA Torino

VASCELLO INGLESE DEL 1779

The ship is still in her original carton although the exterior has seen its wear from years of storage and moving several times.  From what I can recall she was part of a very large collection a famous collector and builder in the USA. Unfortunately the good doctor passed away a couple of decades ago and I have no source to learn more of this particular model.

What I do feel is important is that she is an early 1970s late 60s model maybe older.  No parts are missing or damaged along with all sails cloths and flags.

I did come across the very same company built model of a scale size larger built and on display in a marine museum on the eastern states coast.  It at the time was for sale with a starting bid of $150,000 U.S.

Do I believe the value of this scale size larger model?  I could not determine any further information at the time and since the story is lost.

Should I decide to part with this ship, I do want to insure her at a value fair to protect the interest.

Any information other members here can provide is greatly appreciated.  I am not at all comfortable shipping this fine vintage model for appraisal purposes prior to an insured policy or determination.

Feel free to reply

Thank you in advance!

Warren

warrenbpister@gmail.com