Help identifying ship

[Brian Wortman]

Hello,

 

I'm hoping to get help identifying this ship and more info about it. 

 

My Father received this as a gift in the 1960's from the Grandmother of a German girl he was dating while stationed there. My Father passed away 2 yrs ago and I would very much like any info possible as to how old it might be, model name, etc. 

[PietFriet]

The last picture shows the coat of Hamburg, but that's as far as I get.

[ccoyle]

This model is an example of a decor model, and it was probably manufactured in Germany, as indicated by both your story and the Hamburg coat of arms (which should have the heads of both lions facing away from the shield). As such, it does not represent any particular ship, nor is it a good scale likeness of a type of ship. I'm not sure what is supposed to be indicated by the year 1541 on the foresail, as that is not the year the city was founded (it is far older), nor is that year indicated on the city's coat of arms. It also certainly does not indicate the year in which the depicted ship was built, as the model is obviously meant to portray a ship that is at least two centuries newer than the types that would have been seen in the Middle Ages. So, it is a fanciful ship, but with a good backstory. A lot of people pick this sort of model up at a yard sale or antique store and have no idea where or when it was built -- you are fortunate to know at least that much.

[bruce d]

https://www.chairish.com/product/2443266/mid-20th-century-model-of-1541-german-hanseatic-league-warship

[ccoyle]

Interesting link, but even more interesting is the description:

 

"Up for sale is a Mid 20th Century Model of 1541 German Hanseatic League Warship! When on top of the wood stand, it measures 32 1/2" tall, 40 3/4" wide, and 10 1/8" deep. The piece is in excellent overall condition with minor signs of wear consistent with its age and use. "

 

Um ... no. This just goes to show that antiques dealers are not reliable sources of information on ship models. It most certainly is not a ship of 1541, and I'm not going to pay $950 for it unless I have a whole lot more information on its provenance besides just "Mid 20th Century Model." Like, a lot more.

 

Also, notice the difference in the mizzen mast rigs on the two models.

[mtaylor]

I went to that site, Bruce....  and this pops up at the bottom of the page:  https://www.chairish.com/product/2178278/mid-century-luxury-liner-ship-model    Let's not laugh too hard at the asking price.

[Louie da fly]

Brian, in itself this model is not worth a whole lot of money, but its true value lies in its connection with your father and the memories you have of him.

[druxey]

Mark: that link does also offer the possibility "Make an offer".

[bruce d]

So, Brian, as the original poster I hope this helps see the ship in the correct light. There are other sources online selling what appears to be the same item, all with unrealistic versions of their quality and value. I can only assume that your family-owned piece was new at some time around the middle of the 20th century and the fact that these dealers are offering models with so much in common proves that they were mass-produced.

Brian, ignore the prices in the advertisements: the ship is worth whatever your family feels it is worth. It is a decorative piece that celebrates Hanseatic Hamburg and may give a nod to some particular ship in an old print but it is not a true representation of an actual ship. Please also ignore the amusement we expressed at seeing how 'antique' dealers choose to describe these pieces as fabulous achievements in modelmaking and valuable.

 

Actually, I kinda like it.

[Keithbrad80]

I’m on board with everyone else here about the value of this model, I will say though that i think this model is kind of cool still, It has some historic value to your family.

 

On a different note, do people buy the things on this website? I saw a half hull of “a nautical vessel” for almost 7 grand, thats crazy money to spend on a half hull of a ship that doesn’t exist by someone who isn’t known? I found another of  a Swedish model (a named ship but still) of a “luxury liner” that they want 18,500 USD for! Could i sell my models for that much lol