A Model of the Clipper Ship Swordfish

ANONYMOUS; AMERICAN, 20TH CENTURY

Details

A Model of the Clipper Ship Swordfish
Anonymous; American, 20th century
A fine scale model of this clipper ship built with plank on frame construction using mahogany frames and planking. The topsides and the bottom are finished bright with a red waterline. The deck of the model appears to be of old pine which is also finished bright. The model is well detailed and includes: anchors, capstan, bollards, belaying pins, ladders, heads, chain, pin & fife rails, forward deck house with three ship's boats mounted on top with an additional boat is swung out on davits, bilge pumps water, casks, companionway, fire buckets, binnacle and ship's wheel. The model is fitted with a bowsprit, three masts, cross spars, yokes, spanker boom and gaff, etc. The model is well rigged with standing and running rigging including ratlines, forestays, backstays, topping lifts, bracing lines, halyards, sheets and other rigging details. The model is mounted on a mahogany cradle which is fixed in a mahogany and glass display case with inlays.
45 x 18¼ x 60½ in. (114.3 x 46.4 x 153.6 cm.) cased dimensions on stand.

Lot Essay

An extreme clipper ship built in 1851 by William H. Webb, New York as Yard No. 64. Dimensions were 169'6"W36'6"W20 and gross tonnage was 1,036 tons. On September 20, 1851 she was launched at the shipyard of William H. Webb, New York, for Barclay & Livingston, New York. Her first master was Captain David S. Babcock, Stonington, late of the ship Charlestown and the clipper bark Race Horse. In November 1852 she sailed from San Francisco to Hong Kong in 48 days. This was the first of many voyages to the far east for the Swordfish, as she was quite active in China Trade. In 1854, she was sold to Crocker & Warren, New York, for about $55.000. Then, in April of 1856 Captain Joseph W. Crocker was given command of the ship, who then handed over command of the ship to Captain Crandall in 1860. In July of 1862, the Swordfish drifted ashore and was wrecked at the mouth of Yangtze Kiang when her anchors were fouled. The wreck was sold at auction on July 26, 1862.

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