A Diorama Of The Clipper Ship ALFRED D. SNOW of Thomaston, Maine

ANONYMOUS; AMERICAN, 19TH CENTURY

Details

A Diorama Of The Clipper Ship ALFRED D. SNOW of Thomaston, Maine
Anonymous; American, 19th century
A very fine period diorama of this famous clipper ship. The hull of the model is built up from the solid with black painted topsides and a copper painted bottom. The topsides are scored to replicate the hull planking. The deck of the model is also scored to replicate the deck planking, and is fitted with numerous details which include: anchors, anchor chains, whaleback, capstan, deck railings, chocks and bollards, pin and fife rails, bell, running lights, deck houses, folk art figures on deck and at the wheel, boxed compass and other details. The model is well rigged with standing and running rigging and a full suit of sails modeled from drafting linen. The model is set in plaster sea which has been painted and weathered. The scene is displayed in a glass and black framed case.
31¾ x 10¼ x 19½ in. (80.7 x 26 x 49.5 cm.) cased dimensions.

Lot Essay

The Alfred D. Snow was a three-deck ship built in Tomaston, Maine by Samuel Watts who was her managing owner during her whole sea life. She was well built, of the best materials and registered 1987 tons, and classed A I for 14 years. During her whole career the Snow was employed on the triangular run, New York-San Francisco-Liverpool-New York, and her sailing record is very good for a ship of her class. On December 31st she went ashore in a gale off Dunmore Head, Waterford, Ireland, and her whole company of 29 people drowned. The cargo of the Snow, valued at $95,000 and fully insured, was all swept away by the seas. There was no insurance on the ship.

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