A scale waterline model of the Italian Lines ship S.S. Rex

R. HUGHS (BRITISH, 20TH CENTURY)

Details

A scale waterline model of the Italian Lines ship S.S. Rex
R. Hughs (British, 20th century)
This fine, small scale waterline model, in 1:500 scale has the hull built up from wood and painted in Italian Lines livery. The hull is painted with black and white topsides with the windows and port holes carefully drawn in. The decks of the model are from veneer and are fitted with many details which include: anchors, anchor chains, cargo booms, hatches, ventilators, built up super structures, bridge and bridge wings, masts and rigging, crow's nest, a pair of funnels painted in Italian Line colors, skylights, pools, tables and umbrellas, canopy frames, docking bridge and many other details. The model is mounted on a blue felt sea and displayed in a brass framed glass case with a mahogany base.
24¼ x 5½ x 8 in. (61.6 x 14 x 20.3 cm.) cased dimensions.

Lot Essay

The Rex was the largest Italian passenger ship and the only Italian holder of the Blue Riband. She was built by Ansaldo, Sestri Ponente and had a GRT of 51,062. On August 1, 1931 she was launched for Navigazione Generale Italiana, and in January 1932 became the property of the new 'Italia' Flotta Riunite. On September 27, she made her maiden voyage from Genoa to New York. Then, on September 8, 1944 she was attacked by British aircraft south of Trieste and caught fire. After another rocket attack, she fell over on her port side and sank in shallow water.

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