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1941
GUSN-1056
Model of the ship "Alert". Class "A" classification, 1/4" scale. Constructed on the solid hull lift method of wood. Authentically painted with a copper bottom, black topsides, with gun port band, yellow stripe, gray and green interior bulwarks with skylights and companyways in white. Natural scribed deck planking, lower masts and at tops, with black yards. The vessel replicates a packet ship circa 1828, and has all appropriate deck houses and gear: wheel, capstan, windlass, hatches, anchors, and ships boats. The model is rigged with all proper sets of shrouds, stays, bowsprit stays, back stays, running chain for standing rigging, and her running rigging shows basic lines.
miniatures (toys)
ships
models (representations)
Ship
The "Alert", a full three masted ship of 398 tons was built for Theodore Lyman in 1828. After a few years in the flourishing China trade Theodore Lyman sold her to William Sturgis who had been one of his captains, and John Bryant. They owned her when Richard Henry Dana made his famous voyage on her in 1837 described in "Two Years Before the Mast". In 1843 she was sold to Williams and Havens of New London, who used her as a whaling vessel for nearly twenty years until she was attacked and destroyed off the Azores by the notoious rebel privateer, Alabama, on September 9, 1862.
"SHIP ALERT BUILT IN 1825 AT SOUTH BOSTON/FOR THEODORE LYMAN/PRESENTED TO HIS GREAT-GRANDSON, FRANCIS P. SEARS/PRESIDENT OF/THE COLUMBIAN NATIONAL LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY/BY THE OFFICERS AND DIRECTORS OF THE COMPANY/ON THE OCCASSION OF ITS FORTIETH ANNIVERSARY/SEPTEMBER 11, 1942." (Silver plaque)
Pratt, Winthrop, Jr. (Maker)
35 x 16 (HxW) (inches)
Gift of Mr. Francis P. Sears, Jr.
1989.20
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