Vintage model ketch

[Team PrincessParticipant @teamprincess]

[Team PrincessParticipant @teamprincess]

I am currently restoring/rebuilding a model of a gaff rigged ketch that I bought in an antique shop in Bolsover last year. At the time I was told it was about 100 years old and was a model of a fishing ketch, originally from the North East of the UK. Subsequent investigation has suggested it may be a West Country fishing or trading ketch, but others have suggested it may be of Scandinavian origin. The original stand supplied with it is made with timber from a Hennessy cognac box and the boat itself may be made from the same material. I have attached some photos to show the model as I originally bought it and one in its current ‘undressed’ state.

 

 

The model will require a complete rebuild and the only usable parts are the hull, masts and booms. The deck, superstructure, sails and rigging will all need to be replaced with new items. I intend to add radio control of the rudder, main sail and mizzzen sail while rebuilding it.

Here is where I would like some help from the forum if possible. Does anyone have any idea where the model may have originated and what it is based on? I would like to make the deck and superstructure more realistic and representative of this type of vessel. Do any readers have any drawings or photos of similar gaff rigged ketches that I could study to determine how best to rebuild the model? I understand there are some Harold A Underhill drawings of West Country ketches but I have not yet had chance to look at these and decide whether it was a trading or fishing ketch.

[Kimosubby ShipyardsParticipant @kimosubbyshipyards]

Hello “Team Princess” and welcome.

 

I myself do restorations and such and have found the Vintage Model Yacht Group to be most helpful, not only trying to identify the model and typical rig etc but they also try and give a date and can suggest whether it’s a one off or based on old plans. I joined this group as they were so helpful with my questions for information on “Star yachts” and an old free sailer from Ireland dated to the early 1900’s.

 

They have a website which you can google using VMYG and on it you will also find helpful downloads regarding restoration etc. and contact email addresses too.

 

You will also find numerous other “vintage” and elderly sailing models of all types displayed, together with requests from others, like yourself, seeking information.

 

Good hunting, Kimosubby

[Team PrincessParticipant @teamprincess]

Hello Kimosubby,

Thanks for your response. I am a member of the VMYG and should have thought of contacting them seeking information on the Jan. I was in touch with them only recently about a “Star yacht” I bought from a neighbour but did not think that they would have any information on a possibly scratch built model of a ketch made out of cognac crates! I will contact them in the near future.

Many thanks for reminding me about the VMYG. TP

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