Outdoor Ship Models

The original inspiration for these comes from an old model of the whaler Charles W. Morgan which hung over Sylvia’s Antique Shop on Nantucket since the 1930’s. I had the good fortune to renovate & maintain this model, even after it was donated to the Nantucket Historical Society. I was commissioned to build its replacement, the whale ship Hero which now hangs over Zero Main St. on Nantucket.

Whale Ship Hero of Nantucket
ca. 1820
scale 1/2"=1'
L.O.A. 6 _', H 5', W 12"
pine
epoxy saturated sign painter's paint

Armed Ship Oliver Cromwell
ca. 1776
scale 1/2"=1'
L.O.A. 6 1/2', H 4 1/2', W 1 1/2'
pine
epoxy saturated sign painter's paint
carved mahogany mounting knee

Model hangs opposite the Griswold Inn at Essex, CT.

Brig Powhatan ca. 1829
scale _" = 1'
L.O.A. 40", H 38", W 14"
carved pine
Japan colors varnished over
carved mounting arm

Revolutionary War Era Sloop ca. 1775
scale _"=1'
L 36" X H 34" X W 6"

Prices and commissioning a model
All the models shown here have been sold. All new models are built on commission. The prices range from $4,000 to $5,000 for a bone catboat or wooden whale boat model to over $20,000 for a bone whaleship. Prices are based on a time & materials estimate, which includes such variables as subject, level of detail, size, degree of decorative elements, case, etc. When commissioning all these factors are considered and a fixed price for the project is given. The commission is secured by a down payment of 25 to 50% of the total price, depending on the size of the project. A projected time of completion is discussed. For repair & restoration, an estimate is given, but never a fixed price. Due to the nature of the work the final bill is based on actual hours worked, plus materials & any other costs more or less than the estimate. Cases – I will build custom cases and bases for models I have not built. The approach is much the same as framing a painting. The base & case are designed to be asthetically and historically appropriate for the model in question. If you would like to discuss a project, please contact me at domihs@netzero.net or 978-371-2088.