Ship Model ValuationsBV2.pdf

Memorandum U.S. Department of Transportation

MARITIME

ADMINISTRATION

Subject: INSURANCE VALUES FOR MARITIME

ADMINISTRATION SHIP MODELS

Date: 08/15/2012

From: Barbara Voulgaris

Federal Preservation Officer Reply to Attn. Of:

M. Butram 6-1976

To:

CC:

Marcus Moses Office of Acquisition

Bruce Markman, Don Coonan Office of Acquisition

This memo provides an approximate value for the ship model collection at MARAD Headquarters for insurance purposes as part of the Ship Model solicitation contract. There are 78 model ships contained within the scope of the solicitation DTMA-91-Q-2012-0018, which can be broken down into four broad categories:

• Small models constructed before 1970

• Large models constructed before 1970

• Small models constructed after 1970

• Large models constructed after 1970

MARAD has elected to determine the insurance value of these models by completing a market survey of comparable items. While some model ships within the scope of the solicitation appear to be part of larger model shop collections, many are one-of-a-kind. MARAD has used industry experts, museum professionals, publicly-available auction results and sales information, and estimates from current model shops in order to determine an insurance value for each model.

Based on a market survey of comparable items, the total insurance value of the 78 models in the scope of solicitation DTMA-91-Q-2012-0018 is $333,325.00

Small models constructed before 1970

MARAD has 17 wooden models that are stamped “Van Ryper” or “Technical Model Service,” a subsidiary1 of the Van Ryper model shop. Of these, 11 are painted with civilian or Maritime Commission liveries, while 6 are painted navy gray:

1 Fred Dorris, Ship Models for the Military: US Manufacturers of Ship Models During the World Wars (Claremont: Chris Daley Publishing, 2010), 32

1. 2011.001R.0013 (Unknown, C5-S-AX1) (Civ.)

2. 2011.001R.0014 (Unknown, C1-MT-BU1 type) (Civ.)

3. 2011.001R.0015 (Unknown, C3-S-BR1 type) (Civ.)

4. 2011.001R.0080 (Unknown, S3-S2-BP1 type) (Civ.)

5. 2011.001R.0082 (Unknown, S3-S2-BP1 type) (Civ.)

6. 2011.001R.0090 (Unknown, P1-S1-DR1 type) (Civ.)

7. 2011.001R.0095 (Unknown, C5-S-AX1 type) (Civ.)

8. 2011.001R.0098 (Unknown, C1-MT-BU1 type) (Civ.)

9. 2011.001R.0134 (Unknown, C3-S1-BR1 type) (Civ.)

10. 2011.001R.0088 (Unknown, C3-S1-A3 type) (Gray)

11. 2011.001R.0091 (Unknown, C3-S1-B1 type) (Gray)

12. 2011.001R.0092 (Unknown, S4-S2-BB3 type) (Gray)

13. 2011.001R.0101 (Unknown, B7-A1 type) (Gray)

14. 2011.001R.0103 (Unknown, C1-S-D1 type) (Gray)

15. 2011.001R.0163 (Unknown, S4-S2-BB3 type) (Gray)

The Van Ryper model shop operated in Vineyard Haven, Massachusetts from 1933 to 1962. During that time, the shop became renowned for its small, relatively simple wooden models, including a series of waterline models of pre-war liners known as the “Travel Series.”2 Although small (9 to 11 inches3) models were the shop’s bread-and-butter, it also produced larger and more detailed pieces by special order, and completed special orders for the government, including the US Navy and Maritime Commission.4 Gray-painted models appear to have been produced specifically for the government,5 and are not commonly found at auction.

Including the base, the median length of the Maritime Administration’s Van Ryper and Technical Model Service models is 17 inches. The models range from 15 inches to 20 inches in length, although the smallest models are around 12 inches in length when the base is discounted.

Because larger Van Ryper models are more detailed and rare, they are generally also more valuable.

Alexander Scherbak of Scherbak Ship Models estimates that smaller “Travel Series” models can be valued at roughly $300 each, while larger models might be valued at $500 each.6 This can be corroborated by recent auction results, as well. A 15-inch waterline model of Santa Inez was sold by Christies in November, 1996, for $345, although it had an estimated value of $600 - $800.7 A group of three small and one large wooden Van Ryper models was sold by Christies in June, 2008 for $1000, which was also the high end of the lot’s estimated value.8 Non-Van Ryper models of a similar scale have been sold for similar prices: a 25 ½-inch model of MV Rangitoto by R. Chapman sold for £840

2 Paul Jacobs, Miniature Ship Models: A History and Collector’s Guide (Barnsley: Seaforth Publishing, 2008), 38-39 3 “Van Ryper ship models, USA 1933 – 1962,” Scherbak Ship Models, accessed August 8, 2012, http://scherbakshipmodels.tripod.com/id50.html 4 Jacobs, 38 5 “Van Ryper Ship Models…” 6 Alexander Scherbak, email message to author, August 8, 2012 7 Christie’s, New York, November 7, 1996, Sale 7931: Lot 59 8 Christie’s, New York, June 25, 2008, Sale 2073: Lot 4

($1,599) in November, 2006,9 while a 14 ¾-inch model of MV Maltese Prince sold for £504 ($959) at the same auction.10

Based on these points of comparison, I recommend that a generic 15 to 20-inch Van Ryper or Technical Model Service model has an insurance value of $500 dollars. The paucity of gray-painted Van Ryper models on the market suggests their rarity, but without confirmed points of comparison, I cannot report that gray Van Ryper models are definitely more valuable than their civilian-painted counterparts.

While most of MARAD’s collection of Van Ryper-stamped models is made up of generic ship types, two models are of individual ships:

16. 2011.001R.0021 (America) (Civ.)

17. 2011.001R.0085 (African Comet) (Civ.)

At 23 inches long (28 inches including the base), the waterline model of SS America (2011.001R.0021) is larger than other Van Ryper models in the collection, although this is probably a function of scale. There are no direct comparisons available (Scherbak Ship Models appear to have sold a version of this model, although the final sale price is not publicly available); however some comparable models of similar size have been sold, including the aforementioned MS Rangitoto.

Christie’s sold a full-hull, 30 ½-inch model of SS Normandie, a contemporary to America, in January, 2009 for $1,000,11 while a 24 ¾-inch (including the base) waterline model of SS Kungsholm was sold for $625 (although it was estimated to be worth up to $1200) in June, 2008.12

Because the America model is larger than the Kungsholm model, but smaller and less detailed than the Normadie model, I recommend that the SS America model be insured for $750.

An exact match to the waterline model of SS African Comet (2011.001R.0085) was sold on eBay in January 2012, for a price of $221.62.13 Despite this point of comparison, this model is not significantly different than other 15-inch Van Ryper models. In addition, Mr. Scherbak reports that prices for Van Ryper ship models have been depressed recently.14

Under the assumption that, based on estimated values from Christies, the auction market is currently undervaluing Van Ryper models, I recommend that the model of SS African Comet (2011.001R.0085) be insured for $500.

MARAD also has an additional 12 small wooden models that have no maker’s mark, but can be surmised to be products of the Van Ryper model shop, due to design indicators, including a red stripe around the bottom of the hull of waterline models.15 The following models also have similar lettering on their hull (white, with equally-sized 7-point lettering), and models with civilian livery have a

9 Christie’s, London, November 8, 2006, Sale 4093: Lot 239 10 Ibid, Lot 204 11 Christie’s, New York, January 15, 2009, Sale 2129: Lot 235 12 Christie’s, New York, June 25, 2008, Sale 2073: Lot 23 13 “Van Ryper Farrell Lines Passenger Freighter AFRICAN COMET Wooden Ship Model,” eBay, January 16, 14 Scherbak email 15 Jacobs, 39

Maritime Commission insignia on their stacks which is identical to similar insignia on confirmed Van Ryper-made models:

18. 2011.001R.0022 (Unknown, R-ST-AU1 type) (Civ.)

19. 2011.001R.0083 (Unknown, C4-S-B5 type) (Civ.)

20. 2011.001R.0087 (Unknown, C1-B type) (Civ.)

21. 2011.001R.0096 (Del Brasil) (Civ.)

22. 2011.001R.0133 (Unknown, C3 type) (Civ.)

23. 2011.001R.0136 (Unknown, C4-S-1a type) (Civ.)

24. 2011.001R.0200 (“Seathree”) (Civ.)

25. 2011.001R.0138 (Unknown, C4-B-1A type) (Civ.)

26. 2011.001R.0012 (Unknown, VC2 class) (Gray)

27. 2011.001R.0100 (Unknown, T1-M-A1 type) (Gray)

28. 2011.001R.0102 (Unknown, T1-M-A1 type) (Gray)

Under the assumption that these 12 models have been correctly identified as originating from the Van Ryper or Technical Model Service shops, the same points of comparison for generic Van Ryper models apply here as well. I recommend that each model except the two T1-M-A1 types (2011.001R.0100 and 2011.001R.0102) be insured for $500.

The two T1-M-A1 models are quite a bit smaller than the other Van Ryper models in the collection, only eight inches long, including the base. Because of this, referencing Mr. Scherbak’s suggested value for “smaller” Van Ryper models, I recommend that each be insured for $300.

MARAD has eight wooden waterline models that are stamped “Boucher Playthings,” a model ship company that was based in New York City:

29. 2011.001R.0079 (Unknown, C3-IN-CP type) (Civ.)

30. 2011.001R.0084 (Unknown, V2-ME-A1 type) (Civ.)

31. 2011.001R.0089 (LaGuardia) (Civ.)

32. 2011.001R.0097 (Rio Hudson) (Civ.)

33. 2011.001R.0086 (Unknown, N3-S-A1 type) (Gray)

34. 2011.001R.0093 (Unknown, P2-SE2-R1 type) (Gray)

35. 2011.001R.0094 (Unknown, C4-S-A1 type) (Gray)

36. 2011.001R.0099 (Unknown,V4-M1-A1 type) (Gray)

Boucher also manufactured model trains, and model-making kits, and spawned two important model companies when it closed in 1948: Boucher-Lewis Precision Models and Bluejacket Shipcrafters.

Boucher-Lewis closed in the mid-2000s, but Bluejacket is still in business.

The current auction market for Boucher products revolves around model-making kits; there are no available records of company-made models being sold at the large auction houses in the last ten years.

The models in MARAD’s collection are of a roughly comparable level of detail and craftsmanship as those that were produced by the Van Ryper shop; the only readily discernible difference between models from the two shops is that hull numbers are painted on the Boucher models in a larger font, with more rounded handwriting. Without any available Boucher models to use as points of comparison, I recommend using Van Ryper models of similar size instead.

There is considerable variation in size among this group of models, from 21 inches to four inches, including the base. The five largest Boucher models (2011.001R.0079, 2011.001R.0089, 2011.001R.0093, 2011.001R.0094, and 2011.001R.0097) are 17.25 to 21 inches long. All five of these models have relatively detailed superstructures and rigging, similar to a large Van Ryper model:

I recommend that they be insured for $500 each.

Objects 2011.001R.0086 and 2011.001R.0099 are medium-sized desktop models: 9.5 inches and 7.5 inches long, respectively, including the base. Despite their size, these two models’ rigging is highly detailed, especially when compared to the relatively simple rigging in two eight-inch Van Ryper T1- M-A1 types, which I have already recommended be valued at $300. To account for the extra rigging detail, I recommend that these two models be insured for $400 each.

Object 2011.001R.0084, a model of an ocean-going tug, is, at four inches in length, the smallest model in the collection. Although it is very detailed for its size, with a separate pilot house, stack, and boom, it lacks any significant rigging (the model currently has no rigging, but there is evidence that some would be present in like-new condition). Based on the model’s size, I recommend that object 2011.001R.0084 be insured for $100.

MARAD also has three older small models that are of unknown provenance:

37. 2011.001R.0194 (Solon Turman) (Civ.)

38. 2011.001R.0192 (Unknown, C2-IN-CP type) (Civ.)

39. 2012.009R.0001 (Unknown, L6-S-A1 type) (Civ.)

Object 2011.001R.0194, a full-hull model of Solon Turman with a wooden hull and plastic superstructures, is 18.5 inches long. The rigging, which is extensive, appears to have been re-done with thick black string, although since the provenance of the model is unknown, it is possible that the string is original. The configuration of the model is moderately unique: Solon Turman was a break-bulk ship that also carried containers. The wood and plastic construction is somewhat similar to many mid-century travel agent models, including a13-inch model of Nieuw Amsterdam, which Christie’s sold in June, 2008 for $313.16 Another travel agent’s model of Nieuw Amsterdam, 34 ½ inches long with a tin superstructure, was also sold by Christie’s in June, 2008 for $563.17 Using these two models as points of comparison, I recommend that the Solon Turman model (2011.001R.0194) be insured for $425.

Object 2011.001R.0192 is a wooden water line model of a C2 type cargo ship, painted with US Lines livery. The model is relatively crude compared to the rest of the collection, with rough paint lines, especially on the stack. Despite the rudimentary paint job, the smooth hull lines and fine detail on the model’s superstructure and booms suggest professional craftsmanship, albeit from an unknown source.

With this level of craftsmanship in mind, I recommend that object 2011.001R.0192 be insured for $400.

Object 2012.009R.0001 is a wooden waterline model of an L6-S-A1 type Great Lakes dry bulk carrier.

It is the only model of a “Laker” in the MARAD headquarters collection. The model is highly detailed, painted with commercial livery, although its rigging is relatively simple. It is 22 ½ inches long, including the base. The model’s level of detail suggests professional craftsmanship; I recommend that the object be valued at the same level as other 20-inch wooden desktop models, and be insured for $500.

16 Christie’s, New York, June 25, 2008, Sale 2073: Lot 24 17 Christie’s, New York, June 25, 2008, Sale 2073: Lot 25

Large Models Constructed Before 1970

MARAD has nine large wooden models that are of unknown provenance:

40. 2011.001R.0020 (Unknown, C5-S-AX1 type)

41. 2011.001R.0024 (Washington Mail)

42. 2011.001R.0026 (“Clipper”)

43. 2011.001R.0027 (James Lykes)

44. 2011.001R.0033 (American Challenger)

45. 2011.001R.0034 (Schuyler Otis Bland – type number painted on hull)

46. 2011.001R.0036 (Mormaccargo)

47. 2011.001R.0048 (Unknown, C2 type)

48. 2011.001R.0069 (Unknown, C4-S-1a type)

These models range from 57 inches to 80 inches in length; all are full hull models. Only one of these models (2011.001R.0069) is encased; the rest are loose, although they all show evidence of having once been displayed on plinths, which suggests that they were all at one time encased. Each model is highly detailed and if they were in like-new condition all models except object 2011.001R.0020 (C5- S-AX1) would exhibit extensive and impressive rigging.

The hulls of the models are either solid or hollow-framed wood. The house and superstructure on each are painted metal, probably tin or aluminum, based on the building materials used in comparable models from the 1950s and 1960s. Smaller fittings and other details are also metal, although there is some evidence that many booms are painted wood.

Although there are no direct points of comparison for these models, there have been multiple model ships of a similar vintage sold at auction recently. Christie’s sold a 66-inch model of MV La Primavera, built in 1960, for £2,160 ($4,110) in November, 2006;18 La Primavera, however, is a containerized cargo ship, and does not have booms or extensive rigging. A better point of comparison might be the 1973 model of M/V Wild Cormorant, built by Winkelmann model shop in Hamburg, Germany. Although the vessel was built in the containerized era, it contains two large, rigged, booms.

Christie’s sold the 69-inchmodel for £4,560 ($8,518) in May, 2006.19

Three smaller models of pre-1950 vessels, each with multiple booms, exhibit the premium associated with detailed rigging: a 41 ½-inch full-hull model of SS Alamo by Arthur G. Henning, built circa 1970, was sold by Christie’s for $8,400 in January, 200720; a 62-inch model of SS Plawsworth, a 1917 cargo vessel (age of the model is unknown), was sold by Christie’s in May 2007 for £26,400 ($52,430).21 Finally, Christie’s sold a 49 ¾-inch Bassett-Lowke 1953 waterline model of RMS Andes in January 2008 for $9,375.22

Because none of the comparison pieces have an equal length and dimension to the aforementioned models, MARAD also contacted two subject matter experts. In a phone conversation, Bluejacket Shipcrafters, a prominent model-maker in Searsport, Maine, estimated that the construction cost of a 1:48 scale 80-inch wooden model of a C4 cargo ship would be approximately $12,000, plus an additional $1,000 for the base.23 However, Cindi Verser, collections manager at the Mariner’s

18 Christie’s, London, November 8, 2006, Sale 4093: Lot 250 19 Christie’s, London, May 25, 2006, Sale 4092: Lot 313 20 Christie’s, New York, January 31, 2007, Sale 1798: Lot 173 21 Christie’s, London, May 16, 2007, Sale 5219: Lot 255 22 Christie’s, New York, January 30, 2008, Sale 1963: Lot 233 23 Bluejacket Shipcrafters, phone conversation with author, August 8, 2012

Museum suggested that, taking the age of the models into account, they be valued at $20,000 - $25,000 each, with the exception of Mormaccargo, which is currently severely damaged.24

Although Mormaccargo’s condition lowers its present value, it should not lower its insurance value, because a like-new conservation would require the damage to be repaired anyway. I recommend that object 2011.001R.0020 be insured for $20,000. Because the other eight models in this group have much more extensive and detailed rigging, I recommend that they be insured for $25,000.

A model of an unknown T1-M-A1 is also of unknown provenance, but is much smaller and simpler than the previously-discussed models:

49. 2011.001R.0196 (Unknown, T1-M-A1 type)

The model is full hull, approximately 24 inches long, and encased in a glass and wood box. Although no positive age can be determined, the bleaching of the American flag suggests significant age. The Maritime Administration, rather than Maritime Commission, flag flying above its house suggests, however, that the model was either built or refurbished after 1950. I was unable to find direct points of comparison for this model. The two aforementioned eight-inch T1-M-A1 models were valued at $300, primarily due to their size. An internet ship model dealer, All Wood Ships, sells a Philippines-made 19.4-inch model of an AOG tanker for $1,599, although this is listed as a “sale price.”25 Based on the expected replacement value of this model, I recommend that object 2011.001R.0196 be insured for $2,000.

MARAD’s waterline model of African Comet was built by Arthur G. Henning, Inc.:

50. 2011.001R.0042 (African Comet)

The model is constructed of wood and is 53.5 inches long, including display case. Arthur G. Henning, Inc. was a prominent New York City-based model shop and several model ships by that manufacturer have been sold at auction recently. The aforementioned model of SS Alamo, 41 ½ inches long and full-hull, sold in January, 2007 for $8,400.26 An 89 ½-inch Henning model of SS Normandie sold for $21,850 in November 1995, although its pre-auction estimated value was only $4,000 to $6,000.27

A better point of comparison might be several Arthur G. Henning travel agent models that have sold recently. Christie’s sold a 40-inch waterline model of SS Kungsholm was sold for $478 in June 2004, although the auction house valued it at $3,000 - $5,000 before the sale.28 In February of that year, a 51-inch waterline Henning model sold for $3,346.29

Based on these points of comparison, I recommend that object 2011.001R.0042, the model of African Comet, be insured for $3,000.

MARAD’s model of SS Savannah, the first steamship to cross the Atlantic Ocean, was started by Frederic Craven, a notable model maker whose work is nonetheless rarely seen at auction. It was finished by Harold J. Cook in 1950:

51. 2011.005R.0001 (SS Savannah)

24 Cindi Verser, email message to author, July 31, 2012 25 “Military Auxiliary Ships List Page,” All Wood Ships, accessioned August 14, 2012, http://www.allwoodships.com/MilitaryShips/Auxiliary/LIST.htm 26 Christie’s, New York, January 31, 2007, Sale 1798: Lot 173 27 Christie’s, New York, November 7, 1996, Sale 7931: Lot 79 28 Christie’s, New York, June 16, 2004, Sale 1469: Lot 149 29 Christie’s, New York, February 10, 2004, Sale 1410: Lot 49

The model is 48 inches long, including case. It represents the vessel’s three masts and two collapsible paddle wheels and exhibits a fine level of detail. Although the model is currently severely damaged, it is an excellent example of a fully-rigged tall ship.

The Mariner’s Museum in Norfolk, Virginia has a model of SS Savannah in its collection that was built entirely by Frederic Craven, but it has not been appraised recently. It was, however, assigned the appraised value of $1,200 in 1963.30 Accounting only for inflation, that appraisal is the equivalent of $8,984 in 2012. It is likely that the model has appreciated beyond the rate of inflation, as well.

In addition, Christie’s recently sold a few twentieth-century sailing ships at auction that are approximately the same size as MARAD’s model. The auction house sold a 49 ½-inch cased model of USS Constitution (listed as “USF Constitution” by Christie’s) in July, 2005 for $4,800.31 In January, 2009, Christie’s also sold a 46 ½-inch model of Sovereign of the Seas, a three-masted clipper ship, for $5,000.32 In January 2008, a 43- inch model of the three-masted sloop of war USS Hartford (built in in 2005) sold for $3,250.33

Based on these points of comparison, I recommend that a mid-twentieth century three-masted model such as 2011.005R.0001 be insured for $8,000.

Object 2012.007R.0001, one of several MARAD models of NS Savannah, is a unique object. Rather than being a simple cut-away display model of the nuclear-powered merchant ship, it has been mocked up as an example of how the vessel might look if it were converted into an oceanographic research vessel:

52. 2012.007R.0001 (NS Savannah)

Although this model of NS Savannah is unique, another full-hull cutaway model of the vessel, 42 ½ inches long, was auctioned by Christie’s in June 2007. Valued before the sale at $4,000 - $6,000, it realized a price of $3,600.34

Because object 2012.007R.0001 contains additional detail and a slightly different interior configuration, along with additional cut-away areas, I suggest that it has a slightly higher value than the item sold in 2007. Therefore, I recommend that this model be insured for $6,000.

Small Models Constructed After 1970

MARAD has seven plastic-and-resin desktop models on display throughout headquarters:

53. 2011.001R.0002 (Alaska Navigator)

54. 2011.001R.0004 (Horizon Hunter)

55. 2011.001R.0030 (Unknown, Hough Autoliners RO/RO)

56. 2011.001R.0047 (Asphalt Commander)

57. 2011.001R.0132 (Pride of Texas)

58. 2011.001R.0137 (APL Singapore)

59. 2011.001R.0143 (Endurance)

30 Verser email.

31 Christie’s, New York, July 20, 2005, Sale 1540: Lot 216 32 Christie’s, New York, January 15, 2009, Sale 2129: Lot 21 33 Christie’s, New York, January 30, 2008, Sale 1963: Lot 209 34 Christie’s, New York, June 28, 2007, Sale 1829: Lot 21

These models are all made primarily of plastic; each is full hull, situated on plinths and display pieces.

They are relatively small (Endurance and Pride of Texas are the largest of the group, at 21 inches and 27 inches in length, respectively) and lightly detailed. Models of this type have not been sold at auction recently, although they are sold directly by model makers and dealers. Insurance value is best determined as a function of overall model length.

Scherbak Ship Models sells 1:900 and 1:1250 scale full hull models of cruise ships, which a generally more detailed than the MARAD-owned models listed above. The shop sells 11-inch (including the base) 1:1250 scale models for around $270, depending on the ship in question35, 36. A 13-inch encased model is listed at $368.37 In 1:900 scale, the shop sells a 15-inch encased model for $36938 and an 18 ½-inch model for $598.39

Another shop, Westminster California-based Model Ship Master, sells a 39-inch model of tanker Hellespont Fairfax for $1,900;40 a third online shop, Philippines-based All Wood Models, sells a 21-inch model of bulk carrier SS William A. Irvin for $1,665.41

The referenced models from all three model shops are built from the same materials as the MARAD-owned models listed above, but often show much higher levels of detail. Considering the size and level of detail, I recommend that object 2011.001R.0002 (Alaska Navigator) be insured for $250 and that objects 2011.001R.0004 (Horizon Hunter) and 2011.001R.0137 (APL Singapore) be insured for $350. I recommend that objects 2011.001R.0030 (Unknown Hough Autoliners RO/RO), 2011.001R.0047 (Asphalt Commander), and 2011.001R.0143 (Endurance) be insured for $400.

Although object 2011.001R.0132 (Pride of Texas) is relatively large (27 inches) for a desktop model, it is very simple, and appears to be hollow. I recommend that it be insured for $150.

MARAD also has two low-detail plastic models on display:

60. 2011.001R.0139 (Unknown, likely Aerojet General’s Jeff-A)

61. 2011.001R.0164 (Cape Knox)

Object 2011.001R.0139 is a 19-inch hard resin plastic model of an Aerojet General hovercraft, likely the Landing Craft, Air Cushioned (LCAC) prototype vehicle known as Jeff-A.42 Aerojet General had been contracted by the US Navy to develop a prototype air-cushioned vehicle to be used as a troop landing craft in the mid-1970s, but their design was not selected for final implementation. The model is lightly detailed; featuring a house at the vessel’s stern and a vehicle cargo area on the main deck. It has also been outfitted with hinges so that it can be lifted up and viewed from the underside. There are

35 “1:1250 scale GRAND PRINCESS-class cruise ship models,” Scherbak Ship Models, accessed August 15, 2012, http://scherbakshipmodels.tripod.com/id150.html 36 “1250 scale EURODAM class cruise ship models. Holland America Line” Scherbak Ship Models, accessed August 15, 2012, http://scherbakshipmodels.tripod.com/id143.html 37 “1:1250 scale OASIS of the SEAS-class cruise ship models, Royal Caribbean International,” Scherbak Ship Models, accessed August 15, 2012, http://scherbakshipmodels.tripod.com/id121.html 38 “EURODAM-class cruise ship models, Holland America Line,” Scherbak Ship Models, accessed August 15, 2012, http://scherbakshipmodels.tripod.com/id142.html 39 “OASIS of the SEAS - class cruise ship models, Royal Caribbean International,” Scherbak Ship Models, accessed August 15, 2012, http://scherbakshipmodels.tripod.com/id119.html 40 “Hellespont Fairfax,” Model Ship Master, accessed August 15, 2012, http://www.modelshipmaster.com/products/ocean_liners/hellespont_fairfax.htm 41 “SS William A. Irvin Bulk Carrier,” All Wood Ships, accessed August 15, 2012, http://www.allwoodships.com/Commercial/WilliamIrvin.htm 42 “US Navy Fact File – Landing Craft, Air Cushioned (LCAC), US Navy, accessed August 14, 2012, http://www.navy.mil/navydata/fact_display.asp?cid=4200&tid=1500&ct=4&page=1 not any additional details on the underside of the model, although it is unclear if these details have been lost or were never present at all.

This model is unique, and has no clear points of comparison. It has a simple design would be easy to replicate, and it does not feature any rigging or extensive details. I recommend that the object be insured for $100, primarily due to its size and probable age.

Object 2011.001R.0164 (Cape Knox) is primarily plastic, and appears to be from a kit, although it has been mounted on two plinths and a piece of wood. The model is dirty but otherwise in good working order, including a functional bi-articulated stern ramp. It is painted Navy gray and is labeled as Cape Knox, but appears to be an altered version of a model of MS Nedlloyd Rouen, which was Cape Knox’s original name. The kit for this model is available for sale on the Internet; a sealed version of the kit was sold on eBay on June 23, 2012 for $20.43 Because this model has been altered to resemble an RRF ship and mounted on a base, I recommend that the object 2012.001R.0164 be insured for $50.

Large Ship Models Constructed After 1970

MARAD has 11 modern ship models on display that all share the same broad characteristics:

62. 2011.001R.0130 (President Truman)

63. 2011.001R.0025 (President Truman)

64. 2011.001R.0131 (Jean Ann)

65. 2011.001R.0140 (Freedom)

66. 2011.001R.0141 (Horizon Falcon)

67. 2011.001R.0001 (Alaska Legend)

68. 2011.001R.0003 (Austral Pioneer)

69. 2011.001R.0007 (President Lincoln)

70. 2011.001R.0135 (Rita Barba)

71. 2011.001R.0032 (RJ Pfeiffer)

72. 2011.001R.0005 (LNG Taurus)

73. 2011.001R.0008 (Security)

These models are all wood hulled, but feature metal or resin-coated superstructures and details; all models are full-hull. They range in size from 52 to 73.5 inches long, and line up with multiple points of comparison both at auction and through model sellers. Except for LNG Taurus, an LNG tanker, and Security, a crane ship, all of the models are of petroleum tankers, car carriers, or container vessels, and feature relatively simple above-decks detailing.

Christies sold a 79-inch model of tanker MS Manuel Avila Camacho, built in 1973, for £1,320 ($2,512) in November, 2006.44 At an auction in May of that year, the auction house also sold a 59 ½-inch model of bulk carrier MV Fernie, built in 1996, for £1,800 ($3,362).45 In December 2003, Sotheby’s sold a 50 ¼-inch model of MV Merchant Victor, built circa 1977, for £900 ($1,556).46 On the same day, the auction house sold a 59 ½-inch model of crane ship Merchant Promise, built by Donald Smith & Son, for £5,040 ($8,715).47

43 “IMEX 1/450 Scale M.S. NEDLLOYD ROUEN Freight Vessel Plastic Model Kit,” eBay, accessed August 14, 2012, http://www.ebay.com/itm/IMEX-1-450-SCALE-M-S-NEDLLOYD-ROUEN-FREIGHT-VESSEL- PLASTIC-MODEL-KIT-/160829802798?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_2&hash=item257234092e 44 Christie’s, London, November 8, 2006, Sale 4093: Lot 248 45 Christie’s, London, May 25, 2006, Sale 4092: Lot 322 46 Sotheby’s, London, December 2, 2003, Sale W03856: Lot 322 47 Ibid, Sale W03856L Lot 319

Model Ship Master also has several modern cargo ships for sale, including a 37 ½-inch model of refrigerated cargo ship Afric Star, which is advertised at $1,500.48 The shop also offers a 40-inch model of LNG tanker Arctic Princess for $1,800.49

With these points of comparison in mind, considering the size and age of the models in question, I recommend that all of the ship models in this group except Security be insured for $3,000 each. I recommend that Security be insured for $3,500 because its cranes and rigging add additional value.

MARAD has two large modern models that are painted Navy gray, and with Military Sealift Command livery:

74. 2011.001R.0068 (Cape Lobos)

75. 2011.001R.0057 (Unknown, C8-M-MA134J type)

Object 2011.001R.0068 (Cape Lobos) is 58 inches long, and was built by Norman Hill Scale Models.

That model shop has recently had one of its models sold at auction: Christie’s sold a 57 ½-inch model of tug London Service, built in 1982, for £2,115 ($3,297) in October, 2002,50 although that model is more detailed than the Cape Lobos model. Using this point of comparison, I would recommend that object 2011.001R.0068 (Cape Lobos) be insured for $3,000

Object 2011.001R.0057 is a model of a C8-M-MA134J type Military Sealift Command prepositioning ship, most likely a vessel of the 2nd Lt. John P. Bobo class.51 The model, including case, is 64 inches long; it is an estimated 60 inches long without case. It is wood-hulled, but has lead and other metal fixtures and details, which are showing evidence of lead corrosion. All Wood Ships, the aforementioned Philippines-based ship model dealer, sells an 18.8 inch long model of Bobo class vessels for $1,599 (although this is identified as a sale price).52 Using size as a function of value, I suggest that the 64 inch model is worth around $5,450. In order to account for additional detail on the MARAD model that does not appear to be present on the All Wood Ships model, I recommend that object 2011.001R.0057 be insured for $5,500.

MARAD’s model of an Alert class tugboat was made by Scale Reproductions, Inc:

76. 2011.001R.0035 (Alert)

The model is 36.25 inches long, and composed primarily of wood. It is in excellent condition.

Although have been no Scale Reproductions ship models sold at auction recently, one model dealer, Model Ship Master, is currently selling a 25-inch model of a 1916 tug for $699.53 All Wood Ships is selling a 34-inch model of the US Navy’s Powhatan class tug for $2,499.54

48 “Afric Star,” Model Ship Master, accessed August 14, 2012, http://www.modelshipmaster.com/products/ocean_liners/afric_star.htm 49 “Arctic Princess,” Model Ship Master, accessed August 14, 2012, http://www.modelshipmaster.com/products/ocean_liners/artic_princess.htm 50 Christie’s, London, October 31, 2002, Sale 9492: Lot 233 51 “USNS 2nd Lt. John P. Bobo (T-AK 3008),” US Navy, accessed August 14, 2012, http://www.msc.navy.mil/inventory/ships.asp?ship=15 52 “Military Auxiliary Ships List Page,” All Wood Ships, accessed August 14, 2012, http://www.allwoodships.com/MilitaryShips/Auxiliary/LIST.htm 53 “Tugboat Sanson,” Model Ship Master, accessed August 14, 2012, http://www.modelshipmaster.com/products/ocean_liners/tug_boat.htm 54 “ATF-166 Powhatan Class Fleet Ocean Tugs,” All Wood Ships, accessed August 14, 2012, http://www.allwoodships.com/MilitaryShips/Auxiliary/ATF-166,PowhatanFleetOceanTug.htm

In order to account for the range of prices in this model’s two points of comparison, I recommend that object 2011.001R.0035 (Alert) be insured for $2000.

MARAD’s model of Maersk Rhode Island was made by MRE Miniatures:

77. 2011.001R.0028 (Maersk Rhode Island)

The model tanker is 38 inches long, including case. While there are no direct points of comparison for the vessel or its maker, Model Ship Master is currently selling the model another Maersk ship, the container vessel Emma Maersk. This comparison model is 48 inches long, and is currently for sale at a price of $2,900.55 Considering the smaller size of the model of Maersk Rhode Island, I recommend that the model be insured for $2,300.

The largest model in MARAD’s collection, 112 inches long including the base (roughly 102 inches without the base), is Austral Rainbow, built by Castello Ship Models of New York City:

78. 2011.001R.0016 (Austral Rainbow)

The model is a LASH ship; the hull is made of wood while the superstructure appears to be painted metal. It is unclear if the model shipping containers are plastic or painted wood. The model is painted in Farrell Lines livery, and is generally in very good condition.

Due to its size and the rarity of commercial LASH vessels, no direct comparison pieces for this model have been sold at auction recently. The level of craftsmanship and detail evident in the model, however, suggest that it is of comparable value to MARAD’s large wooden ship models from the 1940’s through 1960’s. Earlier in this document, I recommended that these models be insured for between $20,000 and $25,000. Although the model of Austral Rainbow is newer than these models, it is also at least 20 inches longer, while retaining a comparable level of detail. I recommend that object 2011.001R.0016 (Austral Rainbow) be insured for $25,000.

55 “Maersk Emma,” Model Ship Master, accessed August 14, 2012,, http://www.modelshipmaster.com/products/ocean_liners/Emma.htm

Insurance Values of Models, by Object ID Number

Object ID Vessel Name Value 2011.001R.0001 Alaska Legend $3,000 2011.001R.0008 Security $3,500 2011.001R.0003 Austral Pioneer $3,000 2011.001R.0007 President Lincoln $3,000 2011.001R.0005 LNG Taurus $3,000 2011.001R.0004 Horizon Hunter $350 2011.001R.0002 Alaska Navigator $250 2011.001R.0012 Unknown, VC-2 type $500 2011.001R.0013 Unknown, C5-S-AX1 type $500 2011.001R.0014 Unknown, C1-MT-BU1 type $500 2011.001R.0015 Unknown, C3-S1-BR1 type $500 2011.001R.0016 Austral Rainbow $25,000 2011.001R.0020 Unknown, C5-S-AX1 type $20,000 2011.001R.0021 America $750 2011.001R.0022 Unknown, R-ST-AU1 type $500 2011.001R.0024 Washington Mail $25,000 2011.001R.0025 President Truman $3,000 2011.001R.0026 "Clipper" $25,000 2011.001R.0027 James Lykes $25,000 2011.001R.0028 Maersk Rhode Island $2,300 2011.001R.0030 Unknown, Hough Autoliners RO/RO $400 2011.001R.0032 RJ Pfeiffer $3,000 2011.001R.0033 American Challenger $25,000 2011.001R.0034 Schuyler Otis Bland $25,000 2011.001R.0035 Alert $2,000 2011.001R.0036 Mormac Cargo $25,000 2011.001R.0042 African Comet $3,000 2011.001R.0047 Asphalt Commander $400 2011.001R.0048 Unknown, C2 type $25,000 2011.001R.0057 Unknown, 2nd Lt. John Bobo Class $5,500 2011.001R.0068 Cape Lobos $3,000 2011.001R.0069 Unknown, C4-S-1a $25,000 2011.001R.0079 Unknown, C3-IN-CP type $500 2011.001R.0080 Unknown, S3-S2-BP1 type $500 2011.001R.0082 Unknown, S3-S2-BP1 type $500 2011.001R.0083 Unknown, C4-S-B5 type $500 2011.001R.0084 Unknown, V2-ME-A1 type $100 2011.001R.0085 African Comet $500 2011.001R.0086 Unknown, N3-S-A1 type $400 2011.001R.0087 Unknown, C1-B type $500

Insurance Values of Models, by Object ID Number (continued)

Object ID Vessel Name Value 2011.001R.0088 Unknown, C3-S1-A3 type $500 2011.001R.0089 LaGuardia $500 2011.001R.0090 Unknown, P1-S1-DR1 type $500 2011.001R.0091 Unknown, C3-S1-B1 type $500 2011.001R.0092 Unknown, S4-S2-BB3 type $500 2011.001R.0093 Unknown, P2-SE2-R1 type $500 2011.001R.0094 Unknown, C4-S-A1 type $500 2011.001R.0095 Unknown, C5-S-AX1 type $500 2011.001R.0096 Del Brasil $500 2011.001R.0097 Rio Hudson $500 2011.001R.0098 Unknown, C1-MT-BU1 type $500 2011.001R.0099 Unknown V4-M1-A1 type $400 2011.001R.0100 Unknown, T1-M-A1 type $300 2011.001R.0101 Unknown, B7-A1 type $500 2011.001R.0102 Unknown, T1-M-A1 type $300 2011.001R.0103 Unknown, C1-S-D1 type $500 2011.001R.0130 President Truman $3,000 2011.001R.0131 Jean Ann $3,000 2011.001R.0132 Pride of Texas $150 2011.001R.0133 Unknown, C3 type $500 2011.001R.0134 Unknown, C3-S1-BR1 type $500 2011.001R.0135 Rita Barba $3,000 2011.001R.0136 Unknown, C4-S-1a type $500 2011.001R.0137 APL Singapore $350 2011.001R.0138 Unknown, C4-B-1A type $500 2011.001R.0139 Aerojet General Jeff-A $100 2011.001R.0140 Freedom $2,500 2011.001R.0141 Horizon Falcon $2,500 2011.001R.0143 Endurance $400 2011.001R.0163 Unknown, S4-S2-BB3 type $500 2011.001R.0164 Cape Knox $50 2011.001R.0192 Unknown, C2-IN-CP type $400 2011.001R.0194 Solon Turman $425 2011.001R.0196 Unknown, T1-M-A1 type $2,000 2011.001R.0200 "Seathree" $500 2012.009R.0001 Unknown, L6-S-A1 type $500 2011.005R.0001 SS Savannah $8,000 2012.007R.0001 NS Savannah $6,000

Total: $333,325