Bone Ship Models

Whale ship Essex of Nantucket
1820
scale 3/8"=1'

This ship was rammed and suck by a whale in the eastern Pacific, which resulted in the most notorious maritime tragedy of the 19th century.

Catboat Cleopatra of Nantucket
ca. 1900
scale 1/4"=1'
L 18", H 22", W 8"
Planked bone, painted cotton sail, painted mahogany case with bone trim

Model developed from period photographs.

Whale ship Richard Mitchell
ca. 1829
scale 1/8"=1'
Case size: L 30", H 24", W 12"
Planked in bone over carved block
All other parts and details carved in bone
Bone trimmed base and case

Cat bone On Time
ca.1910
scale 1/4"=1'
L 14", H 10", W 6"
Planked bone over carved block
All other parts bone, painted Mahogany case
A typical Crosby catboat from Marthas Vineyard

Construction view

Whaling Sloop Dove of Nantucket
ca.1767
scale 1/4"=1'
L 23", H 14", W 6"
Planked bone Mahogany case

These small vessels were popular as whalers in the 18th century. The whaleboats were towed astern while cruising on the whaling grounds and the blubber was packed into casks and brought back to shore for rendering.

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.