Ivory, Whalebone, and Baleen Veneer Model of the Clipper Ship Rainbow

Description:

Ivory, Whalebone, and Baleen Veneer Model of the Clipper Ship Rainbow, maker unknown, late 19th/early 20th century, three-masted full-rigged vessel with sails furled, wood base with applied whalebone, baleen, and ivory segments and implements; the bow, stern, and base ivory segments with engraved scrolls, the ship's name "RAINBOW New York" inscribed on the stern; mounted on an ivory, whalebone, and baleen veneer base, the underside of the base inscribed with the initials "CWA," (minor imperfections),total ht. 15 3/4, lg. 25 1/4 in.

Note: This vessel is modeled after the very first extreme clipper, "Rainbow" which was designed by New York shipbuilder John Willis Griffiths and built in 1845 in New York 1757 tons. The clippers he designed had a higher mast, a more slender bow and a broader stern than previously made vessels, resulting in a much faster traveling time.
Estimate $3,000-5,000

one break in rigging on bow, one break to a thin strip of whalebone on the side, repaired break on one mast.

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