Modelled on the “Sovereign of the Seas,” the sovereign ship model is truly a collector’s delight! Possessing a piece is a matter of extreme pride, whether you are a first-time collectors or an avid collector. A true representation of artistry, elegance and craftsmanship, the sovereign models are crafted to recreate history in its splendour. The best models are made from the highest quality materials, built to perfection to exactly the same standards as those in historical museum displays.

Sovereign of the Seas and the Sovereign Ship Model

The largest ship ever built, The Sovereign of the Seas (1638) inspires the Sovereign ship model. The original ship was constructed in the Royal Dockyard, Chatham, by Phineas Pett, on the orders of King Charles I. Several thousands of craftsmen were said to have laboured on the ship for over three years to build it. A masterpiece of its period, the ship stood at a height of 75 ft, with a keel length 127 ft and overall length of 215 ft. It measured 48 feet in the beam, 168 feet along the gun deck and with 1141 burden tonnage.

The ship had taken part in several wars, including the second and third Dutch Wars from 1652 to 1692 and the battles of Beachy Head in 1690 and Barfleur in 1692 (when the Royal Navy fought with the Dutch). Rebuilt in 1660 and 1692, the ship met an abrupt end in 1696 when it was burnt accidentally at Chatham.

Here are some interesting facts about a typical sovereign ship model:

• Available as full hull models with 100 guns and three full gun decks, they are crafted to the best specifications.
• Time- and effort-intensive works of art, the intricate ship model is handmade to the finest quality and excellent craftsmanship.
• It has hand carved decorations with embroidered flags, accurate deck details, fitting and handmade sails.
• Built to 1:48 scale, these are mounted on the original baseboards and have three stump masts.
• Like the original ship, the best models are richly decorated and done in boxwood to extremely high standards. Hull, deck, carvings, and mast varnished to perfect, striking finish
• It features exact replicas of flags from King Charles I’s reign
• Sails are also made of hand sewn weathered lines.
• Wooden pieces of figurines, figureheads and decorations are meticulously hand carve, and built to the finest detail
• Culverins and cannons are made of brass with each one turned using a lathe.
• Rigging is hand laid, with several rigging thicknesses used for natural representation of the original ship rigging. It uses special wax treated rigging for presentation and durability.
• Uses wooden plank on frame; several thin planks are mounted on an inner series of frames, over which a second layer of fine planks are used.

The price of a sovereign ship model varies, depending on its size, detailing and craftsmanship. Its sizes may range from very large models available at about 3 meters in length (made on custom order) to small ones 65 cm in length (best used as centrepiece displays).