Summary
Schooner model with topsail rig made by Wemyss Thomson of Williamstown, circa 1864.
Scale is unknown as the model probably represents the general type of vessel rather than a particular vessel. This is an example of a square-rigged schooner, or top-sail schooner, or coasting schooner.
This type of schooner were known as 'Fruiters' and were engaged in the fruit trade from the Azores, Italy, Malta and other orange-growing countries to London before steam ships.
In the 1850s as many as 300 were employed in this trade and were very fast under canvas.
This model is typical of this class of schooner, probably represents a vessel of between 89.5 and 101 tonnes register with a length of 24 to 27 metres, width of about 6 metres and a depth of about 3 metres. A top sail schooner differs from a fore-and-aft schooner in carrying square sails at the foremast.
The model is believed to have been exhibited by the builder at the 1866 Melbourne Intercolonial Exhibition where it won second prize according to the donor's nephew. The Museum also holds the certificate awarded to Wemyss Thomson by the Exhibition. It was donated to the Museum in 1924.
More Information
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Collecting Areas
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Acquisition Information
Donation from Mr George Nelson Thomson, 27 Sep 1924
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Modelmaker
Mr Wemyss Thomson, Williamstown, Greater Melbourne, Victoria, Australia, circa 1864
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Place & Date Used
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Classification
Water transport, Wind power - sailing vessels, Model schooners
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Category
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Discipline
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Type of item
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Overall Dimensions
630 mm (Length), 260 mm (Width), 435 mm (Height)
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Dimensions
630 mm (Length), 266 mm (Width), 434 mm (Height)
Measurement From Conservation.
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Keywords
Exhibitions: Melbourne Intercolonial, Australasian, 1866-1867, Fruits, Modelmaking, Sailing Vessels, Scale Models, Schooners, Ship Models