Summary

Model of the barque Armistice (358 tons). Believed to have built in Sunderland, United Kingdom in about 1855 of oak and copper fastened and sheathed. Used in the Australian coastal trade in the 1870s and 1880s and is typical of this type of vessel. In July 1876 the Master of the Armistice, Captain Cooper was found drowned alongside the vessel at Melbourne. The model shows the vessel shortening sail in pilot waters. The main top-gallant sail is being clewed up. The jack at the fore-mast head is the signal in all ports for a pilot and the four flags on the mizzen mast represent the letters MMJW which is the ship's letters in the signal book and shipping register. The long poop deck shows the large cabin space and at one time she carried passengers from England to Australia.

In 1878, while engaged in the Australian coastal trade, she made a record lengthy passage of 42 days from Newcastle to Melbourne This vessel was eventually converted to a cargo lighter and was broken up at Coode Island in the Yarra river. The maker of this model at one time served on the Armistice. This 1:120 scale model was purchased by the Museum in 1929.

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