Master craftsmen build small model ships!

Master craftsman works in the Model Shop of the Maritime Museum of San Diego. The magical place is located inside the steam ferry Berkeley.
Master craftsman works in the Model Shop of the Maritime Museum of San Diego. The magical place is located inside the steam ferry Berkeley.

Who isn’t fascinated by small model ships? Every one is a unique work of art, built with precision down to the finest detail. A realistic historical model ship represents real stories, real lives, real adventures.

Visitors to the Maritime Museum of San Diego are often seen lingering by the Model Shop, gazing through the window as master craftsmen spend countless joyful hours building amazing small ships. It’s a hobby that can trace its origins to ancient times.

I recently learned that several craftsmen use the museum’s Model Shop, including one young man in high school. The tradition of model ship building is being carried into the future by skilled and steady hands.

Ship and yacht model construction and repair. Sign beneath a window where museum visitors can watch craftsmen building small works of maritime art.
Ship and yacht model construction and repair. Sign beneath a window where museum visitors can watch craftsmen building small works of maritime art.
Many fine tools required in the building of model ships can be seen in the workshop.
Many fine tools required in the building of model ships can be seen in the workshop.
Of course, there are ships in bottles, too!
Of course, there are ships in bottles, too!
A finished model of ARMD Virginia Sloop 1768 intricately made to replicate an actual historical vessel.
A finished model of ARMD Virginia Sloop 1768 intricately made to replicate an actual historical vessel.
Master craftsman at the Maritime Museum of San Diego is building a small Danish fishing vessel. He works from detailed plans.
Master craftsman at the Maritime Museum of San Diego is building a small Danish fishing vessel. He works from detailed plans.

I peered into the Model Shop window during a later visit and look what I saw…

Detailed model of Sovereign of the Seas, a 17th century English Navy warship, is under repair at the Maritime Museum of San Diego.
Detailed model of Sovereign of the Seas, a 17th century English Navy warship, is under repair at the Maritime Museum of San Diego.

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I live in downtown San Diego and love to walk! You can follow Cool San Diego Sights via Facebook or Twitter!

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Richard Schulte

Downtown San Diego has been my home for many years. My online activities reflect my love for writing, blogging, walking and photography.

7 thoughts on “Master craftsmen build small model ships!”

  2. Hello, I’m going to contact the Maritime Museum by phone also regarding donating my late father’s hand-made ship models. (Dad was an artist, also corporate Art Director for Petersen Publ. Co.) These are intricate, exquisite models, of which he was very proud. I am keeping several but would like to donate others. (Several have been given to friends/family.)
    I live in Tehachapi, CA, but have family in San Diego. My phone # is (818) 632-8673. Thank you.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

      1. Great! I’ll contact them and take pictures; not all will go — sentimental reasons. But the models, of different sizes and appearances , are truly special!

        Liked by 1 person

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