A cased builders' model of the SS Peru - an important American steel-hulled passenger freighter that was launched in 1892 - has auctioned at Bonhams for $50,000.
 The model features in perfect miniature every external detail evident on the SS Peru itself |
The scale miniature features Indian-ink drawn planking, portholes, deck hatches and twin raked masts. It came in just shy of its $60,000-80,000 estimate at a January 25 auction in New York.
Model and toy ships are hot property, having previously put in strong performances at auction. In April 2012, Marklin's HMS Terrible beat its auction estimate by 26.6%, bringing £76,000 (122,004).
 The Flying Cloud set the world’s sailing record for the fastest passage between New York and San Francisco in 1854, with 89 days eight hours |
The Important Maritime Paintings & Decorative Arts sale also featured a host of other high-performing oceangoing artefacts, with the top lot an impressive canvas by James Edward Butterworth (1817-1894) featuring clippership The Flying Cloud. The 20 x 30 inch oil on canvas brought $398,500 against its $200,000-300,000 valuation - a 32.8% increase on the top estimate.
Paul Fraser Collectibles currently has this unique, limited edition collection of Lord Nelson and HMS Victory artefacts in stock.
