The Sea Witch was one of the earliest and most famous clipper ships, built in 1846, New York. Designed for quick passage the clipper ships sleek hulls knifed through the oceans at record breaking speeds laden with perishable cargoes. Acres of sail caught the wind and drove some of the clippers faster than many of the steam and diesel ships of today. Sailing her maiden voyage to China from New York she set her first of many records.

Sea Witch broke that record by making the return voyage from China to New York in only 74 days and 14 hours, an impressive record that was never beaten by a merchant sailing ship.

By 1850 the California gold rush was in high gear as busy trade from east to west coast became ever more important. Sea Witch changed routes and began sailing from New York to San Francisco. She set yet another record of making the trip in less than 100 days.

After only three years she returned to her original China route. After several years of record breaking voyages the crew mutinied in 1855. Sea Witch completed her voyage to China but struck a reef off the coast of Cuba on her return. Heavy seas battered the hull to pieces after only 10 years of service.

Shown here is but one example of many of the clipper ships that have been custom built, repaired and restored by Master Model Builders with more than 35 years experience. This model is dry rigged as she was originally for maximum detailed view of intricacy and quality of rigging workmanship. She has a solid wood hull which has been painted with a high quality copper paint, a less expensive alternative to copper planking.

A custom Cherry wood case was built to prevent harm and ensure lasting beauty. Vertical stiles are made of aluminum and painted copper to match the hull work. Includes an engraved brass nameplate. Ship is mounted on a matching wood keel support and secured to the base.

Woods are hand rubbed with numerous coats of sealer and fine natural oils for a radiant finish. Enclosure of durable, shatter resistant Optix. Ideal illumination from above utilizing low voltage halogen light with 110 volt on/off switch cord. Large back panel opens for easy model access.

When completing restoration work we retain as much of the original model as possible. Creating seamless repairs to existing woods, replacing yards and masts as needed and then staining to match. Rigging lines are replaced with high quality waxed line to ensure long term accurate tension. 27" long x 11" deep x 21" tall An investment piece that is certain to endure the true test of time. A one of a kind work of art that has been well restored to last a lifetime and more as a valued family heirloom.

Freestanding Seawitch Model Display
One of our restored antique Seawitch models with custom case made of Mahogany and exotic Wenge. Includes overhead no heat lighting, easy open back panel and intricate base supports with small display shelf.

Where museum quality is NOT just a slogan. Internationally recognized, award winning, professionally certified Master Model Builders offering one-of-a-kind custom built models from kit embellished to full scratch builds. More than 40 years individual experience using only professional grade materials. Raven Arts - the proof is in the pictures. Model building is taken to an unparalleled fine art form. That Raven Magic!

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The Ship Model Masters of Raven Arts in Washington State are the Nation's premier custom model ship building service located just West of Seattle, WA Custom built ship models such as this Seawitch Clipper three masted tall ship are built by professional Master Model Builders. Each one is a custom work of fine art built by hand in the USA. Available in a multitude of sizes and configurations. Offering model repairs, restorations and custom display cases.