Ship model of the last full-rigged passenger clipper 'Torrens' (1875), with a letter by the maker.

Wood, 130 x 16 x 85 cm, varnished, with brass or painted details, bone figurehead and gilt accents (sm. defects).

Wooden base, 100 x 24,8 cm.

Sailor-made model of the sailing ship 'Torrens' (J. Lang & Co., Sunderland, 1875) complete with a full suit of flying sails. Aboard the Torrens, a clipper ship renowned for its fast passages from London to Adelaide (Australia), writer Joseph Conrad served as mate for two voyages and wrote his first novel 'Almayer’s Folly'. The modelmaker, J.B. Martein (1888-1963) was a shipper who first sailed aboard the cargo 'Jeancie Woodside' and became later captain at the K.P.M. According to his letter, joined, the model was constructed in 16 months. Martein made various ship models from the collection of the Zuiderzeemuseum, incl. the kaag, the Lemster beurtman, the frigate Minerva, the Pinas, flyboat 'De Paerel', etc.
Ref. Zuiderzeecollectie. - Royal Museum Greenwich.
Joined: 1. Letter. Manuscript, 21,3 x 30,8 cm, pen and brown ink on paper, signed 'Martein' (foldings worn). - 2. Bowden-Smith, E.C. - Land ho! The last of her race and the Convoy. London, Simpkin Marshall, 1931. 8vo: [8]-91 pp.; front. (3 pcs)