HERMIONE 1779
The
frigate Hermione was built in a golden age of French
naval construction. Her construction took only 11
months-a record. She benefited from important
advances that were brought about by a new concept
developed during the second half of the 18th century
that translated into seagoing capabilities well beyond
those of vessels built from older designs. Hermione
combined speed and fire power, allowing her to rival
those of the Royal Navy.
About the construction of the
Hermione
wooden scale model:
- Built from scratch
-
Plank-on-frame
construction
-
Blackened metal cannons and wooden carriage. Under the main deck, all guns are "real" guns which
have proper barrels and wooden carriages which sit on 2
real decks under the main deck. These
guns are not simple barrels inserted into a solid hull
like in a cheap model.
- Authentic extensive rigging system comprised of many
different sizes of rope and features numerous blocks and
deadeyes
- Full length masts and bowsprit per construction plans
- Our Hermione ship is built based on the
historic 1779 Hermione, not the 2014 Hermione. The
2014 Hermione has features that are modified for
modern-day comfort and modern
navigation equipment.
History
of the Hermione tall ship:
In January
1779, back from America where he had volunteered to
serve the American cause, Marquis of LaFayette, a
French gentleman of 21, successfully persuaded France's
King Louis XVI and his military staff to offer military
and financial assistance to the troops of General
Washington.
On March 21, 1780, major general La Fayette embarked the
Hermione. He landed in Boston after a record time of 38 day
crossing and met General Washington to announce the
impending arrival of French reinforcement of 5,500 men
and five frigates. Hermione's performance was due
to Hermione’s excellent nautical qualities. In fact,
Hermione was a new-generation frigate built before the
revolution.
Hermione received the American Congress onboard in May
1781. She fought several times in company with the Astrée,
especially at the Naval battle of Louisbourg on 21
July 1781. On June 7th, she engaged in the fierce
but indecisive battle against the 32-gun HMS Iris and
suffered serious damage.
18 months later, the American insurgents won decisive
victories, first in Chesapeake Bay, then in Yorktown,
with the support of French troops led by Rochambeau and
de Grasse.
After the
end of the American Revolutionary War, Hermione returned
to France in February 1782. She then formed part
of a squadron sent to India to help Suffren against the
British.
Dimensions and price of
the Hermione
model ship:
22" long x
21" tall x 5" wide $3,590
Shipping and insurance in
the contiguous USA included.
Other places: $300 flat rate. The photos are of this
size.
40" long x
37" tall x 9" wide $5,240
Shipping and insurance in
the contiguous USA included.
Other places: $600 flat rate.
Model is built per commission only. We require only a
small deposit to start the process (not
full amount, not even half).
The
remaining balance won't be due until the model is
completed.
Click on this link for
lead time.
Add light feature to delight your guests in a dimly lit
room: $300. Powered by a
standard 9v battery under the base, with on/off switch.
This option is only available on the larger model.
Don't be fooled by some
model makers out there who freely claim their models
"museum grade" or even "true museum quality. Their ships
are wrong on many counts. The hull is horrible. Some
parts are oversized yet others undersized. Plenty are
wrong; many are missing. Go here to learn more: what
to look in a
tall ship model.
Learn more about the Hermione here:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/French_frigate_Hermione_(1779)
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