AN IMPRESSIVE 19TH-CENTURY DOCKYARD-TYPE MODEL FOR A THREE-MASTER IDENTIFIED AS THE NEGRISUOLA, 1873

the hull carved from the solid and hollowed throughout, with carved black female figurehead finished in polychrome, scored, varnished decks with fittings including working anchor winch with chain, companionways, cookhouse with chimneys, covered hatch, sail winches, bilge pump, rank of fire buckets, working compass and steering gear and other details, three masts with painted stages, yards, standing and running rigging with chains and bound blocks, loosely mounted on launching cradle display stand within wooden display case, model dimensions -- 45 x 58in. (114.5 x 147.5cm.); the case -- 50 x 62 x 21¼in. (127 x 157.5 x 54cm.)

Built in Calcagno’s yard at Savona (west of Genoa), the Negrisuola was launched in 1873 after nine months on the stocks. Registered in Genoa at 884 tons gross (852 net), she was 171 feet in length with a 34-foot beam and was initially owned by F. Figari of Genoa. She began her career trading out of Genoa to Callao (Peru) under Captain B. Rossi, who remained in command until 1881 when he handed over to Captain Revello. In 1888, she passed into the ownership of Andrea Schiaffino, also of Genoa, but by this time she was trading regularly out of South Wales to the extent that she was examined by Lloyd’s Register’s surveyors in Cardiff in May of that year. In May 1889 she was reported to be laid up in Lisbon “in a leaking condition” when on passage from Newport (South Wales) to Cape Town, and this damage seems to have precipitated her sale to G.B. Figari, who renamed her Figari although she disappears from record after this date.

Condition Report

Hull repainted, some components broken or missing including handle of anchor winch, ship’s boat missing, embedded dust, foredeck with shrinkage crack, several sections of rigging parted, aft mast warped, case missing rear glass panel, stern panel replaced with Perspex, old wear, model and mount loose in case.

We are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of this property. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Charles Miller Ltd is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue. NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD “AS IS” IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE.