A GOOD TRAVEL AGENT'S WATERLINE MODEL OF THE HOLLAND-AMERICA LINE LINER NIEUW AMSTERDAM (1937), REFITTED 1947

with shaped metal 44in. hull finished in red below the waterline, grey with white topsides, lined paper decks with principal silvered and painted fittings, rigged masts with derricks, liveried funnels, covered lifeboats in davits and other details, mounted on a shaped blue acrylic 'sea' with brass legend, within brass-bound glazed case with ebonised case, overall measurements -- 14½ x 52 x 10in. (37 x 132 x 25.5cm.)

Originally intended as the Prinsendam but re-named on the stocks to commemorate the original Dutch settlement that is now New York, when launched by Queen Wilhelmina on 10th April 1937, the ship was Holland's largest at 36,287 tons. Despite being designed as a luxury passenger 'ship of peace' without reference for potential conversion to war work, a little over two years after her maiden voyage in May 1938, she was indeed converted into a troopship. Over the course of the war, she carried some 378,000 troops and required an 18-month and hugely expensive refit on her return to civilian service (most of her elegant interiors had been stored in Los Angeles and had rotted), returning to passenger service in October 1947. Famous for her cuisine and fine interiors, all her First and many Cabin Class rooms were en suite. By 1967 she had severe boiler trouble and that, combined with the advent of the jet age, sealed her fate. Laid up, she was broken at Kaohsiung in 1974.

Condition Report

Good overall condition but would suggest the model has been heavily restored overall at some point ie. repainted overall, may once had internal illumination. Case probably a later replacement.

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.