Vintage America's Cup Yacht Model "Defender," 1895, The Lannan Gallery

Description

This is a very large and handsome model of the America's Cup Yacht "Defender," beautifully crafted in fine detail. All pieces are original and intact: blocks, dinghies, sails, wheel, and planked deck.
Defender was designed by the totally brilliant genius Herreshoff, and originally owned by the Vanderbilts. Please see model plaque in photos for full details of the original dimensions and sail area.
I acquired this at an estate sale in Connecticut, and it does have some condition issues. There is a small crack at the bow, and several very small chips to the paint on the keel (though with no damage to the keel's underlying wood.) Several of the lines and sheets have become detached at one end, and the bowsprit is not positioned properly. There is slight damage to the end of one spar.
Lannan does do repairs on its models. And this could probably be put into fine condition by an experienced model maker or anyone with a fine eye for small detail, a steady hand, and patience.The
As this is such a fine piece, I have attempted no repair work on it. It is all original, down to the plaque from The Lannan Gallery and the wooden stand.
Similar models now on sale from Lannan retail for circa 00 in perfect condition.
As this boat has some condition issues, it is accordingly priced far lower.
At this writing, they do not have any models of Defender in stock, nor of any other America's Cup boats of this vintage and scale.
Because of its size, I am not offering shipping but only local pickup. Should you desire to have it shipped, you would have to arrange to have it packed at, and shipped from, my location. It is roughly five feet nine inches tall, and of an equivalent length from the tip of the bowsprit to the stern. We have a two-entrance driveway and you can get a truck in and out easily, without having to turn around. We would also offer a large, high-ceilinged garage space with good lighting in which to do any packing work required.
Defender was an extremely delicate bear to bring home from the auction site--requiring driving the largest U-Haul trailer available at the lowest possible speed for five hours--a trip that normally takes about 90 minutes. (This after spending three hours packing and securing it as carefully as I could on an extremely hot summer day in a parking lot, while a construction crew looked on to their great hilarity and extensive commentary). I can honestly say that although it is true that "all comedy is pain remembered," I NEVER WANT TO ATTEMPT THIS AGAIN.
I love this object, it is a thing of great beauty, and very definitely something to treasure, but it is also too large for me to transport to our local shipping professionals.
Thank you so very much for looking, and I would be happy to answer any further questions you might have.