SS 'Great Eastern' super rare museum standard folk art victorian diorama ships half block model of Brunel's masterpiece, produced around the time of her launch, c-1859, when the ship retained her as built five funnels.
Beautifully hand painted in the original polychrome victorian colors , it has been untouched since it was made. The hull is hand carved and is beautifully modeled, from a single block of wood, the funnels are cut bronze/brass tubing. The case has over the years let in a lot of dust and dirt through the cracks in the wood through shrinkage, I have chosen to leave the model as it was found, in truly remarkable condition, but could do with a light clean internally, but I leave that for the buyer to decide.
Original hand blown victorian glazing, simply puttied in, original carry handle to top.
Probably produced to publicize the ships first voyages or an advertising piece.
A very rare model, the first I have ever seen.
Case just over 37" long, 6" deep, and just under 12" tall.