John J. Wa rdwell, marine architect, designed more than 150 vessels, 83

of which were constructed under his supervision. Most notably he

designed and built the first six-master, `George W. Wells', that was 342'

long and at the time the largest wooden vessel afloat. In 1900 he began

managing the well known shipbuilding firm Cobb, Butler & Co. of

Rockland, Maine, a position that he held for at least 10 years. Wa rdwell

was well known for his model building and was quite meticulous in cre-

ating half hulls of some of the vessels he designed and built. It is docu-

mented that many of his models were displayed in the model room at

the Cobb, Butler & Co. shipbuilding facility. The next two items are fish-

ing schooner half models made by J.J. Wa rdwell and both are construct-

ed nearly identical to the model being held by an elderly Wa rdwell in a

photograph provided to us by Captain Douglas Lee of Rockland, Maine.

*147. HALF MODEL BY J.J. WARDWELL. Multi lift construction using alternating sections of mahogany and

pine. Mounted on original green painted backboard with beveled edges. Painted directly on backboard is

depiction of vessel's bowsprit, stem, keel and rudder. Lower right with painted lettering "J.J.

Wardwell/DESIGNER/Rockland, Me". Bottom of vessel with copper color paint. Workmanship very fine and

paint work exceptional with bowsprit and let-

tering having added shadowing to create three

dimensional appearance. Model length 30 1/2"

plus bowsprit making it 34 1/2" overall.

Backboard 8" x 39". Condition of everything

excellent. We have a copy of a vintage photo

showing John J. Wardwell holding a half hull that very likely is this exact model. Included with the model

are numerous photo copies of articles written about Wardwell as well as a copy of the photograph(photo com-

pliments of Captain Douglas Lee).

SOLD

*148. HALF HULL MODEL BY J.J. WARDWELL. Another exceptionally built model by the well known Maine

designer/builder. Classic Wardwell style model with multi lift construction using alternating pieces of

mahogany and pine. Mounted on original, green

painted, backboard that has slightly rounded

edges. Painted directly on backboard is depiction

of vessel's bowsprit, stem, keel and rudder.

Painted on lower left, within a fancy scroll bor-

der, "J.J. Wardwell, Archt.,/Rockland Me.". Model length 34" plus painted bowsprit making overall length 40".

Backboard 8 1/2" x 46". Condition overall excellent with model having just few minor bruises. Very similar in

construction to model being held by Wardwell in photograph. Supplied to purchaser will be photo copies of

articles written about Wardwell and a copy of the photo.

SOLD

*149. CASED SET OF DRAWING INSTRUMENTS WITH OWNER'S NAME beautifully

script engraved on nearly every piece. All items fit neatly into individual compart-

ments within walnut storage case. Top of lid inset with ornate, nickel silver, plaque

that is script engraved "Isaac Smith/Boston". Case size 4 1/4" x 9" x 1". Contains

prox 15 nickel silver and steel instruments most with script engraving "I. Smith". Condition excellent

although the square may have been shortened. Taylor lists an Isaac Smith, map maker and expert drawer, in

England around 1830. A quick check of an Isaac Smith in Boston turns up an Isaac Smith, Jr.(1749-1829), a

loyalist who fled to England during the war and returned in 1784 seeking reinstatement of his citizenship. A

handsome and complete set of early instruments. Rare to find with a name applied.

685.00

*150. RARE `COBB, BUTLER & CO.' SHIPBUILDER'S PLAQUE. Handsome, thick bronze plaque, with bold

lettering "Cobb, Butler/& Co./BUILDERS/Rockland, Maine, U.S.A./1903". 11" x 11" with beveled edges and

rounded corners. Mounted on a teak backboard(14" x 14") with routed edges and rounded corners. Condition

fine. In 34+ years this is the only plaque by this firm I've seen available. Bath Maritime Museum lacks one in

their collection. I purchased it from Chatham, MA dealer Keith Kittredge about 30 years ago. It relates nicely

to items 147 & 148 because in 1903 J. J. Wardwell was running the Cobb, Butler Shipbuilding Company.

Wonderful piece of New England maritime history. A great looking nautical item.

SOLD

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