18th century East Indiaman trading vessel
Date1980s
Object number00017121
NameModel
MediumWood, thread, copper
DimensionsOverall: 350 x 1120 x 240 mm
ClassificationsModels
Credit LineANMM Collection Gift from A Burden
DescriptionThis ship model shows an 18th century East Indiaman trading vessel. The model uses 18th century dark polished wood for the hull but is largely a 20th century reconstruction.HistoryEast Indiamen were built for trade between Europe and Asia from 1600 to the 1830s. The English East India Company had its own dockyard at Deptford, England. The ships were highly decorated with gilding and carving and known as the most expensive and lavish ships of the day, built as symbols of the East India Company's prestige. The ships were also heavily armed for protection against piracy in the Malay Archipelago and against the ships of rival companies.
East Indiamen were significant in Australian history because much of the provisions for the infant colony of New South Wales arrived from India and China aboard East Indiamen. In the 1790s, cargoes of grain, rum or meat were sent from India to Sydney on speculation and the East India Company carried cargoes of convicts and supplies from England to Sydney. Their ships mainly returned from Sydney 'in ballast' -i.e. without full cargoes - heading for an Asian or Indian port in the hope of picking up a cargo for Europe.
SignificanceThis model is representative of commercial vessels in East India and the development of trade between Europe and Asia during the 17th, 18th and 19th centuries.
