Ship model of the PLATINA

Date1870 - 1880

Object number00006882

NameModel

MediumTimber, copper, linen

DimensionsOverall: 550 x 670 x 170 mm, 4 kg

ClassificationsModels

Credit LineANMM Collection Purchased with USA Bicentennial Gift funds

Terms

DescriptionThis ship model of the three masted bark PLATINA is an antique (1870 - 1880) and is thought to have been made by a sailor. The PLATINA had a long career and visited King George Sound in Western Australia in 1882-1886.HistoryThe bark PLATINA 266 tonnes was built at Rochester, Massachusetts in 1847 and completed 8 whaling voyages from Westport, Mass during 1847 - 1874 and 11 addditional whaling cruises from New Bedford during 1875-1911. In February 1910 a seaman from the PLATINA, William Garrity, reported that the PLATINA was wrecked off Cape Town and all hands were lost apart from himself and another seaman. Funeral services were held for the crew in New Bedford. However this story was discredited when the whaler reported at Dominica with a full crew and cargo of sperm oil. The PLATINA was sold for firewood at Brava in 1911.SignificanceThis ship model is significant in representing an American whaling ship which visited Western Australia in the late 19th Century.