Unmasking the Witch Clipper 1846: Secrets of the Sea

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The Maritime Witch Clipper 1846 was a significant ship in maritime history. It was a sleek and fast sailing vessel that was commonly used during the mid-19th century for trade and transportation. The clipper ships were known for their slender hulls and tall masts, which allowed them to sail at remarkable speeds. The Maritime Witch Clipper was specifically built in 1846 and quickly gained fame as one of the fastest and most reliable ships of its time. It was a symbol of American maritime prowess and contributed greatly to the development of international trade. The ship was constructed using advanced shipbuilding techniques that maximized its speed and efficiency.


Custom built ship models such as this Seawitch Clipper three masted tall ship are built by professional Master Model Builders. Each one is a custom work of fine art built by hand in the USA.

But as historian Steven Ujifusa shows in his new book, Barons of the Sea , clipper ships also had a dark side They serviced the opium trade, which left millions of Chinese addicted, and employed brutal, and sometimes dangerous, methods to make their ships sail faster. Many of the great clipper ship fortunes funded famous preparatory schools, like Milton Academy, and universities such as Harvard, Princeton, and Yale, as well as many other well-known cultural institutions.

Maritime witch clipper 1846

The ship was constructed using advanced shipbuilding techniques that maximized its speed and efficiency. Its hull was made from high-quality materials, and it was designed to cut through the water with ease. The clipper also had a large sail area, allowing it to catch the wind and travel at impressive speeds.

Maritime witch clipper 1846

The Sea Witch was one of the earliest and most famous clipper ships, built in 1846, New York. Designed for quick passage the clipper ships sleek hulls knifed through the oceans at record breaking speeds laden with perishable cargoes.

Acres of sail caught the wind and drove some of the clippers faster than many of the steam and diesel ships of today.

Sailing her maiden voyage to China from New York she set her first of many records.

Sea Witch broke that record by making the return voyage from China to New York in only 74 days and 14 hours, an impressive record that was never beaten by a merchant sailing ship.

By 1850 the California gold rush was in high gear as busy trade from east to west coast became ever more important. Sea Witch changed routes and began sailing from New York to San Francisco. She set yet another record of making the trip in less than 100 days.

After only three years she returned to her original China route. After several years of record breaking voyages the crew mutinied in 1855. Sea Witch completed her voyage to China but struck a reef off the coast of Cuba on her return. Heavy seas battered the hull to pieces after only 10 years of service.

Shown here is but one example of many of the clipper ships that have been custom built, repaired and restored by Master Model Builders with more than 35 years experience.

This model is dry rigged as she was originally for maximum detailed view of intricacy and quality of rigging workmanship.

She has a solid wood hull which has been painted with a high quality copper paint, a less expensive alternative to copper planking.

A custom Cherry wood case was built to prevent harm and ensure lasting beauty. Vertical stiles are made of aluminum and painted copper to match the hull work. Includes an engraved brass nameplate. Ship is mounted on a matching wood keel support and secured to the base.

Woods are hand rubbed with numerous coats of sealer and fine natural oils for a radiant finish. Enclosure of durable, shatter resistant Optix. Ideal illumination from above utilizing low voltage halogen light with 110 volt on/off switch cord. Large back panel opens for easy model access.

When completing restoration work we retain as much of the original model as possible. Creating seamless repairs to existing woods, replacing yards and masts as needed and then staining to match. Rigging lines are replaced with high quality waxed line to ensure long term accurate tension.

27" long x 11" deep x 21" tall

An investment piece that is certain to endure the true test of time. A one of a kind work of art that has been well restored to last a lifetime and more as a valued family heirloom.

Freestanding Seawitch Model Display

One of our restored antique Seawitch models with custom case made of Mahogany and exotic Wenge. Includes overhead no heat lighting, easy open back panel and intricate base supports with small display shelf.

Where museum quality is NOT just a slogan.

Internationally recognized, award winning, professionally certified Master Model Builders offering one-of-a-kind custom built models from kit embellished to full scratch builds. More than 40 years individual experience using only professional grade materials. Raven Arts - the proof is in the pictures.

Model building is taken to an unparalleled fine art form.

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The Ship Model Masters of Raven Arts in Washington State are the Nation's premier custom model ship building service located just West of Seattle, WA

Custom built ship models such as this Seawitch Clipper three masted tall ship are built by professional Master Model Builders. Each one is a custom work of fine art built by hand in the USA.

Available in a multitude of sizes and configurations.

Offering model repairs, restorations and custom display cases.

Maritime witch clipper 1846

The Maritime Witch Clipper was well-suited for long-distance travel and often sailed across oceans and continents to transport goods and passengers. It was particularly popular for the "clipper route" between Europe and Australia, where it could complete the journey in record time. The ship was also known for its luxurious amenities, which made the long voyages more comfortable for passengers. It had spacious cabins, elegant dining areas, and even recreational spaces to keep passengers entertained during the journey. However, despite its popularity and success, the Maritime Witch Clipper faced challenges as steamships began to dominate the maritime industry. These steam-powered vessels offered faster and more reliable transport and eventually rendered clipper ships obsolete. Today, the Maritime Witch Clipper 1846 serves as a reminder of a bygone era in maritime history. It symbolizes the skill and innovation of shipbuilders during the 19th century and the importance of trade and transportation in global economies..

Reviews for "The Witch Clipper 1846: A Floating Prison of the Supernatural"

1. Samantha - 2 stars
I was really disappointed with the Maritime Witch Clipper 1846. The build quality was subpar and I noticed several design flaws. The sails kept getting stuck, and it was a real hassle to untangle them every time. Additionally, the ship was not very stable in water and easily capsized. Overall, the experience was frustrating and not enjoyable. I would not recommend purchasing this product.
2. Michael - 1 star
The Maritime Witch Clipper 1846 was a complete waste of money. The ship's hull was made of cheap plastic that easily cracked. The mast was flimsy and not securely attached, causing it to constantly fall over. It was extremely frustrating trying to keep the ship in one piece during play. The worst part was that the ship sank easily and was difficult to retrieve from the water. Save your money and steer clear of this poorly made toy.
3. Emily - 2 stars
I had high hopes for the Maritime Witch Clipper 1846, but it fell short of my expectations. The ship's design was not well thought out, and it lacked the attention to detail that other similar toys have. The rigging was poorly done, with loose ends and knots that easily unraveled. The ship also tended to leak water, causing it to sink faster than expected. I was left feeling disappointed and regretful of my purchase decision. I would not recommend this toy to anyone looking for a quality maritime experience.

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