Ship model  SAN FELIPE of 1690

The historical background of the Spanish SAN FELIPE of 1690

The SAN FELIPE is a favourite ship among the ship model builders. The model is elegant, very beautifully designed, and makes a decorative piece of art to be displayed at home or in the office.
However, a Spanish three-decker with the name “San Felipe” most probably did not exist in 1690. The San Felipe models show construction elements of hull and rigging of Spanish ships of the line around 1700. But the question remains: Why don’t the kit makers refer to a ship of that time that did exist and has been described in detail? If you are interested in more details, look at this page about San Felipe authenticity.

The ship model, photos, description and dimensions

Please take your time to have a good look at the set of photos. There are several views of the entire ship model and close views of hull and rigging. If you click on a photo you will get that photo in high resolution. Only these high resolution photographs show how much work and handicraft ability were put in the model. (If you use Microsoft Internet Explorer or Firefox, press F11 to minimize navigation bars and have a larger screen with the photos.)

This model is a fine piece of work that emphasizes the elegance of the hull and the impressive rigging. It is a beautifully designed ship.

The ship model is not fixed to the stand. Alternatively, it can be put on a flat board like this maple tree board (borrowed from another ship model, doesn't fit exactly) or be set directly on a flat surface as in the photo above, stabilized by a tiny wedge, similar to this model of the 1780 Royal Louis.

The model is 1 : 75 scale. Length is 97 cm, width 38 cm, height 88 cm. Without stand, placed directly on a flat surface, the height would be only 80 cm.