Repair and Restoration -Van Ryper Military Ship Models/ Rex Stewart

              Photo showing the visible damage and missing parts from the ship model VASSAR VICTORY.

Charles Van Ryper had a very distinguished line of miniature naval models that represented steam/propeller types which operated on American and international waters. These works were heralded as 'Art Deco' waterline models which were favored and collected by notables when he started his business in 1933.

His shop came at a time when the world was bustling with transportation of all sorts -and citizens, worldwide, took to the harbors to commute on the lavish steamships of the day. Collecting momentos of their travels such as menus, schedules, souvenirs and ship models.

 Port profile view showing complete restoration of troop and freight transport VASSAR VICTORY. Many parts were custom made and refitted -including hatches, cranes, flagstaffs and bridges.


As his models grew in popularity, they attracted the interest of the United States Navy. His shop, located on Beach Road in Vineyard Haven, MA., was contracted in 1942 to produce waterline miniatures for strategic naval planners during WW II.

Van Ryper produced an array of models which included liberty ships, battlecruisers, destroyers -along with freighters and aircraft carriers. His contract, though prolific, was short-tenured due to his inability to keep up with demand. He and his devoted staff returned back to producing, along with his signature miniatures, larger-scaled wood models that were beautiful and intricately detailed. These went on to become part of his Travel Series which became highly soughtafter by businesses and collectors alike. A practice that continues 'today'.

Presented on this page are several military models I recently restored for clients, both here and across the Atlantic.

 

 Restored Van Ryper Battle-cruiser ship model. Carried chipped paint around the bow and stern hull area. Missing radar mast, stern flagstaff and several missing gun turrents and lifeboats.

Starboard profile of rare Van Ryper Troop Transport model on its mahogany plinth. Model was cleaned, repaired with custom parts and repainted.

 Cleared of dark, sooty and marred varnish, deck was carefully sanded and refinished. Smokestack and tower was replaced and repainted.

                        Worn and damaged WW II T2 Tanker...discolored with many missing parts.

Fully restored Van Ryper model of WW II T2 Tanker. Many features custom made and restored to its original appearance.

So many great models were produced by this prolific builder and, are in existance today...Many are hidden away. Some, damaged beyond repair with little or no knowledge of their value. The truth remain that these lost or displaced models can be salvaged by those who appreciate this art form.

For more information about restoring a Van Ryper military ship model, you may contact me at Caseships@yahoo.com or call 1-774-757-7137.

Van Ryper C2 Freighter GOLDEN LIGHT - The Repair/ Rex Stewart

      
           The C2 Freighter GOLDEN LIGHT shown with missing parts prior to restoration.
          One of many existing Van Ryper models in need of modest and/or extensive repair.

History:

Classified as a C2-S-B1, the C2 types were designed by the United States Maritime Commission in 1937-38. They were all-purpose carego ships containing five holds. One hundred and seventy-three were built between 1940 and 1945. The first C2s to appear were 459 feet long, 63 feet in beam, 40 feet in depth with a draft of 25 feet. Later ships of this class that followed varied in size.

Vineyard Haven's Charles Van Ryper, known for his Travel Series miniatures, also produced technical scale models for various commercial entities. He produced a vast number of momentos for those who commuted on the oceanliners; yet, it appear the cargo ships were his most detailed masterpieces.

Recently, I had the opportunity to view a modestly damaged , yet salvageable model of GOLDEN LIGHT, a C2-S-B1 Class Freighter. On the stern was the inscription "Golden Light, Los Angeles, CA". Years of handling, dust, and exposure made this piece unattractive
to the point of discardment. But viewing the detail, both visible and missing, I seen a hidden diamond in the rough.

               Starboard Bow View of Van Ryper's C2 Class GOLDEN LIGHT after restoration.

On this particular miniature, many pieces were either loose or missing -including several winches, a boat davit, crane systems, and a smokestack. There was discoloration everywhere and the entire model had to be repainted.

I set out to search the web for any possible photos of this vessel, but none could be found.
However, references were available for similiar types which had given me opportunity to explore their designs and reconfigure missing details. Furthermore, I was able to carefully clean tight areas around the model and replace parts in those locations that were void of paint -including open holes which identified where Mr. Ryper placed his deck furniture.

                        Port view of completed restoration without the base attachment.


Many of the missing winches had to be duplicated in wood. These were originally metal, but with past experience with prior restorations I was able to copy the winches successfully. The rail replacement and repair to the badly damaged upper pilothouse decking was the real challenge. In some areas the wood was too brittle and had to be removed, followed by careful and meticulous cleaning. Finally the area had to have wood replaced and applied with woodfiller to seal some rotted areas before painting.

After approximately a week in the studio, the GOLDEN LIGHT returned back to Martha's Vineyard, MA. Not worn and damaged, but in pristine condition...as if never been touched.

There are many C2 type models out there that need attention. And there are collectors out there who understand the worth and importance of those models; but most important, the worthy contributions Mr. Van Ryper (and his staff) made to the maritime.

A few years ago, South Street Seaport Museum honored his work with a striking exhibition.
Among the pieces shown were his C2 type cargo ships. These were highly prized by the builder and it gives me great pleasure to have this opportunity to restore them and bring  back their original appearance.

             Port Overview of Rex Stewart's restoration of Van Ryper's GOLDEN LIGHT.
           The project came with the original base and plaque which also had to be cleaned
           and restored. The author encourage collectors to keep the original bases for
           added value to the work.
  

          

                          
                     Starboard View, Van Ryper GOLDEN LIGHT Freighter - Completed

GOLDEN LIGHT is just one of many damaged models on the circuit today. These may not seem appropriate for collecting (at first glance), but I assure those who bypass these at flea markets, auctions, etc., they are 'priceless' and worthy to be restored.

For more information about restoring these vintage collectibles, email: Caseships@yahoo.com or call 1-774-757-7137. You may also visit this site to view my current line of work  https://www.flickr.com/photos/rexstewartoriginals/ .

           

Van Ryper's Freighter ALCOA PILGRIM - The Restoration/ Rex Stewart

              
               The New York Freighter ALCOA PILGRIM as she appeared before her
              sinking in 1942.

Vintage shipmodels that are visiting the internet via ebay, auctions, and private collections all seem to feature in their venues (at some point or another) a Van Ryper original. Many of these miniatures appear somewhat 'toyish' due to their lack of workmanship in restoration -or mishandling over the years from neglect.

Recently I had the opportunity to restore another Ryper model of a 1:384 scale miniature of the ALCOA PILGRIM. This vessel was an unarmed freighter which met its fate on May 28, 1942 when she was enroute to the United States from Spain. A German U-boat patrolling the area caught sight of the ALCOA and quickly sanked her with 31 of the 40 crew members aboard.

The model that was presented to me was in a dismal state. Many parts were missing and, as usual, much discoloration. After carefully viewing this once beautiful model, and working with what remaining details were left, I was able to duplicate missing parts and reconstruct others.

             This is the original state of a nearly discarded Van Ryper miniature, ALCOA
             PILGRIM. Many missing parts and discoloration from years of exposure and
             dust is relevant.

             After careful cleaning, followed by painstaking research, it was possible to
             duplicate and restore the missing parts -preventing this investment from being
             trashed.

            
             Van Ryper's ALCOA PILGRIM restored back to a 'second appearance' for a
            satisfied collector on Martha's Vineyard. The model is shown without the base-
            board which would be cleaned and polished to complete the project.


Many of the replaced pieces were made of wood and some pieces required metal as on the original build. Not many of the Rypers I restored had pieces which caused me to investigate some of Mr. Ryper's earlier works to make a judgement call relative to detail applications. Certainly it was a challenge, but this took on another scope as I proceeded. Now, as a professional builder, I'm more convinced than ever that his models can be repaired with the highest quality available.

Those who desire to build on their Van Ryper Collections, I recommend that one should search for his badly damaged pieces. They can be salvaged and returned back to their original state -regardless of how many parts are missing.

           
               Completed restoration showing the 1:384 scale ALCOA PILGRIM on its
              original baseboard. Approximate time of restoration: two weeks.

             
                                               Starboard overview of the restoration.


Van Ryper miniatures are timeless pieces and can be found, especially on ebay. Some are better than others; but all have unique qualities in their own right -as I've restored many to know that these are worthy of display today as they were yesterday.

More information can be obtained on this  restoration service by writing: Caseships@yahoo.com or visiting website to view my current line of work at https://www.flickr.com/photos/rexstewartoriginals/  or calling 1-774-757-7137.

Van Ryper Ship Models - Repairing The Damage/ Rex Stewart

                
                            Damaged Van Ryper Cargo Tanker with worn baseboard

In the maritime arts, especially in the Antique and Collectibles category, a strong and vibrant resurgence has occurred relative to the acquisition of Charles Van Ryper ship models.

As with any artform, Mr. Ryper's work was commonplace during his early years and not taken seriously as work to be collected. These were simplistic works in their variation of design and were produced as simple travel momentos for tourists who wanted a model as a keepsake reminder of their voyages. These models were not expensive since they originated during the Depression Era, but attracted people from all social levels who appreciated his work which was eventually heralded as 'Art Deco' by his contemporaries.

                                             A restored Van Ryper Oceanliner Model

Mr. Ryper started his first set of models titled the "Travel Series" out of Vineyard Haven, MA (Martha's Vineyard) in 1933. These small oceanliner models were made of wood with metal parts and ranged in size from 9 - 11" inches. As special requests were made, Mr. Ryper built larger 13 - 18" inch versions of the smaller pieces. These were more detailed, to scale, and of high quality.

                      
                       Damaged Van Ryper model of freighter ALCO PILGRIM. Many parts
                     were missing and had to be faithfully researched and restored.

As Ryper's reputation for his "Travel Series" grew, shipping companies acquired his one-of-a-kind models; inparticular, his freighters and oceanliners. During the Second World War his shop produced many models for the military, the US Maritime Commission, and for shipyards across America which consisted of all types of fighting and merchant ships in grey color. These has become, in contemporary times, highly sought after collectibles which few are ever auctioned -rather traded.

                      One of many worn and damaged Van Ryper models in existance with
                    missing parts and discoloration due to dust and exposure. This model is
                    a WW II T2 Tanker.

   
                  Here, the author sits in his New England studio restoring the Van Ryper
                  tanker model. With the assistance of supporting websites Mr. Stewart was
                  able to scale the deck furniture and accessories to their original appearances.

                   Starboard closeup view of stern showing the worn and chipped areas

                 
             Project completion - WW II T2 Tanker, Van Ryper restored model - Rex Stewart

In 2006 I was given the opportunity to view and restore Van Ryper models. This came about at the same time I presented by line of miniature sailing ships on the circuit, starting with Captain Cook's ENDEAVOR.

As I viewed the Ryper models, I became intrigued with his journeyman approach to the medium and appreciated his contributions to the maritime relative to his skills as a builder. I traced his history back 80 years which gave me a 'hands-on' relative to his style and technique. He built with passion and I discovered in his models the secret methods he applied to his work which seem to have been overlooked by contemporaries.

It's not enough to just restore a Ryper model. The very fact that his work was (and is) highly respected surely makes any of his existant work prized collectibles...and special consideration should be given to his exacting details, especially on worn and damaged pieces.

                           Damaged and worn C2 Freighter Model of Charles Van Ryper

                     Clean and restored C2 Freighter Model of Charles Van Ryper. Missing
                   parts scaled, handcrafted, and replaced by author.

Simplistic in presentation, many of these miniature models were intricately detailed. Mr. Ryper's work was highly sought after when he established his shop on Cape Cod some 80 years ago. Today, his miniature ship models are in much demand and exhibited in public and private collections worldwide.

For more information about repair and/or restoration of a Van Ryper model, email; Caseships@yahoo.com or call 1-774-757-7137. You may also visit this site to view my line of current works  https://www.flickr.com/photos/rexstewartoriginals/.

Restoring the Van Ryper Models -The Beginning

Not knowing much about Charles Van Ryper during my early years, I came to discover his models 20 years ago by way of several collectors who commissioned my sidewheel steamers.

It was suggested that I build waterline types to suppliment income when work wasn't available. But my line of work escalated as my reputation grew in and around New York and New England relative to the detailed steamboats I was producing. I did, however, incorporate some of Mr. Van Ryper's techniques to a pair of steamboat models I built for a client in Virginia who wanted waterline pieces for his train layout. Nothing after that left the studio until I was recently notified of several restorations that needed work concerning models made by the renowned builder.

These models were contracted by these collectors whom lived on Martha's Vineyard and knew the family of Van Ryper personally.


Many of his models were simple works that
carried a nice value and a large following as I soon
learned. Taking these works apart, cleaning them, repairing and repainting damaged areas placed me in the position of shadowing his building practices and methods.

I was able to see how and what materials he used to achieve simple yet minute detail to works that contemporary antique dealers deemed as 'Art Deco'.

Charles Van Ryper started his line of 'Art Deco' models on Martha's Vineyard in 1933 during the midst of the Great Depression. He once declared these miniature gems as being " small, inexpensive models of great ships." The first models in his series appealed to the general public as well as to the
shipping industry. Today, Van Ryper models are prized collectibles -a fleet unto themselves as fine ships.

             Maritime artist and shipmodelbuilder Rex Stewart sits among the Van Ryper
             models he's been commissioned to restore for Martha's Vineyard collectors.

 When Charles first produced them in the old
whaling town of Vineyard Haven, MA he
established a simple idea to reconstruct, in
miniature, ships that were easily identified by appearance. He developed his own unique style of models -similiar to my steamboat type today...the signature being my flags.

His miniatures were handmade of wood where he incorporated some metal parts and painted them in their original furnishings. He began to call his pieces the "Travel Series"
which birthed his 9 - 11" inch ship models. This prolific series grew with amazing results and in 1937 a catalog published some 250 ships of all nations. There were special commissions received by his small shop on the Vineyard which addressed larger 13 - 18" inch works as seen in the above picture, and

         Shown, the Van Ryper Freighter is presented as a restored model by the artist.


occasionally, more detailed models were ordered for his miniatures. He continued his Series up until 1960, retiring from his business and selling off his remaining works until 1962.

Since then his work has been highly sought after and traded all around the  world. Last year South Street Seaport in New York City held a fascinating exhibit on the Ryper Collection.
As a builder I'm honored to restore his works. I get to examine them and apply his very techniques to the pieces that he was known to originate.

     Shown here is a badly damaged and discolored CROSS RIP LIGHTSHIP. After viewing
    several photos of Van Ryper's earlier pieces, I was able to use those and photos of the
    actual vessel to conclude the accuracy of his technique and applications.

               
                                 Another view of the damaged LIGHTSHIP, profile view. 

           
                   The CROSS RIP LIGHTSHIP restored to its original configuration.

As a builder I have been given the opportunity to retrace Charles Van Ryper's methods and style of modelmaking. These images are only a few of the many projects completed, to date.
Surely, this individual was a true one-of-a-kind.

For more information about restoring these Van Ryper vintage collectibles, email: Caseships@yahoo.com or call 1-774-757-7137. You may also visit this site to view current work  https://www.flickr.com/photos/rexstewartoriginals/.