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.
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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/.
