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.