A builders’ model of the paddle steamer Swati
British late 19th century
The shoal draft hull built up in wood and painted with a red bottom and black topsides. With two open decks, the lower deck built out with over hangings supported with knee brackets, the lower deck fitted with a double wheel, boiler, and fire box, the paddle wheel boxes are fitted with well detailed and accurate made paddle wheels and decorated with the name. The upper-deck is supported by brass deck stanchions and fitted with deck houses, boats on davits and other details, the roofs are corrugated tin, with a hinged funnel and observation deck with canopy frame. Displayed on the four original turned brass stanchions.
65 x 17 x 19 in. (165.1 x 43.1 x 48.2 cm.) model on pedestals

Steel side-paddle steamer full-hull rigged builder’s model depicting “Swati.” This steamboat was evidently used on the rivers of Swaziland, a country about the size of New Jersey in Southeastern Africa. Swati is the language employed by the people of Swaziland. This fascinating model has a wooden hull and mostly metal superstructure. There are two decks, both are open and the upper one is sheltered by what must have been a hot tin roof. The funnel is articulated so it can be lowered to the roof for passage under bridges or other obstructions.

Provenance: Malcolm Forbes Collection
Price: $16,500
Article #3053