Object Record
Images
Metadata
Title |
Trireme Model Ship by Charles Parsons |
Object Name |
Model, Instructional |
Description |
Trireme Model Ship by Charles Parsons is a handmade wooden boat. The boat has pointed ends, with the rear end curling upwards. The rear tail is striped red and beige. The front has a gold tip, with red, blue and black decorations above. The base of the ship is black while the upper body is unpainted wood. The ship has a flat cover over where the crew sits, with three "slots" cut out of it. The middle slot has a pole and sail coming out of it. The sail is square in shape, and is white with a rectangular grid pattern sewn on in beige thread. The rear slot anchors all the ropes for the sail. There are 75 paddles/oars on each side of the ship. There is a single seat at the rear, on the roof, with two large paddles. Ship is mounted on a light wood base, on a painted beige base, on a light wood base. |
Date |
2003 |
Creator |
Parsons, Charles |
Role |
Artist |
Medium |
Wood |
Catalog Number |
2007.045.004 |
Dimensions |
H-14.5 W-33.25 D-13 inches |
Collection |
3D - Documentary Objects |
Inscription Text |
"GREEK TRIREME / 500 BC / MODEL BY / CHARLES H. PARSONS / 2003" (inscribed on brass plaque affixed to base) |
Provenance |
Model ship built by local artisan Charles H. Parsons at his home in San Carlos, CA. |
Notes |
Trireme Greek Warship, c. 500 BC Model by Charles Parsons 1:48 scale, Completed 2003 The three tiers of oars allowed a trireme to travel at about 7.5 knots. Unlike other nations, the Greeks employed free citizens to man the oars of their ships. They usually drew their recruits from the poorer members of society. Square-rigged sails were used for power when the ship was not in battle. The principle weapon was the bronze-clad ram, which extended at or below the waterline to pierce the enemy warships. Men armed with spears or bows would then attempt to board and attack the enemy. The trireme-style warship ruled the Mediterranean Sea for nearly two centuries. |
Search Terms |
Parsons, Charles H. Ships Model Ships Models Trireme (ship) War Ships |
Subjects |
Models Ships Model ships Warships |
People |
Parsons, Charles H. |
Credit line |
Courtesy of Mrs. Charles (Suzanne E.) Parsons |