We saw this photos provided by long time ship modeler, author, and customer Don Dressel, and had to share it. Don is a member of the Ship Modelers Association of Fullerton, CA, and built this exquisite model of the 17th century ship of the line HMS Sovereign of the Seas quite some time ago.

This is one of the flagship kits of Mantua-Sergal of Italy, and represents one of the ultimate in ship modeling challenges for a builder. The model is a 1/78-scale kit that requires a lot of love and dedication to see to completion. It is an ornate model that features over 600 brass casting. The completed model measures over 43 inches long and 34 inches high.

Don consulted various references and made numerous modifications in the construction of his model of the ship that the Dutch referred to as the “Golden Devil”.

The original ship was built in 1637 with an elaborately decorated and gilded stern, ordered by Charles I of England. She was armed with 102 bronze cannons. Over the years she was renamed HMS Sovereign and then HMS Royal Sovereign.

Though the many custom castings make the kit very heavy and expensive, it is one of exquisite beauty. You can check out the kit if you are interested on our web shop here: https://www.agesofsail.com/ecommerce/mantua-soverign-of-the-seas-ms787.html

Special thanks to Don Dressel for providing the photo of his awesome model! Ω