Model of a Ship Camel c. 1784

This detailed wooden model of a ship camel, dating from around 1784, depicts a specialized vessel used to salvage ships. Ship camels were large, flat-bottomed boats designed to be positioned under a grounded vessel to lift it back into the water. This model captures the intricate structure of the ship camel, showcasing its robust construction and the array of timbers that would have supported the weight of the ship. These models were often commissioned by shipbuilders and naval architects for study and documentation.