Description:
The 8-inches model is carefully built from high-quality wood, reflecting the original vessel’s functional structure and sturdy craftsmanship. The deck features authentic details, including cargo hold outlines, hatches, and simple deck fittings, all crafted by hand to ensure historical accuracy. Each piece is assembled using techniques that replicate traditional shipbuilding, offering both durability and charm.
Finished with a smooth, natural wood tone, the Wijdschip L20 model comes with a polished wooden base and brass nameplate, making it an elegant decorative piece. Perfect for collectors, maritime enthusiasts, or anyone looking to celebrate the Netherlands’ rich nautical history, this model is both a miniature work of art and a tribute to the practicality and beauty of classic Dutch shipping.
History:
The Wijdschip is a classic example of the traditional Dutch cargo vessels that played a vital role in the Netherlands’ inland shipping during the 19th and early 20th centuries. Designed with a flat-bottomed hull and broad beam, these ships were perfect for navigating the shallow canals, rivers, and coastal waters of the region, carrying goods efficiently between towns and ports.
Wijdschips like the ship transported a wide variety of cargo, including grain, peat, bricks, and timber, and were known for their reliability and durability. Their simple yet practical design allowed them to carry heavy loads while maintaining stability in narrow waterways, and their sail rigging was optimized for easy handling by small crews.
These vessels were an essential part of Dutch commerce and daily life, connecting communities and facilitating trade long before motorized vessels became common. The Wijdschip L20 represents both the ingenuity and the maritime tradition of the Netherlands, embodying the craftsmanship and efficiency of inland shipping. Today, the replica model preserves the legacy of these iconic ships, offering collectors and maritime enthusiasts a tangible connection to Dutch nautical history.