These 10 Impressive Model Ships Sold Big at Auction

Written by Rachel Schneider on March 10, 2025

A small wooden model of an old sailing ship with detailed sails is placed on a rough, textured wooden surface. The background is dimly lit, highlighting the ship's intricate design.

Sergii Vasylchenko/istockphoto

From centuries-old galleons to modern-day cargo ships, model ships capture the essence of sailing the seas in stunning detail. Whether crafted for display or built as a tribute to famous vessels, these models offer a glimpse into the world of maritime heritage and the fine craftsmanship that goes into preserving it. Here are some of the most valuable examples we could find.

1. Rare Silver Model of a Galleon Nef

Ornate silver ship sculpture with intricate details, featuring sails, rigging, and carvings. The ship is mounted on four wheels, giving it a unique appearance that combines maritime and terrestrial elements. — Image courtesy of liveauctioneers.com and Pasarel

Image courtesy of liveauctioneers.com and Pasarel

Sold for: $9,500

This rare silver galleon nef from Germany features a single mast, front-deck cannon, and eight sculpted figures. Its chased hull is adorned with mermaids, putti, dolphins, and seahorses. The detachable upper deck adds to its detail, while four dolphin supports and revolving wheels enhance its design.

2. Newsboy Merchant Brig Ship Model

A detailed model ship encased in a glass display with a wooden base. The model has intricate masts and rigging, and the glass case has a gold trim. The wooden base has a polished finish, enhancing the ship's craftsmanship. — Image courtesy of liveauctioneers.com and Bertoia Auctions

Image courtesy of liveauctioneers.com and Bertoia Aucrions

Sold for: $6,500

This ship is modeled after the famous clipper-bowed merchant brigantine Newsboy, which was built in Maine in 1854. Renowned model maker Lloyd McCaffery expertly created this detailed scale model in the 1990s. Measuring 10 inches in length, it remains in near-mint condition. Before the auction, its value was estimated between $600 and $900, which it far exceeded after a $6,500 sale.

3. M.T. Panamax Mars General Cargo Ship

A detailed scale model of a cargo ship displayed in a glass case. The ship features multiple masts and cranes and sits on a white base within the wooden-framed case. A small plaque is visible in the bottom right corner of the display. — Image courtesy of liveauctioneers.com and Clarke Auction Gallery

Image courtesy of liveauctioneers.com and Clarke Auction Gallery

Sold for: $6,500

This impressive 1/100 scale model of the M.T. Panamax Mars general cargo ship was crafted for display by Hitachi Shipbuilding & Engineering Co., LTD. The large, museum-quality piece features intricate detailing and is enclosed in a substantial glass case.

4. Spanish Galleon Pirate Ship Model

Model of an old wooden sailing ship with three masts, featuring red cross emblems on the sails. The ship is displayed on a decorative stand, complete with a small bell. — Image courtesy of liveauctioneers.com and Julien’s Auctions

Image courtesy of liveauctioneers.com and Julien's Auctions

Sold for: $6,000

This impressive model of the Spanish galleon San Francisco was hand-built by Kladiusz Marczuk. It features a remote-controlled electric motor along with intricate embellishments that add to its authenticity and craftsmanship. The ship is displayed on a custom-fitted stand.

5. Fine Art Model SS Lane Victory Ship

A detailed model of a cargo ship is displayed on a wooden base. The ship has a red hull, multiple cranes, and a central smokestack. The background is plain and dark, emphasizing the ship's intricate features. — Image courtesy of liveauctioneers.com and Bertoia Auctions

Image courtesy of liveauctioneers.com and Bertoia Auctions

Sold for: $6,000

This contemporary model of the SS Lane Victory is a finely crafted representation of the historic Victory-class ship. Measuring 58 inches in length, it’s displayed in a 62-inch-wide case.

6. Dutch Statenyacht Ship Model

A detailed wooden model ship encased in a glass display box with a wooden base. The ship features intricate rigging and sails, mounted on stands. A small plaque is visible on the front of the base. — Image courtesy of liveauctioneers.com and Bertoia Auctions

Image courtesy of liveauctioneers.com and Bertoia Auctions

Sold for: $4,500

This replica of a Dutch Statenyacht represents the elegant transport ships used from the 17th through 19th centuries to carry and entertain royalty and high-ranking officials. Built by renowned model maker Lloyd McCaffery in the 1990s, this near-mint model is intricately detailed.

7. French Steam Ship Working Model

A model ship with a copper-colored hull and two masts displayed against a plain background. Flags are atop the masts, and intricate details like cannons and a smokestack are visible on the deck. — Image courtesy of liveauctioneers.com and Andrew Jones Auctions

Image courtesy of liveauctioneers.com and Andrew Jones Auctions

Sold for: $4,400

This working model of a French steamship is 18 inches tall and 22 inches long. From the cannons to the propellers and the flags, this ship is beyond detailed.

8. MS Martin Bakke Scale Model

A detailed model ship encased in a glass display with a wooden frame. The ship features a black hull with a red bottom, three masts, and a smokestack. It is mounted on a stand within the case. — Image courtesy of liveauctioneers.com and Clars Auctions

Image courtesy of liveauctioneers.com and Clars Auctions

Sold for: $4,000

This impressive ship model was originally built in 1936 by Aktiebolaget Gotaverken in Gothenburg, Sweden, for Kint Knutsen O.A.S. Weighing approximately 100 pounds, the ship itself measures 15 inches in height, 54 inches in length, and 7 inches in depth.

9. USS Parche Submarine Model

A detailed model of a submarine is displayed in a glass case with a wooden base. The model has multiple antennas and periscopes on top. It is set against a plain white background. — Image courtesy of liveauctioneers.com and Guernsey’s

Image courtesy of liveauctioneers.com and Guernsey's

Sold for: $4,000

This expertly crafted model of the USS Parche — a renowned Balao-class submarine — is displayed in an elegant case and remains in perfect condition. Though the maker is unknown, the model captures the legacy of one of the most highly decorated submarines of World War II’s Pacific Submarine Force. The Parche completed six war patrols, earning five battle stars and a Presidential Unit Citation.

10. Twin-Screw Bucket Dredger Model

A detailed vintage model of a steam paddle ship with visible machinery inside a glass case. The ship features a red hull and intricate mechanical components with a paddle wheel along its side. The case has a wooden frame. — Image courtesy of liveauctioneers.com and Bonhams

Image courtesy of liveauctioneers.com and Bonhams

Sold for: $4,000

This detailed ship model represents the twin-screw bucket dredger Affonso Penna, built by Fleming & Ferguson in 1907 for C. H. Walker & Co. in London. Adding to its allure, the ship is encased in a mahogany enclosure.