Model Shipways/Mamoli - Black Prince 1:57 Privateer - Ben Franklin's Black Fleet - Plank-On-Frame Model Ship Kit

Model Shipways/Mamoli - Black Prince 1:57 Privateer - Ben Franklin's Black Fleet - Plank-On-Frame Model Ship KitNow Made in the USA by Model Shipways Scale: 1: 57 Length: 21" Height: 14" During the Revolutionary War (1774 76) private vessels (privateers) were commissioned by the colonial rebel government to prey on British commerce everywhere and to capture, when possible, British ships. At the time of the Revolutionary War, Benjamin Franklin was ambassador to France. He was allowed to buy French built corsairs through an important ship broker. These corsairs

Now Made in the USA by Model Shipways

Scale: 1:57 Length: 21" Height: 14"

During the Revolutionary War (1774 – 76) private vessels (privateers) were commissioned by the colonial rebel government to prey on British commerce everywhere and to capture, when possible, British ships. At the time of the Revolutionary War, Benjamin Franklin was ambassador to France. He was allowed to buy French built corsairs through an important ship broker. These corsairs were the predecessors of the Baltimore Clippers. The ships were painted black so as to be nearly invisible at night. They were named Black Prince and Black Princess. The crew were Portuguese seamen but captained by an American. They preyed on the British trade in English coastal waters and for over a year nearly destroyed Britain’s trade with the rest of the world.

Note on Wood Types and Finishes

Mamoli kits were originally designed and produced in Italy, and their instructions and plans reference several traditional European woods such as Acero, Tanganica, Tulipier, Walnut, Ramin (Ramino), Mahogany (Mogano), Movingui, etc. Since the brand’s acquisition by the renowned Czech model-kit manufacturer Dusek and the subsequent production of Mamoli kits in the USA by Model Expo, many of these wood types have been replaced with high-quality Basswood.

Basswood offers excellent workability and is ideal for shaping, sanding, and finishing. In the original Mamoli designs, many of the European woods were later stained, conditioned, or painted with solid colors, making Basswood a suitable and reliable substitute. For builders wishing to replicate the intended tones and finishes, we recommend exploring the Model Shipways / Model Expo paint and stain catalog, where you will find a wide selection of stains, conditioners, and paints to achieve the historically accurate or desired appearance.

Model Shipways / Model Expo paint and stain catalog

Recommended Paint Set