French Mid-20th-Century Hand-Built Wooden Pond Yacht - 42¼" x 41¾"

This vintage hand-built wooden pond yacht dates from the mid-20th century. The cream-painted hull is picked out with a fine green line above a black-painted keel, a restrained palette that works particularly well with the warm tones of the varnished wooden deck, mast and spars. The deck is detailed with a small raised cabin with three circular openings, simple fittings and a particularly charming low openwork railing whose repeating curved cutouts follow the line of the hull and give the profile a gentle sense of movement. The rigging carries two aged fabric sails, naturally stained and discolored with time. Wear and small losses to the painted surfaces, particularly around the lower hull and keel, are consistent with age and use. 

Pond yachts were made to sail on lakes and ponds as well as to be enjoyed as finely constructed models, often borrowing the proportions and working details of full-size sailing boats. This example is particularly decorative for the balance of its long, elegant hull, tall rigging and softly aged sails, while the combination of cream, green, black and natural wood gives it a subtle maritime character. Displayed on a console, mantel or shelf, it brings the atmosphere of a traditional sailing boat without feeling overly nautical. Note: The metal display stand shown in the photographs is not included.