Ernestina-Morrissey Schooner 36 inches Model

Ernestina-Morrissey Schooner – 36-Inch Handcrafted Wooden Model

Own a handcrafted model of the Ernestina-Morrissey Schooner, one of the world's most remarkable historic sailing vessels and a powerful symbol of maritime heritage shared between North America, the Arctic, and Cape Verde. Originally launched in 1894 as the Effie M. Morrissey, the schooner began her career as a Grand Banks fishing vessel before achieving fame under the command of legendary Arctic explorer Captain Robert A. Bartlett, completing numerous scientific expeditions to the far north. Later renamed Ernestina, she served for decades as a packet ship carrying passengers and cargo between Cape Verde and the United States, becoming an enduring cultural icon. Today, fully restored and designated the official tall ship of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, the Ernestina-Morrissey preserves a remarkable legacy of exploration, commerce, education, and international friendship.

Our 36-inch handcrafted Ernestina-Morrissey Schooner model faithfully captures the distinctive appearance of this historic sailing vessel. Each model is individually built by experienced craftsmen using the traditional plank-on-frame construction method—the same principle used in real wooden shipbuilding. We select only premium hardwoods, including Western Red Cedar, Teak, and Mahogany, ensuring exceptional durability, refined craftsmanship, and a timeless museum-quality finish.

Every element is carefully recreated, from the gracefully proportioned wooden hull and towering masts to the intricate standing and running rigging, hand-stitched sails, deckhouses, booms, anchors, railings, ship's boats, and other signature features that define the Ernestina-Morrissey. Rather than being mass-produced, each model is handcrafted with meticulous attention to detail, resulting in a stunning display piece worthy of any maritime, historical, or nautical collection.

The 36-inch model offers an exceptional balance of impressive scale and fine craftsmanship. Its larger size allows for even greater detail and a more commanding display presence while remaining suitable for bookshelves, executive offices, display cabinets, or home libraries. The increased dimensions provide additional realism, making it an outstanding centerpiece for sailing enthusiasts, maritime historians, collectors, educators, or anyone who appreciates the enduring legacy of classic schooners and their role in exploration and cultural exchange.

Each piece is individually handcrafted, and production typically takes 3–6 months, depending on the model's size and complexity. Throughout the process, we'll keep you updated with detailed progress photos at every major milestone, allowing you to review the craftsmanship and approve each stage before we move forward.

You'll receive photos during:

- Hull construction
- Deck detailing and superstructure assembly
- Final painting and finishing

Your satisfaction comes first. We proceed to the next stage only after you've reviewed the previous one.

Secure Worldwide Delivery

Once you approve the completed model, it will be carefully packed in a custom-built wooden shipping crate with multiple layers of protective cushioning to ensure it arrives safely anywhere in the world.

Custom Orders Available

Looking for a different size or a personalized version? We offer custom dimensions, modifications, and bespoke designs upon request. Whether you'd like a larger display model, a custom nameplate, personalized markings, or a specific historical configuration, our craftsmen are ready to bring your vision to life.

Bring home a handcrafted tribute to one of the world's most storied schooners. Whether you're expanding a maritime collection, decorating your office, celebrating the heritage of exploration and sail, or searching for a meaningful gift, our handcrafted Ernestina-Morrissey Schooner model is built to become a centerpiece you'll be proud to display for years to come.

Contact us today to begin building your custom Ernestina-Morrissey Schooner model.

History
The Ernestina-Morrissey is one of the most historic sailing vessels in the United States, with a remarkable career spanning commercial fishing, Arctic exploration, international trade, and maritime education. Built in 1894 at the James & Tarr Shipyard in Essex, Massachusetts, she was originally launched as the Effie M. Morrissey, a Grand Banks fishing schooner designed to withstand the harsh conditions of the North Atlantic. During her early decades, the vessel fished for cod, halibut, and other valuable species, earning a reputation for strength, speed, and exceptional seaworthiness. In the 1920s, famed Arctic explorer Robert Bartlett purchased the schooner and converted her into an expedition vessel, leading more than twenty scientific voyages to Greenland and the Canadian Arctic while supporting research, mapping, and exploration.

In 1948, the schooner was sold to Cape Verdean captain Henrique Mendes, who renamed her Ernestina after his daughter. For the next three decades, she served as a packet ship, carrying passengers, food, and supplies between Cape Verde and the United States, becoming an important cultural and economic link for Cape Verdean communities. Returned to the United States in 1982, the vessel underwent extensive restoration and was eventually renamed Ernestina-Morrissey to honor both chapters of her remarkable history. Today, she serves as the official tall ship of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and operates as an educational and cultural vessel, preserving more than 130 years of maritime heritage while celebrating the traditions of commercial fishing, Arctic exploration, and the enduring ties between New England and Cape Verde.