Florida-based antiques dealer Daniels Antiques is selling a model of the former British ship RMS Alcantara. This was the actual model that the shipbuilders Harland and Wolff used, and is going for $175,000.

The 14 ft scale model is made mostly out of wood along with other metals. The actual ship was built in 1927, and is best known for suffering three gunshots during World War II from German auxiliary cruiser Thor. It was part of England’s Royal Mail Lines, and was the successor to the SS Alcantara, which sunk during the First World War.

RMS Alcantara went through a series of modifications, the first of which took place in 1934 in an effort to gain more powerful engines. Five years later it was converted into an Armed Merchant Cruiser before suffering those blows from the German cruiser in the summer of 1940. It survived however, and was converted into a troop ship before being sold in 1958 and subsequently disbanded.

This stunning model which was handcrafted by Harland and Wolff themselves would be an excellent addition for any history buff.

[Daniels Antiques]