The abcs of making model village
Each model respects the plans for hull, fittings and rigging.
General appearance
Each model complies with the hull, fittings and rigging plans. Each model (excluding painted finish) is treated with linseed oil and waxed with beeswax. No varnish is used. The level of detail is extremely high, and the smallest part is made entirely by hand. Each model is unique and numbered under the base. Each model is accompanied by a historical summary engraved on a wooden plaque, and a certificate of authenticity is engraved on the back.
Wood
For the “raw wood” finish, the wood used is mainly Rosewood, allowing a very wide range of tones from the lightest to the darkest. For painted hulls, the wood used is mainly Massaï, a white wood. Natto is preferred for masting. All woods are guaranteed naturally dried under tiles.
None of the hulls are varnished, but treated with linseed oil and waxed with beeswax. This gives a satin finish, nourishes the wood and prevents dust from sticking…
Hull
All our hulls are battened using the “latté sur membrures” technique (on plywood couples), well known to marine carpenters and model builders. Rosewood laths are fire-bent (candle-bent) using a technique familiar to marine carpenters and coopers.
Ropes
Shrouds, halyards, sheets, rope ladders… Each piece is entirely handcrafted from dyed nylon thread for perfect durability.
Packaging
It is then packed in either double cardboard or plywood crates with zippers, guaranteeing a perfect fit even after handling by transporters and other handlers.
Maintenance
A waxed finish is much easier to maintain than a varnished finish. Dust doesn’t stick, and regular use of a hair dryer on cold will remove any coating that may have settled. What’s more, monthly waxing with beeswax restores a lustrous, satin-finish appearance and the scent of wood.
Figurehead and stern castle
Entirely hand-carved and with an unrivalled level of detail, in rosewood or ebony for the “waxed” finishes. Painted finishes are also carved by hand, then carefully painted by our art painter.
Rigging
Every knot, every assembly is virtuosically executed by the expert hands of our ladies in the rigging workshop… always in accordance with the plans.
Paint
The colors are rendered as accurately as possible by skilful blending of paints. All lettering is done freehand by our art painter.
Wooden parts
In rosewood or ebony, every small piece of wood (fittings, mast, yard, pulley, chainplate, etc.) is hand-carved, sculpted or lathe-machined, in accordance with the fittings drawings.
Metal parts
Assembled by hand, they are mainly made of copper wire, shaped and soldered, then painted.
Lead
On some models, the barrels and ribs are cast in lead in the workshop, then painted with bronze paint. Other models are made from turned wood. Lead is purchased from a company specializing in the recovery of environmental waste.
Bridge
All decks are battened in rosewood. Hulls and decks are caulked by blackening wood glue.
Base
Made of rosewood with copper fixing rods, or with rosewood supports, depending on the model. A wooden plaque laser-engraved with the boat’s name is glued to each base. Under each base is engraved the model number, attesting to its uniqueness.
Sails
Made from cotton dyed with tea, coffee or vegetable pigments, depending on the case.
