Prince of Wales 75cm – First Fleet Transport Ship (Sold out)

The Prince of Wales was one of the eleven ships of the historic First Fleet, which sailed from England in 1787 to establish the first British settlement in Australia. The fleet arrived at Botany Bay in January 1788 before moving to Port Jackson (Sydney) shortly afterwards.

Built in 1786, the Prince of Wales was a convict transport ship of about 350 tons and carried around 50 female convicts, along with marines’ wives and children, on the eight-month voyage to Australia. Shortly after arrival, the ship also helped support the early colony by sailing to Norfolk Island in March 1788 with settlers and supplies.

This handcrafted wooden model of the Prince of Wales faithfully recreates the historic First Fleet transport ship in impressive detail. Built using traditional plank-on-frame construction, the hull is carefully formed from individual wooden planks and finished with multiple layers of paint and varnish for a smooth, polished appearance. Fully assembled and ready for display, the model sits on a solid wooden display base with a nameplate, making it a striking piece for collectors, maritime enthusiasts and anyone interested in Australia’s early colonial history.

Key Features of the 75cm Prince of Wales model ship:

• A realistic recreation of the Prince of Wales, one of the historic First Fleet convict transport ships that arrived in Australia in 1788.
• The model is fully assembled and ready to display. It’s not a kit.
• Dimensions: 75cm L × 19cm W × 62cm H (29.5″ × 7.5″ × 24.4″), approximately 1:48 scale of the original ship.
• Built to scale, using real plans and imagery of the ship for the best finish.
• Made hand-built with everything created using individual model wooden planks.
• High quality wood that is used to help make sure that it can handle changes in temperature.
• All of the major features, like cannons and anchors, are made directly using sculpted metals.
• Other major features are included, such as rudder chains, lifeboat, steering wheel etc.
• Handmade sails included, with a series of fine linen prepared for the best finish.
• The model is mounted on a solid wooden display base with nameplate, ready for display.
• A historical fact sheet about the Prince of Wales is included so you can easily share the story of this First Fleet ship. (display case is sold separately).

About the Prince of Wales – First Fleet Ships

The Prince of Wales was one of the eleven ships of the historic First Fleet, the fleet that sailed from Britain in 1787 to establish the first European settlement in Australia. The fleet departed Portsmouth on 13 May 1787 under the command of Captain Arthur Phillip and arrived at Botany Bay in January 1788, later moving to Port Jackson (Sydney Cove).

Built in 1786, the Prince of Wales was a convict transport ship of about 350 tons and was one of the smaller vessels in the fleet. She carried around 50 female convicts, as well as marines’ wives and children, during the long eight-month voyage to Australia via Tenerife, Rio de Janeiro and Cape Town.

After arriving in the new colony, the Prince of Wales continued to play an important role in the early days of settlement. In March 1788, the ship sailed with HMS Supply to help establish the second British settlement at Norfolk Island, transporting settlers, livestock and supplies to the island.

Today, the Prince of Wales remains an important part of Australian maritime history as one of the vessels that helped bring the First Fleet to Australia and support the establishment of the colony in 1788. ⚓