AMERICAN EXPORT LINES SS EXCALIBUR (Joseph Hewes)
FULLY BUILT AND READY TO DISPLAY MUSEUM QUALITY SHIP MODEL
ARGE MUSEUM QUALITY MODEL
- Dimension Approx.: 36″ (long) x 5″ (wide) x 9″ (high)
- The model is 100% hand built by artisans from scratch
- Base and name plate included.
- The model is already built, NOT a model ship kit
- Handcrafted from scratch using finest woods & metal fittings
The American Export Lines (AEL) ordered the New York Shipbuilding Company of Camden, New Jersey, a special contract #394, to build four liners commencing in 1929 with the last ship to be completed by1931 and commenced sailing by 1932.
All four ships were designed by George G. Sharp, Inc., and the SS Excalibur was the very first-generation of what became the famous “Four Aces.” Her sister ships that soon followed her were the SS Excambion (I) in 1931, SS Exochorda (I) 1931, and SS Exeter (I) also in 1931.
Excalibur’s keel was laid on November 4, 1929 and she was launched on August 5, 1930. She was delivered on December 18, 1930. AEL placed the 4 Aces in service between the USA and the Mediterranean, and with the ultimate of comforts and fittings. On board passengers could be assured that the ship would offering luxury 43 day cruises in the sublime of luxury, sailing the Atlantic and the warm waters of the Mediterranean!
The Excalibur was ready for her maiden voyage on January 24, 1931 and departed New York sailing across the Atlantic for Marseilles, then Naples, Alexandria, Jaffa, Haifa, Beirut, Alexandria, Naples, Leghorn, Genoa, Marseilles and back to New York. She continued on this route until she departed Genoa for New York, sailing via Alexandria and Lisbon.
During the early war years SS Excalibur was dressed with american flags denoting that she was a neutral ship of the USA, whilst on the Lisbon service. Thie model denotes this color scheme.
On January 8, 1942, Excalibur was acquired by the U.S. Navy and assigned the task of transporting troops to and from battle areas as an AP-class troop transport. She was commissioned on May 1, 1942 as USS Joseph Hewes (AP-50). Her sister ships were also converted for war purposes; out of all original "4 Aces" only the SS Exochorda survived the war.
After conversion and fitting out, Joseph Hewes sortied from Hampton Roads on October 24, 1942, as part of the Center Attack Group of Admiral Hewitt's Western Naval Task Force en route to French Morocco as part of Operation Torch. She was carrying 80 officers and 1,074 men of the reinforced 3rd Infantry Division, U.S. Army, plus ammunition and supplies.
The transport arrived off Fedhala on November 8, by 0705 hours, landed all troops, and then commenced unloading ammunition and supplies. By November 11, Joseph Hewes had completed cargo unloading and had received 30 casualties from the beach fire.
At 1950 hours she took a torpedo hit in No. 2 hold from U-173. The ship settled by the bow and began filling rapidly with water. Captain Smith endeavored to pick up anchor or slip chain but, as the entire forecastle was under water, this was not possible. He then attempted to beach the ship by backing engines but her propeller was out of the water, so the order was given to abandon ship.
Joseph Hewes went down at 2032 hours, taking Captain Smith and approximately 100 seamen with her. U-173 was sunk five days later off Casablanca by American destroyers.
Our master craftsmen handcrafted this detailed model from scratch using drawings/original plans and other finest woods and material to build this model. Also, we use the plank-on-frame construction method which is similar to the building of the actual ship. Furthermore, we applied multi-layered paint to match the color of the real ship. Each model requires hundreds of hours to finish then must go through a demanding quality control process before leaving the workshop. She is mounted on a solid wood base and ready to display. It’ll make a perfect gift for home or office decorator, boat enthusiast, or passionate collector.
NOW IS YOUR CHANCE TO OWN A BEAUTIFUL MUSEUM QUALITY PIECE AT GREAT SAVINGS!!!
