VAN RYPER

Great American model-shop 
Art Deco in ship replicas 
Fleets of 1930s -1950s in miniature 

© 2021 Scherbak Ship Models. All rights for text and pictures reserved.

       Charles K.Van Ryper (1891-1964) started his ship modeling business in 1933 by opening little workshop on Martha's Vineyard island in old town Vineyard Heaven. Initial idea was simple -   to make inexpensive models of merchant ships for people who sail on them - as souvenirs. Realization of this idea in the time of handmade crafts led  him to developing his own unique style of models - simplified, with basic details, but immediately recognizable by their appearance. This way so-called Travel Series of wooden 9-11" ship models was born. Models were nicely hand made of wood with some metal wire parts, beautifully hand painted in original liveries. This series was growing with amazing speed and in catalog of 1937 more than 250 model ships of all nations were offered!  These models became a bright representation of ART DECO style in 3D miniature.  As special orders Van Ryper shop built larger (13-18") and sometimes more detailed versions of these little models

During World War 2 Van Ryper's shop mostly built models for US Maritime Commission and American shipyards, all types of war-time fighting and merchant ships in grey color - they are outstanding examples of ship models in very attractive desktop sizes.

After war shop returned to merchant ships in their peaceful liveries. By late 1950s due to rising costs, declining merchant marine, and also health problems, Van Ryper decided to cease operation of his shop. In 1960 production was stopped. Show room was open 2 more years and remaining models were sold.
Today Van Ryper models are rare and valuable collectibles, representing all types of ships of all maritime nations during peak of the Ocean Liner Era.

Check Van Ryper models offered for sale in our Antique Models section.
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 Another group of models were made from blueprints with exact architecture and hull lines, finely detailed, including railings, stairs, rigging. Most common scale for such models was 1:384 (32 feet to 1 inch). Larger models were made too, as displays for shipping companies, dockyards, as gifts for special occasions, such as inauguration of the ships, etc.
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© 2021 Scherbak Ship Models. All rights for text and pictures reserved.
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