T399 - Friesland L50

The Friesland is a remarkable tribute to 17th-century Dutch naval mastery, meticulously handcrafted to reflect the power and elegance of the original warship. Built by skilled artisans, the model demands hundreds of hours of focused craftsmanship to achieve its impressive authenticity and fine detail.

Constructed from premium Western Red Cedar and select hardwoods, the hull is planked by hand using the traditional plank-on-frame technique. This time-honored method not only strengthens the structure but also mirrors the way the historic vessel was originally built. Each curve, seam, and wooden contour is shaped individually, showcasing the natural beauty and warm grain of the cedar.

Rising above the deck are three stately masts, fully rigged with complex lines and hand-sewn canvas sails arranged according to period-correct Dutch naval plans. Intricate elements—including cannons, anchors, railings, and the finely sculpted figurehead—are cast from solid metal, then polished and expertly aged to evoke centuries of maritime history.

Finished with Dutch tricolor flags, the model captures the proud spirit of the Friesland as she once sailed under the Dutch Republic. Presented on a solid wooden display base with a polished metal nameplate, it makes an impressive focal point for any study, office, or collector’s gallery.

History 

The Friesland, launched in 1663 for the Admiralty of Friesland, was an 80-gun Dutch ship of the line built at the height of the Dutch Republic’s naval power. She embodied the advanced shipbuilding of the Golden Age, with a strong hull, balanced rigging, and ornate Dutch craftsmanship.

The ship is best known for serving under Admiral Michiel de Ruyter during the Third Anglo-Dutch War, including her role in the 1672 Battle of Solebay, where the Dutch fleet successfully repelled a combined English and French attack.

Though the original vessel no longer exists, the Friesland remains an enduring symbol of Dutch naval might and artistic shipbuilding, admired by historians, modelers, and collectors alike.