A very handsome live steam powered model of a classic New York City harbor tugboat which would have been found working on the Hudson river, East river, and throughout NY harbor in the period 1890 – WW-II. Tugs of this type were used in the berthing of large ships and to move barges around the harbor. Powerful diesel engine tugs do the same work today, and basic tugboat hull form still resembles the classic form of this model.

We believe this exceptional model was built in the period 1900 – 1920. The pine hull was very accurately carved to scale displaying for the viewer the beautiful lines these boats were famous for; a true example of beauty defined as form following function. The deck house and raised pilot house with steering wheel, compass, engine room telegraph, and searchlight control lever are very well modeled with excellent detail. The brass railing and other fittings are also well done.

The model is powered by a very high quality one cylinder operating steam engine fed by a copper boiler with safety/fill valve, and exhausting through a pipe at the port quarter water line (which is an exhaust system we have seen before on antique steam models). The boiler is fired by a spirit burner behind the boiler.

This beautiful model is in the fine original condition experienced collectors like to see with original age patinated surfaces. The tug’s name, “CORKY, N. Y.” is marked on the stern and across the front of the pilot house – the letters somewhat aged and faded but readable. There is also a gothic “C” painted on a red band around the funnel. The original woven jute bow fender has also survived! All NY harbor tugs had, and still have, a bow fender for nudging big ships into and out of their berths.

Few live steam powered antique American tug models of this high quality and great charm have survived. “CORKY” is also of a very displayable size and in all ways suitable for a discriminating collection of nautical antiques an/or fine Americana.

Height: 7″  (8″ with stand)  Length: 26″