Built in 1660 by the Dutch East India Company, Mary was bought by the City of Amsterdam and presented to King Charles II on his restoration of the monarchy.
Mary was the first yacht outside of Holland, but only one of some 27 yachts that Charles owned between 1660 and 1685. The Dutch yacht is the forerunner to the Thames sailing barge and had a large sail area with a small draught, allowing her to navigate shallow waters. After serving Charles, Mary was passed to the Royal Navy to transport VIPs and diplomats. She was wrecked off Anglesey in 1675, but relocated in 1979 and many of her artefacts recovered to museums in Merseyside.
Our detailed model is made almost entirely in wood with metal cannons and heavy cloth sails. Her elaborate gilding is carefully detailed along with her famous horse figurehead and stern crest incorporating a lion and unicorn.
Length 12", height 8½".