Music box model of CITY OF NEW YORK, ca. 1866

model and music box

MODELS - VESSELS - FULL
marad; models
Benton, J. Dean
Circa 1866
metal; wood; glass
Model only: 10 1/8 x 24 1/2 x 5 1/8 in.

Silver and gold model by John Dean Benton, of sidewheel steamer CITY OF NEW YORK mounted on a music box. The wood music box case sits on top of a wooden stand which has 4 hinged sides and the stand was designed to be used as display case, with 4 side handles. There is a glass and wooden framed cover to the model. The equipment includes: 4 wood legs, extra spring for music box, handle to wind, cast in steel handle "J. DEAN BENTON PHILADELPHIA.". The model was made c. 1866; scale approx 5/64"=1 (per W. Quincy); Dim: model LOA 24-1/2", music box 32-1/2"x12-1/2"x8", stand 34-5/8"x14-5/8"x24-7/16"

When she was launched in 1861 to provide service between New York and Norwich, Connecticut, the 301-foot CITY OF NEW YORK was the finest steamboat on Long Island Sound. This detailed scale model of the side-wheel steamer is not only spectacular for its silver and gold workmanship. It also contains a wind-up music box movement. It was built by John Dean Benton of Wilmington, Delaware, who was widely known for his meticulous work during the 1860s and 1870s.

1976.11