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What Makes a Ship Model Valuable to Others?

Jimsky said:
That raises an interesting discussion. Thanks, mon ami!
What makes a model valuable to the collector community isn’t a single, fixed standard, because every collector brings their own priorities to a collection. For some, historical importance or rarity is paramount; for others, it’s the level of craftsmanship, accuracy, or faithfulness to original plans. Provenance, the builder's reputation, or even a personal connection to the subject can also play a decisive role. Ultimately, a model’s value often lies in how well it aligns with a collector’s own vision and tells a story that resonates with them, rather than in any universally agreed metric.
Click to expand...
This is a very interesting post, Jim. You have effectively shifted the driver of value away from the model itself to the interests of the collector. That certainly aligns with my (hopefully respectful) review of the model that prompted this thread. Personally, I value precision of execution
(how 'well' the model has been made) over-against other standards of 'collectability'. In other words, my perception of the value of this model has been biased by what I think a model should be - but my measure is understandably not the only measure.
 
dockattner said:
This is a very interesting post, Jim. You have effectively shifted the driver of value away from the model itself to the interests of the collector. That certainly aligns with my (hopefully respectful) review of the model that prompted this thread. Personally, I value precision of execution
(how 'well' the model has been made) over-against other standards of 'collectability'. In other words, my perception of the value of this model has been biased by what I think a model should be - but my measure is understandably not the only measure.
Click to expand...
Most of us instinctively think of collectibles as objects that are rare, unique, or difficult to obtain, and, as a consequence, expensive. That traditional view ties value closely to scarcity and cost. What I was trying to get at is that, in the world of models, this framework doesn’t always hold up on its own.

As you point out, shifting the focus from the model itself to the interests of the collector changes the conversation entirely. Precision of execution, which you value highly, is absolutely a valid and widely shared criterion—but it’s still one lens among many. Others may prioritize historical relevance, emotional connection, provenance, or even how a model fits within a broader thematic collection.

In that sense, the perceived value of a model is often a reflection of what we, as individual collectors or builders, believe a model should be. None of these measures is wrong; they simply coexist. The collector community is diverse, and that diversity is precisely what makes discussions like this both necessary and interesting. ;)
 
Jimsky said:
Most of us instinctively think of collectibles as objects that are rare, unique, or difficult to obtain, and, as a consequence, expensive. That traditional view ties value closely to scarcity and cost. What I was trying to get at is that, in the world of models, this framework doesn’t always hold up on its own.

As you point out, shifting the focus from the model itself to the interests of the collector changes the conversation entirely. Precision of execution, which you value highly, is absolutely a valid and widely shared criterion—but it’s still one lens among many. Others may prioritize historical relevance, emotional connection, provenance, or even how a model fits within a broader thematic collection.

In that sense, the perceived value of a model is often a reflection of what we, as individual collectors or builders, believe a model should be. None of these measures is wrong; they simply coexist. The collector community is diverse, and that diversity is precisely what makes discussions like this both necessary and interesting. ;)
Click to expand...
What to do in a situation when someone describes the value of a model as a wonderful unique piece, while in reality it is worthless, an ordinary common collector's item, of lower quality than those from a souvenir shop?
This is the difference between subjective and objective assessment. We live in the wicked times of subjectivism, " I like it"... without any basis.
 
Building a model through the lens of whether I will sell it is very risky. Models of famous Model Master and passed away builders surely will find a buyer, what about the rest?Sell it for scraps or give away for free? Some people had problems of giving away even for free. On local online markets most of sold models are unfinished or unopened kits. I guess you just need a rich patron like Johny Deep who bought a lot of paintings from his friend. Maybe you will post some places where a modeler can sell his models except Ebay
Scrolling through you can see auctions with estimated price and final one.

Search Results | Charles Miller Ltd.

Charles Miller Maritime Auctions - Search Results
www.charlesmillerltd.com www.charlesmillerltd.com

Modelships.de was a great site for selling finished kits and scratch build projects until passing away of owner, but something is going on as the site is being restored

Historische Schiffsmodelle | Schiffsmodelle in Museumsqualität

Herrliche Segelschiffsmodelle! Kaufen Sie historische Schiffsmodelle in Museumsqualität von erfahrenen Modellbauern! michael.czytko@t-online.de, Tel. 02361 59757
www.modelships.de www.modelships.de
 
kuba91nt said:
What to do in a situation when someone describes the value of a model as a wonderful unique piece, while in reality it is worthless, an ordinary common collector's item, of lower quality than those from a souvenir shop?
This is the difference between subjective and objective assessment. We live in the wicked times of subjectivism, " I like it"... without any basis.
Click to expand...
This is where it helps to separate two different things: personal appreciation and objective quality. On the objective side, we can assess a model using clear criteria such as accuracy, materials, craftsmanship, finish, and overall execution. Those benchmarks matter, especially when comparing models or discussing their merit within the hobby.
At the same time, a collector may still describe a model as “wonderful” or “unique” based on personal reasons, perhaps it fills a gap in a collection, has sentimental value, builders' name (reputation), or simply appeals to them visually. That doesn’t change the model’s objective quality, but it does explain why its value may be perceived differently.
Problems usually arise when these two perspectives get mixed. If we’re clear whether we’re talking about personal value or build quality, discussions stay honest, respectful, and far more useful for everyone involved.
 
So many comments, so many opinions, and ALL (or most) of them correct! But beauty and value are ALL in the eye (and pocketbook) of the beholder. If you doubt that, just watch any/many of the televised auctions. Value of “artwork” is set by who is interested or a longstanding, well-known artist.

My opinion is build for yourself, not for some arbitrary future value. Don’t get caught up in historical accuracy - no one is going to check your work, whether your piece ends up on a bookshelf or in a museum. The value is in enjoying the build, learning about the subject and bringing that subject to a miniature life.
 
I hate to say this but a very well made Mamoli Golden Hind in a glass display case failed to raise a single bid at a recent auction in the UK. At most the sort of models that we make raise 30- 40 UK pounds; ie nobody is going to recover the kit/material costs let alone the value of their time. But then we don't make them for profit do we? In fact you could define any hobby as "an expensive way of passing time" ROTF
 
Apparently price can sometimes have nothing to do with quality and accuracy:

ebay.us

48” NAVIS Galleon – Executive Redwood Ship Model, Museum Attributed RARE | eBay

Executive-Grade Redwood Galleon (Circa 1980s–2000s). • ✅ Redwood body construction (rare, ultra-light, historically accurate). • Redwood or padauk-bodied construction. The core construction and joinery remain intact, and the piece is fully reassemblable.
ebay.us
 
shifting perspective from the piece of work to who created it. The times i went to art galleries a sculpture or painting is priced because it is "an original work by ******* " it does not even have to be a masterpiece it sells because of the artist. The next question is why that artist? it comes down to originality and how the artist impacted the art world. Andy Warhol did a soup can far from a master's woks surly not a Rembrandt painting that sell for millions, such as "A Bust of a Man in a Gorget and Cap" at auction for 8.4 million pounds in London in 2012. But Andy Warhol's impact in art is the value he was the leading figure in the Pop art movement. so, there is an Andy Warhol museum and to own an original piece is far beyond an average art collector.
Let's bring this into our world of building model ships using a well-recognized name Harold Hahn you want to buy his model of the Alfred? how about starting the bidding at $75,000.00. it is not the best model in the world but it is an original Harold Hahn and what makes Harold Hahn so valuable? Well to begin with many of his etchings, drawings and paintings are in museum collections so he is a well-established and recognized artist. In the world of ship modeling he had a major impact when the admiralty style of a model was a dream of ship modelers and the gold standard. He brought that style to the ship modeling masses with his plan drawings and methods of building, a Renaissance man who created a building system, built the originals, wrote books and how to articles he changed the existing landscape of model ship building. The value of his work extends well beyond the models he built.
Yes there are some members here who push scratch building and a scratch-built models value is not solely because it is scratch built it is a one of a kind it is done by an artist pushing the envelope of what could be. It may be a crappy-built model but there is a value in its influence in the world of model ship building, the builder plays a part in value. A well built kit model may bring a good price but not any value because it does not have that influence in the world of the art of ship modeling, it is just a clone of many.
 
Signet said:
Apparently price can sometimes have nothing to do with quality and accuracy:

ebay.us

48” NAVIS Galleon – Executive Redwood Ship Model, Museum Attributed RARE | eBay

Executive-Grade Redwood Galleon (Circa 1980s–2000s). • ✅ Redwood body construction (rare, ultra-light, historically accurate). • Redwood or padauk-bodied construction. The core construction and joinery remain intact, and the piece is fully reassemblable.
ebay.us
Click to expand...
They never did. If this was a uniqe pice from old classic movie, well it would seem the price is reasonebe, but even then price is just made up nuber for buyer who is willing to accept it. You just have to be fameuse to sell used guitar for 100.000 instead 5.000.
 
WojtasS said:
Building a model through the lens of whether I will sell it is very risky. Models of famous Model Master and passed away builders surely will find a buyer, what about the rest?Sell it for scraps or give away for free? Some people had problems of giving away even for free. On local online markets most of sold models are unfinished or unopened kits. I guess you just need a rich patron like Johny Deep who bought a lot of paintings from his friend. Maybe you will post some places where a modeler can sell his models except Ebay
Scrolling through you can see auctions with estimated price and final one.

Search Results | Charles Miller Ltd.

Charles Miller Maritime Auctions - Search Results
www.charlesmillerltd.com www.charlesmillerltd.com

Modelships.de was a great site for selling finished kits and scratch build projects until passing away of owner, but something is going on as the site is being restored

Historische Schiffsmodelle | Schiffsmodelle in Museumsqualität

Herrliche Segelschiffsmodelle! Kaufen Sie historische Schiffsmodelle in Museumsqualität von erfahrenen Modellbauern! michael.czytko@t-online.de, Tel. 02361 59757
www.modelships.de www.modelships.de
Click to expand...
Thanks, Wojtas.

For my fellow modelers - I encourage you to check out the Charles Miller auction site. I found it fascinating!
 
Drobbs said:
So many comments, so many opinions, and ALL (or most) of them correct! But beauty and value are ALL in the eye (and pocketbook) of the beholder. If you doubt that, just watch any/many of the televised auctions. Value of “artwork” is set by who is interested or a longstanding, well-known artist.

My opinion is build for yourself, not for some arbitrary future value. Don’t get caught up in historical accuracy - no one is going to check your work, whether your piece ends up on a bookshelf or in a museum. The value is in enjoying the build, learning about the subject and bringing that subject to a miniature life.
Click to expand...
Hello Drobbs. From the perspective of 99% percent of ship modelers, I suspect your words ring true. We build because we find it enjoyable to do so - not because we dream about how our model would one day perform at auction. Indeed, I don't think I could sell any of my models for any price. They aren't for sale!
 
Signet said:
Apparently price can sometimes have nothing to do with quality and accuracy:

ebay.us

48” NAVIS Galleon – Executive Redwood Ship Model, Museum Attributed RARE | eBay

Executive-Grade Redwood Galleon (Circa 1980s–2000s). • ✅ Redwood body construction (rare, ultra-light, historically accurate). • Redwood or padauk-bodied construction. The core construction and joinery remain intact, and the piece is fully reassemblable.
ebay.us
Click to expand...
Unfortunately, I have been told that these sorts of sales are actually part of the illegal movement of money.
 
Dave Stevens (Lumberyard) said:
shifting perspective from the piece of work to who created it. The times i went to art galleries a sculpture or painting is priced because it is "an original work by ******* " it does not even have to be a masterpiece it sells because of the artist. The next question is why that artist? it comes down to originality and how the artist impacted the art world. Andy Warhol did a soup can far from a master's woks surly not a Rembrandt painting that sell for millions, such as "A Bust of a Man in a Gorget and Cap" at auction for 8.4 million pounds in London in 2012. But Andy Warhol's impact in art is the value he was the leading figure in the Pop art movement. so, there is an Andy Warhol museum and to own an original piece is far beyond an average art collector.
Let's bring this into our world of building model ships using a well-recognized name Harold Hahn you want to buy his model of the Alfred? how about starting the bidding at $75,000.00. it is not the best model in the world but it is an original Harold Hahn and what makes Harold Hahn so valuable? Well to begin with many of his etchings, drawings and paintings are in museum collections so he is a well-established and recognized artist. In the world of ship modeling he had a major impact when the admiralty style of a model was a dream of ship modelers and the gold standard. He brought that style to the ship modeling masses with his plan drawings and methods of building, a Renaissance man who created a building system, built the originals, wrote books and how to articles he changed the existing landscape of model ship building. The value of his work extends well beyond the models he built.
Yes there are some members here who push scratch building and a scratch-built models value is not solely because it is scratch built it is a one of a kind it is done by an artist pushing the envelope of what could be. It may be a crappy-built model but there is a value in its influence in the world of model ship building, the builder plays a part in value. A well built kit model may bring a good price but not any value because it does not have that influence in the world of the art of ship modeling, it is just a clone of many.
Click to expand...
A substantive post, Dave. Thanks.

There are, without question, certain modelers who move the needle. Of course, even that won't happen if there are not buyers out there who want to own an original Hahn (to borrow your example).

I think the uniqueness bit is also important. No one is going to pay me money for my Kingfisher model because swan class ships are a dime a dozen. Whether my particular version is better or worse than its peers won't matter that much because there are so many peers...
 
Part of the art world is driven by speculation. People buy it because they believe that it will increase in value. Believe it or not, art can be included as a “non-traditional” part of a self directed retirement account. Here in the USA referred to as an IRA. Supposedly in this case artistic appreciation of the artwork is secondary. For this to work, the investment must be liquid. There must be a ready market for the artwork when the owner wants to sell it.

I doubt if model ships, regardless of who built them have or will ever reach the point where they will have offer the liquidity to be a good investment.

Roger
 
turn the table from seller to buyer i do have a collection of Harold Hahn's work. None of his ship models but his art.
I had an appraiser give me a value of the collection and it is worth in the thousands mind you not enough to sell and buy myself a private island or even retire on. But as an investment it increased in value a lot. Why i purchased his work was more because Harold was a personal friend and mentor of mine. In the early days i was working as a graphic/commercial artist so i was drawn to his work as an artist to artist. His work inspired me and to this day some 40 years later his work in ship modeling still inspires ship model builders. A model built from Hahn plans when well done will sell in the thousands. Then there is the connection and i do not quite know how to put it into words but here goes. Standing in an art gallery with a group of people looking at a work by Hahn i mention "oh i have a collection of his work" as all eyes turn to you really! are you a Patron of the Arts? a rich dude that collects art did you know him? yes i was his student. Oh my!
maybe like a sports fan who cheers on a team, he is not part of the team but feels a connection to it. I may of not done that work hanging on the wall but i relate to it, understand it, being a little part of it.
Last summer on vacation the wife and i were in an art gallery and i saw a piece that just caught my attention we walked out without it. We did continue are travels and after 50 miles away i could not let it go so we drove back and i bought it. So there is a connection between a buyer and a piece of artwork an appreciation a burning desire of "i got to have that!"
ship models you cannot relate to it, a kit model or scratch-built model look the same but if you're a part of it understand the artistic value of it have an appreciation for it then that sets the value for you and you alone.
a part of the collection

1942.hahn.jpg1942.312 (1).jpgimg619.jpgCN1161.jpg
 
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