• The history of San Felipe

The San Felipe, launched in 1690, was one of the most beautiful Spanish galleons of the XVII century. She was the lead ship of the famous Spanish Armada. The San Felipe displaced more than 1000 tons and was armed with 96 cannons, enabling her to take on the most formidable ships in the French and British navies. The San Felipe’s role in the war against the British and French was to help protect Spanish settlements and harbors, to transport treasures, and to safeguard the long and hazardous passage back to Spanish ports. In 1705, the San Felipe participated in a furious and heroic battle between 12 Spanish ships and 35 British ships. After 24 hours of battle, she was captured by an English ship, but was so badly damaged that she could not be salvaged as a prize. She went down to the bottom of the ocean with several tons of gold.

• About the San Felipe model ship

This is an exclusive edition of the San Felipe, where the model is uniquely identified by a laser cut hull serial number. The ornaments on her body made her more beautiful than any other ships at her time. Thus, to recapture the beauty of this ship into the model, we have used the most exotic wood that are available, the highest quality brass fittings that we can cast and more than 200 hours to put together this magnificent model. Examples of wood use include rosewood, ebony and mahogany. These materials are transformed into art pieces by the skillful hand of the master craftsmen. If you look closer, you can see an evenly smooth surface of wood on the hull. It was done more beautifully then most pieces of fine furniture. From the bow to the stern, you can see hundreds of shiny brass fittings and cannons. Wood pieces of different shades and colors are carefully selected and used to create an impressive look. The stern is the most decorated area with hundreds of small brass ornaments, brass railing, figurines and lanterns. You will more than likely be falling in love with the art work on the different decks of this model. All decks are done by putting together many rectangular small wooden pieces. There are round shape stairs connected the main deck and the forecastle deck. The main deck is also equipped with a couple of life boats, which even come with their own paddles. And then there are the skylight, ship bell, and ship wheel'etc. The model comes with its original flag and rest on a steady wooden base with attached metal name plate. 100% assemble, ready for display.