77: FOLK ART DIORAMA OF THE FOUR MASTED WILLIAM P. FRYE

The early 20th folk shadow box diorama of the William P. Frye as lettered on the front bottom molding, the steel four-masted ship built in 1901 by Arthur Sewall & Co. of Bath, Maine is depicted in blue with red trim is further identified on the bow and flies the American flag, it plies green seas capped with white waves before fair skies and light wispy clouds. The original shadowbox and front moldings in original brown paint, the front moldings are nicely alligatored.

On January 28, 1915, she was carrying wheat to the United Kingdom when a German auxiliary cruiser sent her to the bottom, making the William P. Frye the first American ship lost in World War I.
Measures 14.5 x 22 x 4 inches.
Very good original condition, there are no issues of damage or repair, light wear and separations at some edges.
Provenance: The Paul Vardeman Marine Antiques Collection.
$750 - $1,500