Scale Model Replica Market

have always been popular with children and collectors since man was able to copy particular items of interest with some skill. Historians believe that models were used in ancient Egypt and in the Orient. During the Renaissance some models were used for a variety of architectural and artistic work and planning but their use disappeared for some time. Leonardo Da Vinci, in particular, is documented to have used them extensively for many of his military weapons designs. At the end of the 19th century and the beginning of the 20th century scale models evolved into the modern industry as we currently know it.

The legendary British model maker, Bassett & Lowke Ltd., in their first renowned commission, placed by the Royal Navy during 1911, initially hired the local manufacturer to make waterline ship models; in miniature for placement on their naval maps. As the British Navy's requirement became more evolved and sophisticated Bassett & Lowke followed suit. The models slowly were required to replicate certain shapes, sizes and profiles of Royal Navy vessels to scale. These models are referred to as "Recognition Models". Particularly their use in the Great Wars was to not only delineate positions but to illustrate tactics as well. By WWI and WWII, and even prior to this period the Royal Naval Academy was using models to help cadets understand rigging, conning towers, gun turrets and the like. From 1936 to 1950 the Royal Air Force also commissioned Bassett & Lowke to produce accurate replicas so they could use them to train pilots in identity analysis and tactics.

With the progress of technology the use of models has digressed from one of academics, tactics, profiles and positions to one of continued academics, collectors, hobbyists and industrial / commercial representation. The current construction costs of maritime equipment is so expensive the necessity of creating engineering or industrial models for mementos, corporate lobbies or world conferences to highlight a ship or platform is common practice. These modern needs are where Berti & Lewis fills our customer's requirements.

Many models exist in the market today and they are made of wood, many times varnished and painted mahogany. Others are made in part by hand, or computer, with resins and pressurized painting and the like. These replicas offer lower cost solutions since no attention to detail is possible other than the external painting and shape. We separate and distinguish ourselves from these types of scale models.

Berti & Lewis specializes in Brass models and Replicas in all its shapes and forms. This is one reason why our warranty is exceptional and not even comparable to other companies. Our model boat replicas are made from original plans, actual photographs, and drawings so they represent actual 3D copies of the model we have been asked, or decided, to produce. Our product can be viewed from any angle and what our clients see is what was, or is on, for example, the deck of a ship, trawler, liner, container, and mega yacht or oil rig. We invite you to see the area on this site where we discuss the actual construction of our models.

Our manufacturer has produced replicas for Museums, Departments of Defense, Defense Contractors, Major Crane and Oil Companies, Cruise Lines and Shipyards. Our customer list is extensive and we invite you to trust us with your next project or collectors model.

Please feel free to read more about the history of our main products, the Queen Mary Ship, the SS United States Ship, and the Normandie ship. Their model specifications can be found in our Ocean Liner products section.