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There’s something so romantic and graceful about a tall ship with sails open, sailing towards excitement. For generations people of all ages have tried to capture that sense of history and adventure by collecting or building model ships.

Model ships have been around for thousands of years. It was common practice in ancient Egypt to include model ships in the tomb of the deceased to carry the soul into the afterlife. Many of these models were excavated during archaeological digs and are on display in museums around the world, such as the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York.

Model ship building has seen many changes over the years. In the 18^th and 19^th centuries, model ships were frequently used by shipbuilders to give customers an idea of how the finished product would look and what techniques were being used to create the ship. These models often included a great deal of detail to resemble the actual ship under construction. In their spare time, sailors often created ship models, especially the tiny ships complete with masts and sails that were placed flat in bottles and then raised up using strings. Model ship kits were introduced in the United States sometime in the 1920s, but really gained popularity around the 1930s. Many of the model ships found in antique shops and malls today were created using these kits.

Enthusiasts can visit model ship museums that feature models ranging from warships to modern fishing boats. These include the Model Ships Museum, the American Marine Model Gallery and the United States Naval Academy Museum.

Some like to collect models of ships that took part in famous naval battles. Others prefer models of pirate vessels that once slipped into hidden bays to unload ill-gotten booty. Most collectible model ships are made of wood, but they can also be fashioned from metal, plastic and even cardboard. Keep in mind that some model makers are better than others, so take note of the quality of the model when considering a purchase and pay accordingly.

A collection of model ships makes a wonderful conversation piece in a house decorated with a nautical theme. The ships can be shown off in a display case or on a shelving unit, or they can be placed on side tables and mantels.