This live steam model of a propeller driven motor yacht was made by H.E. Boucher Inc. of New York, circa 1910. With wood hull painted black and red, the model retains three original maker's plaques- on the stern, boiler and forward on another engine section. Models like this one were some of the finest toys available in the period, sold through retailers like F.A.O. Schwartz.
Horace E. Boucher (1874-1935) graduated from Trinity College in Hartford, Ct, and in 1890 began studying to be a naval architect at the naval base in Washington. His gift with models led to his being put in charge of the U.S. Naval Model Shop.
In 1905, Boucher established his own naval model-making studio in New York City, starting with professional models of high quality and accuracy including some builder's dockyard models. A few years later, he moved into mass-producing cast fittings and putting them together as wooden scale model boat kits of sailing yachts and power boats. Models like this were very popular with boys of the time and with their fathers as a hobby both could enjoy.
In the pictures for this item we have an image of a period Boucher advertisement showing a similar model.
