Very "RARE" Vintage RICI Models Vintage Pond boat, Restored, c.a. 1940's

This outstanding, one of a kind, very rare RICI Models pond yacht has been fully restored to it's original vintage era condition. It measures: 24"L X 5"W x 31"H. A great medium size pond yacht.

RICI Models originated in Minneapolis, Minnesota in the early to late 1940's. This particular pond boat had an original owner located in New York. It obviously sailed the lakes and ponds in that area for many years. This boat came to us in an original shipping box with a shipment name and address of Mr. David Nygand, 1500 3rd. Ave. Ny, Ny. We were unable to keep the box because of it's condition. We did take photo's of it before discarding.

When we received this pond boat, it went through a complete restoration: keeping the original paint colors of orange and black. We refinished the deck and added new grey rigging to match the original sails. The original sails were in excellent condition ( being in a box for many years) so we just had to clean them. All of the original brass parts were in excellent condition. I love the orange hull and black keel with black waterline strip. Very unique and attractive!. We stained the deck in medium chestnut. The original stand was refinished in chestnut stain and the bottom was re-felted with a high-grade felting. Also added some brass accent pieces.

This pond boat is very, very rare. In my 15 years of nautical antiquing, I have never come across a RICI vintage pond boat like this. We had our appraisal person take a look at it and he said it was " Uniquely VERY RARE". and he would expect it to appreciate in value in the coming years.

SPECIFICATIONS AND VALUATION

The following is a list of factors which are considered in our ship model Appraisal/Evaluation if applicable.

1. General quality of craftsmanship: Excellent
2. Provenance: USA / Minneapolis, Minnesota
3. Rarity (i.e.: P.O.W. & DOCKYARD vs C.W. MORGAN) Member: Very Rare
4. Historically accurate (regards to plans/research) The International Society of Appraisers
5. Builder (reputation) International Congress of Maritime Museums
6. Methods & materials used in construction American Institute for Conservation of Historic Value: Wood Veneers.
7. Uniformity of scale and proportion Artistic Works: Accurate
8. Size (2” vs 10’) Nautical Research Guild: 24” L X 5”W X 31”H
9. Present condition: Excellent: Fully restored.
10. Era & vessel type: 1940's: Full Keel Pond boat
11. Sails: Cotton (Original)
12. Finish (painted or natural). Painted / stained
13. Overall display and presentation: Excellent

Class A
Scratch-Built Model: Model built entirely from scratch materials by the builder with no commercially fabricated parts except cordage, chain
and belaying pins.
Class B
Modified Scratch-Built Model: Model built from scratch, but supplemented by the use of some commercially fabricated accessories.
Class C
Modified Kit Model: Model built from materials provided in commercial kit, supplemented by other commercially fabricated parts or by
scratch-built parts.
Class D
Kit Model: Model built entirely from materials provided in commercial kits.
Special
Sub Categories: Model built and/or displayed in any of the following methods:
Antique • Waterline • Cross Section • Cut-Away • Exposed Interior • Sailing • Half Hull • Rare Materials • Diorama • Power • Mechanized •
Builders’ Model • Extreme Miniature • Ship-in-a-Bottle • Shadowbox • Americana • Folk Art • Decorative • Pond Model • Production • Other



This unique and historic class “A” yacht would make a great gift for that special person who likes history and the open sea. A truly wonderful piece of history that will " Turn Heads"

We ship all of our boats (Free Shipping) with some minor assembly required. We detach the sails and rigging for safe shipment. Instructions for minor assembly will be enclosed. Attach the sails and rigging and your boat is ready to enjoy!

Value: $775 to $800 (Auction or Retail) 2025

DISCLAIMER:
Appraisal estimates or evaluations of items sold by RJL Antiquities are solely deemed as "Estimates of Value" at time of purchase. Such estimates may change according to market conditions, time of sale or reappraisal of items sold. RJL Antiquities accepts no responsible for these potential "Market fluctuations" and does advise buyers of such goods of these potential situations upon acknowledgement of purchase.