Bassett Lowke ship model S. S. Alcantara Royal Mail had WWII service in case

Description

Here is an excellent condition Bassett Lowke S. S. Alcantara Royal Mail Line. The Alcantara led a rather interesting and exciting maritime life! Built in United Kingdom Post-WWI it served as a passenger ship and cargo ship that made trips to South America through the 1930s. There was much competition in this market and fast ships were needed. The Alcantara had major rehauls done in the 1930s to increase its speed. The Alcantara saw quite extensive service in WWII first as an armed merchant cruiser and it even chased and shelled the German Raider Thor that's how close it was in a two ship chase. Each ship was hit by the others shells in this running sea battle adventure!  It served British Admiralty troop ship in the Atlantic and Mediterranean Ocean also in its service in the war. It survived the war and in 1948 was returned to the civilian passenger liner service. It was scrapped for its metal at the beginning of WWII. The Alcantara was scrapped in 1958. The model again is in excellent condition having spent its life in a nice glass display box in an old salts collection. There are no missing parts to the ship. It is obviously quite fragile. It has the original Bassett Lowke Reliance label on the base/ bottom of the model I believe. The model is glued to the base of the the glass case and the glass case is sealed as it has been for probably 50 years! The model is 6 1/2 inches long. You will receive the model and in the sealed glass case if you acquire this model. Any questions please ask and thanks for looking.