Collections

SS Haverford ship model

Details of model

• Builder's model, wood, repainted
• Scale 1:48 (1/4 inch to 1 foot)
• Made c1901
• Model size 337 cm (l) x 37.5 cm (w) excluding baseboard
• Gift of the White Star Line, Liverpool, 1931

Transatlantic passenger liner, White Star Line

The twin-screw sister ships 'Haverford' and 'Merion' were built by John Brown and Company of Clydebank. She sailed the American Line service between Liverpool and Philadelphia, USA. For many years both ships had American Line funnels and houseflags, but were officially owned and registered in Liverpool. Because of this they flew the British flag.

'Haverford' was a successful, if unglamorous, North Atlantic 'workhorse'. She could carry nearly 2,000 passengers, mainly third-class or steerage and 10,000 tons of cargo. During the First World War she served as a cargo and troop transport. She carried British troops to the Dardanelles and American troops to Europe. She survived two torpedo attacks from U-boats. After the war she returned to the Liverpool-Philadelphia service. She helped repatriate thousands of American troops and carried many emigrants to the USA. She was scrapped in Italy in 1925.

This fine builder's model shows 'Haverford' in White Star Line (Liverpool) funnel colours. She wore these between 1921 and 1924, having been transferred to that company's service towards the end of her career. The museum also has some personal effects and papers relating to Captain Thomas Jones, who was master of the 'Haverford' between 1918 and 1924.