Large Scale Early 20th Century Shipbuilders Model of Sant'Antonio Steamship

A Highly Interesting Large Scale Shipbuilder's Model of the Sant'Antonio Steamship, Early 20th Century. 

This intricate model was almost certainly made as a shipbuilder's model for presentation to the original owner of the vessel. The name plate identifies her as the Sant'Antonio and details on the funnels reading OES presumably refer to the name of the shipping firm who owned her at this point in time. 

The vessel herself must have been enormous and this model, probably made to scale, is extremely large but it is also highly detailed. See for example the details of the rigging, the winches, the porthole-type cabin windows and the series of lifeboats. There are functioning doors and latches, moving propellors and the original paintwork, vividly rendered in blue, red and white. 

This piece is a beautiful example of early twentieth century model making, possibly made in Italy judging by the contraction used in the ship's name. 

A really interesting and unusual item.