Now that I've had a taste of it I don't wonder why you love boating. Rose Sayer, The African Queen 

{HISTORY}

Whimsey comes homes to roost with this vintage tin model of the African Queen riverboat modeled after the 1950s Academy Award-winning movie of the same name. Starring Humphrey Bogart and Katharine Hepburn, the movie is a fish out of water story (Katharine's) as she journeys down an African river with a rough-around-the-edges boat captain (Humphrey).

In the movie, the real African Queen was a 35' foot diesel boat made of wood. This  1950s replica model is  14" inches long and made of tin. Like the boat in the movie, this tin model of the African Queen carries adventure in its heart and has experienced some rough and tumble times over the past 70 years.

When it first came to the shop it was missing part of its base so that it couldn't stand fully upright (see photo). It was also missing the steam engine section and the tin awning that covered that area. Thanks to the skills of our resident restorer, Bradley, here in the Vintage Kitchen, the boat was brought back to its original shape. Determined to keep the gorgeous aged patina it was restored with perfectly imperfect vintage tin ceiling tiles and handpainted purposefully with slight flaws in order to keep the authentic integrity of the boat intact.

Seventy years of life and a Hollywood connection is nothing to gloss over when it comes to a beloved boat!

{SPECIAL FEATURES}

- Before and after photos

- Restored elements include one leg fin of the tin base, metal wire connector rails between the two base leg fins, the propeller, the steam engine section, the striped awning and the flag on the bow of the boat

- All elements are made out of tin materials 

{CONDITION}

In lovely condition. The whole boat is now strong and steady and sits evenly on all surfaces. Chippy paint in areas lends authentic charm to the overall piece.

{SIZE}

Measures 14" inches (length) x 7" inches (height) x 3" inches (width) and weighs 10oz.

{STYLE IDEA}

A super fun piece of nautical decor, this boat looks lovely on a shelf in your coastal kitchen, tucked in between your favorite plates and platters, and also works well as a whimsical centerpiece for your table. Around here, Katharine Hepburn holds a special place in our kitchen. Read more about her and a few of her featured recipes over on the blog here and here.