First build as a blockade runner during the American War of Independence. The new U.S.A. government then armed them with canons to deal with the slave trade. Later on they moved many thousands of the population to California, and especially when gold was discovered there in 1849.
The advent of the extended railroads and the new sea passage of the Panama and Suez canal spelt their doom, as the new steamships could negotiate these channels
I ebayed this kit too. Oh, didn't mention that above? Yah, the Harvey was an Ebay find. New, unopened boxes, the kits 25-50% off retail - if you dig. Kickass.
If Artesania Latina is an example of a perfect company, with detailed instructions, how to's, wonderful plans, instructions matching plans matching box pics, Amati isn't.
The box shows light wood stained light red for the hull - the kit comes with dark walnut.
This was sold as Captain Kidd's ship, the Black Falcon: Kit.
I had a question about planking pattern, started looking around. Found a couple of slight problems:
1: the model in question has elements of ships built in the mid 1800s. Kidd was hung in 1701.
2: Kidd's ship was the Adventure Galley. He captured the Quedagh Merchant, renamed the Adventure Prize.