Duyfken – Kolderstok

Duyfken – Kolderstok (scale 1:50)

Duyfken, or “Little Dove,” was a small yacht belonging to the Dutch East India Company (VOC) that, in 1606, became the first Dutch vessel to reach the northern coast of Australia and partially chart it. The expedition was led by Jan Willemsz Verschoor, and its aim was to discover New Guinea and the so-called. Southern Lands.

The Duyfken model was designed at a 1:50 scale and faithfully reproduces both the hull construction and rigging with exceptional attention to detail. The model is available in two finish options: dark walnut or light oak (shown in the photos).

The set includes laser-cut bulkheads and structural components, planking strips in the selected type of wood, a set of sails made from white cotton canvas for self-sewing, detailed photo-based assembly instructions, a rigging plan, and various ropes for completing the ship’s rigging. There are four visible cannons on deck, and the hull features four closed gunports—there is an option to purchase four additional cannons to fully equip them. The set also includes a simple stand for the model, while the deluxe oak version is available separately by special order.

The oak version stands out with its light, natural finish, which beautifully highlights the wood grain and gives the piece an authentic, historical character. Oak is a noble material, harder than walnut, which makes this model look exceptionally elegant both unfinished and when finished with oil or stain. The photos shown on the website depict the oak variant.

The dimensions of the finished model are approximately 65 cm long, 25 cm wide, and 55 cm high.

The model is much simpler than the larger Kolderstok kits, but it still requires precision, especially when rigging and sewing the sails.