Creazioni M.R. - Model ship - Modello nave D651

Ship model
This is the Audace, the Italian Navy missile-armed destroyer (optical pennant D 551).

• Identification: The code D 551 engraved both on the bow and on the stern flight deck exactly matches the unit's identification number, the lead ship of the Audace class.

• Historical notes: laid down in 1968 and launched in 1971 at the Riva Trigoso shipyards, the ship remained in active service from 1972 until decommissioning in 2006.

As indicated by the label under the wooden base, the model was made by Creazioni MAR s.n.c. of Porto Recanati (MC), a Marche-based artisanal workshop known for producing military-themed novelties, crests, commemorative plaques and metal naval models (generally an alloy such as zam or pewter with a silvered/darkened finish) mounted on wooden bases. These items were often made to order as crew m souvenirs or official gifts.

On the used market and among Italian militaria collectors, these desk models from Creazioni MAR have similar models from the same company, such as the frigate Alpino F 580.

Considering the presence of the original label but also some signs of age and oxidation/wear of the plating visible especially on the bow and the superstructures