In 1795, while he was Ambassador to France, Ben Franklin purchased a small French schooner. He manned the vessel with Portuguese sailors, but appointed an American captain. The ship was nearly invisible at night, as she was painted black above the waterline. Franklin aptly named her Black Prince and sent her to raid British merchant shipping. Black Prince gained a reputation as a courageous privateer, taking prizes in the English Channel and even attacking British ships in their home ports. the prizes and booty she captured were sent home to the Colonies to help win the War for Independence.

This Black Prince features:

21" long x 14" tall    $390