© Copyright Mike Fernandes 2013
Le Phenix - 1669 French Gun Ship
The Le Phenix was purpose built as a battleship by
Francois Coulomb in France between 1664 and
1669.
There were a total of three levels on it, including the
gun deck which held 86 guns. The length of the gun
deck itself was approximately 144 feet. The decks
were known as the quarterdeck, the upper gun deck
and the lower gun deck. The commander of this
French gun ship was the level of Capitaine de
Vaisseau or ship-of-the-line Captain - The
equivalent of a navy frigate captain in today's
ranking.
The stunning ship was able to withstand a
significant amount of pressure in the waters, which
is why it was one of the most powerful battleships
that were created during the 17th century. The
French were known for what they could build and
there were many other countries that were envious
of their abilities. This was one of the many reasons
that Le Phenix was a sought after trophy to be
destroyed in battle.
The ship is one of the larger battleships that were
built during that time yet it was nothing short of
beautiful.
Le Phenix - 1669 French Gunship
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Jean Bonzi (left) with his friend. Both have their pet monkeys and Jean also has
his little black puppy in his arms.
The beauty of Le Phenix speaks for itself in so many
magnificent representations of it that enthusiasts have
spent hundreds of hours to create.
One of these stunning models (pictured) was created
by J. E. G. Bonzi. Each piece was hand built from items
that he salvaged using only an old picture as reference
and without the benefit of detailed plans.
The story goes that there is a one dollar bill built into
the hull.
J Bonzi was himself a stunning and fascinating human
being. Jean was a French Legionnaire, an adventurer, a
highly decorated war hero and most of all a family man
who left this intricate piece along with his medals
(pictured) to his family.
