References – Projects with Le Tonkinois
Be inspired by completed projects and discover the diverse applications of Le Tonkinois products. The examples impressively demonstrate how high-quality surfaces are created.
Roman ship Lusoria Rhenana
• 18 meters long • 10 months construction • true to the original •
The Lusoria Rhenana is the impressive result of experimental archaeological craftsmanship! The ship is an authentic reconstruction of a late antique Roman river warship that was also used on the Rhine at that time for defense against the Germanic tribes.
Maintenance of the Ship with Le Tonkinois
The ship has been treated with Le Tonkinois for 15 years. Every year, the coating receives a refresh during winter storage to ensure the longevity and protection of the wood.
The images used on this page are published courtesy of Mr. Dieter Heim, managing director of the association.
Further information about the association can be found on the official website: Lusoria Rhenana
Eight (rowing boat)
• Built in 1898 •
This historic eight-person rowing boat from 1898 is an impressive masterpiece by the first Czech boat builder, who learned his craft from a Prussian boat builder.
Use and Maintenance
The rowing boat is maintained with products from Le Tonkinois, which protect the wood and preserve its natural appearance.
Today, it is still in use at a rowing club in Brno (Czech Republic). At the same time, the reconstruction of the historic shipyard as a meeting place with a café is planned.
Restoration of historic walnut wood doors
• Frank Furness Building, 1870 •
The exterior and interior corridor doors of a former bank building, now being converted into an art gallery, were extensively restored. The walnut wood was carefully exposed, sanded, and the natural grain was highlighted again through targeted pre-treatment.
For the surface finishing, products from Le Tonkinois were used: first Bio Impression as a primer, followed by several layers of Vernis Marine No. 1 or natural oil varnish. Each layer was carefully applied by hand and sanded between coats, resulting in a particularly deep, natural wood appearance and providing long-lasting protection for the material.
The professional restoration and finishing were carried out by AP Lohmann – a specialist in high-quality wood restoration, sustainable surface treatment, and traditional craftsmanship.
Protected cruiser USS Olympia
• Wheelhouse 1892 •
The USS Olympia, a historic cruiser of the United States Navy, was built in 1892 and gained particular significance as the flagship in the Battle of Manila Bay in 1898. Today, she is preserved as a museum ship at the Independence Seaport Museum and is one of the oldest surviving steel warships of the U.S. Navy.
As part of preservation and restoration work, products from Le Tonkinois are used to sustainably protect wooden surfaces on board while preserving their natural appearance. Especially in the demanding maritime environment, these coatings demonstrate their durability and quality.
The professional restoration and finishing were carried out by AP Lohmann – a specialist in high-quality wood restoration, sustainable surface treatment, and traditional craftsmanship.
Seestern Boat
• Design: Ernst Riss •
This boat from the "Seestern" series was designed by Manfred Ernst and is based on one of the well-known "Ernst designs", which are highly regarded worldwide in the boatbuilding community.
As part of maintenance and preservation, products from Le Tonkinois are used to reliably protect the wood and emphasize the boat’s classic appearance – ideal for high-quality, design-oriented projects.
The current owner, a designer of office furniture, uses the boat in Berlin. A long-standing collaboration and personal connection to the Ernst family, in particular to Reinhard Ernst, underline the special significance of this project.
Restoration of a classic wooden keel dinghy
• Schneider’s keel dinghy •
A restored keel dinghy that not only impresses technically but also continues to carry its history in its appearance.
Conclusion
For Birgit and Tom Schneider, choosing Le Tonkinois was a consistent decision in favor of a durable yet aesthetic solution: the natural oil varnish reliably protects the wood, remains flexible, and preserves the natural, warm appearance of the mahogany hull. Especially with a classic keel dinghy, the advantage over hard varnish systems becomes clearly visible – less maintenance, no flaking, and a permanently high-quality appearance.
Our special thanks go to the customers who made it possible for us to publish the reference images.
