A RARE 18TH-CENTURY UN-RIGGED 1:32 SCALE DOCKYARD MODEL FOR A SIX-GUN ADMIRALTY YACHT BELIEVED TO REPRESENT THE OLD PORTSMOUTH AS FITTED IN 1752
with 20in. pipe hull finely carved and hollowed from the solid, planked and pinned with treenail's over ebony wales, chain plates with deadeyes, Venetian red bulwarks delicately painted with swags and trophies, quarter badges with mica windows, polychrome caryatids and tafferel characters sounding trumpets, the paper-covered chequerboard deck with fittings including anchor/sail winch with pawl and belaying rails, hatches, cut-away mast and bowsprit, companionway with sliding roof to observation deck with mica windows and seat over, capstan and tiller, mounted on turned wooden columns to walnut display base (restoration and conservation). Overall measurements -- 12 x 23in. (30.5 x 58.5cm.) Travel case.
Literature: Lyon, D: The Sailing Navy List, Conway, 1993, p. 303
Winfield, R: British Warships in the Age of Sail, 1714-1792, Seaforth 2007, p.362
Discovered close to Salisbury, UK, it's possible this model has only moved a few miles since built approximately two and a half centuries ago. Largely complete but untidy, it has been possible with careful research to present the model correctly. A figurehead might have aided a firmer attribution, however the dimensions and number of guns suggest just two or three related candidates - the Portsmouth (1702), rebuilt as Old Portsmouth (1741), which in turn was rebuilt as Medina (1772) and which also became the official transport to the Governor of the Isle of Wight. Typical early 18th-Century Admiralty models use open-framed boxwood hulls, so the use of a thinly carved fully-represented hull suggests later modelling, however the vessel has several quite old fashioned features - the wreathed gun ports (the wreaths are missing, but there's evidence for them), the low freeboard are features which were dispensed with on small craft later in the century, so Medina seems less likely, leaving Old Portsmouth as the likliest candidate. Little is known about Old Portsmouth but it appears she was originally built in 1702/3 as the Portsmouth by master shipwright Thomas Podd for use by the Dockyard Superintendent, and her measurements of 50ft x 15ft with six 2-pdr guns conform to the scale of this model. With a new vessel named Portsmouth launched for the Superintendent in 1741, this yacht became Old Portsmouth and in 1752 she was ordered to be fitted for the use of the young gentlemen of the (naval) Academy (at Portsmouth). In 1772 she underwent a "Great Repair" and was renamed Medina and fitted for use by the Governor of the Isle of Wight until 1832 when she was finally broken up after 130 years of service.

Condition Report
Model has been conserved and replacements made for missing parts include part of the rudder, some deck spars (below deck supports), tiller, mast, bowsprit and anchor winch. Remnant paper deck lining still seen in the bow provided the information for the distinctive chequer board design. The supports and display base are recent.

We are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of this property. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Charles Miller Ltd is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue. NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD “AS IS” IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE.