A FINELY BUILT AND CARVED 1:72 SCALE NAVY BOARD STYLE MODEL OF 40-GUN SWEDISH HEAVY FRIGATE VENUS [1783] BUILT TO THE PLANS OF FREDRIK HENRIK CHAPMAN

constructed in fruit wood and ebony, the 28in. hull with copper sheathing below the main wale, planked over with gun ports, with oxidised brass cannon on wooden trucks with shot racks, finely carved figurehead of Venus, planked with gratings, belaying rails with pins, capstan, gratings, companionways, well deck with ship's boat, cutaway masts, double helm under poop, finely carved and decorated stern and quarter lights, mounted on turned wooden mounts to lined display base, overall measurements -- 13 x 33½ (33 x 85cm.)

Designed by Frederick Chapman as a heavy frigate, Venus was launched in 1783 at Karlskrona and joined the Gothenburg Squadron commanded by A.F. Rosensvärd in 1789 and almost immediately captured by the Russians. Their claim that their tiny cutter Merkurii had achieved this feat by herself was hotly disputed by Sweden who pointed to the fact that the action was attended by two ships of the line, two frigates -- and the cutter Merkurii. Whatever the circumstances, the winner writes history and the subject became a favourite with Russian artists. The Russians even disputed her scantlings and where Chapman had decreed them as 156 x 40 x 17½ft, the Russians claimed they were 151½ x 38⅚ x 15¾ft. As part of the Russian fleet she enjoyed a busy and varied career, capturing several of her former fleet comrades and making herself very useful. In 1799 she visited England and her lines were taken at Sheerness Dockyard. Latterly she was involved in Admiral Senyavin’s capture of the Island Tenedos in 1807, and was lead ship in the pursuit of a Turkish squadron where she took on a Turkish line of battle ship. Damaged, she was repaired at Palermo, which was blockaded by the British. To avoid bloodshed, she was placed in Neapolitan custody and her crew evacuated to Trieste, her ultimate fate unknown.

Condition Report

Fine overall condition.

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.