7th Nov, 2017 12:00

Maritime and Scientific Models, Instruments & Art ('Fearless')

 
  Lot 286
 

286

[M] A 15FT:1IN. SCALE FRAME MODEL FOR THE 120-GUN...

A 15FT:1IN. SCALE FRAME MODEL FOR THE 120-GUN FIRST RATE MODIFIED 'CALEDONIA' CLASS SHIP H.M.S. ROYAL GEORGE, DESIGNED BY SIR ROBERT SEPPINGS, 1819
with cherry frames pierced with gun ports and pinned boxwood stringing and internal stretchers, mounted at an angle on keel blocks in a finely-realised dockyard slipway with lined boxwood pavements interspersed with sandpaper 'shingle', twin access steps and bitts, within removable glazed wooden cover with turned pilasters and securing hooks. Cased measurements overall -- 7¾ x 15¾ x 5¾in. (19.5 x 40 x 14.5cm.)

This new class of ship was the first to introduce Seppings' revolutionary rounded bow - a far stronger and more versatile bow that did away with the delicate and vulnerable head rails traditionally deployed. It meant that more, and heavier, gun types could be carried in an arc around the bow and gave a drier and more rigid passage underway. Latterly the design was extended to include a rounded stern - as seen in lot 285 and, whilst these perhaps represent the apogee of sailing naval design, they were unpopular with their commanders for looking too ugly, despite their many advantages.

Charles Miller Ltd is grateful to Prof. Andrew Lambert, Kings College London, for his assistance with this lot.

Sold for £8,060
Estimated at £4,000 - £6,000

(inc. buyer's premium of 24%)


 

A 15FT:1IN. SCALE FRAME MODEL FOR THE 120-GUN FIRST RATE MODIFIED 'CALEDONIA' CLASS SHIP H.M.S. ROYAL GEORGE, DESIGNED BY SIR ROBERT SEPPINGS, 1819
with cherry frames pierced with gun ports and pinned boxwood stringing and internal stretchers, mounted at an angle on keel blocks in a finely-realised dockyard slipway with lined boxwood pavements interspersed with sandpaper 'shingle', twin access steps and bitts, within removable glazed wooden cover with turned pilasters and securing hooks. Cased measurements overall -- 7¾ x 15¾ x 5¾in. (19.5 x 40 x 14.5cm.)

This new class of ship was the first to introduce Seppings' revolutionary rounded bow - a far stronger and more versatile bow that did away with the delicate and vulnerable head rails traditionally deployed. It meant that more, and heavier, gun types could be carried in an arc around the bow and gave a drier and more rigid passage underway. Latterly the design was extended to include a rounded stern - as seen in lot 285 and, whilst these perhaps represent the apogee of sailing naval design, they were unpopular with their commanders for looking too ugly, despite their many advantages.

Charles Miller Ltd is grateful to Prof. Andrew Lambert, Kings College London, for his assistance with this lot.

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