A 1:32 SCALE MID-18TH CENTURY DOCKYARD MODEL OF A YACHT, POSSIBLY OLD PORTSMOUTH, FOR THE USE OF SENIOR DOCKYARD OFFICERS

the 18in. hull carved from the solid and hollowed out below the waterline, planked topsides with trenails, ebonised main and secondary wales, chainplates with deadeyes, finely decorated Venetian red bulwarks with carved quarter lights and stern, catheads and figurehead, decks finished with lined paper and with fittings including winch with ratchet and belfry over, open hatches, covered companionway, poop deck with bench seat, capstan and tiller, bulkhead between decks aft of foredeck pierced for door and four-paned windows, cradle-mounted on wooden display base within a glazed wooden case with textured baseboard; cased measurements -- 16 x 28½ x 11¾in. (40.5 x 72.5 x 30cm.)

Provenance: Understood to have been deaccessioned from the archives of a Hampshire Local Authority circa 2005.

Although the arms of Portsmouth at the stern are a later embellishment, it is interesting to note that in most reference books only the dimensions given for Old Portsmouth (1741-72) match those of this model. The style of the model – individual hull planking fixed with small trenails to a wooden core – and the form of the vessel represented here compare very favourably to the model yacht Chatham, also 1741 and to the same scale 1:32 – possibly by the same hand – retained at the National Collection Greenwich SLR0460.

Portsmouth, launched 1703 renamed Old Portsmouth in 1741 with the building of a larger yacht (to be named Portsmouth); Old Portsmouth was then turned over in 1772 to the Governor of the Isle of Wight and renamed Medina, serving for a further fifty years before being broken up in 1832 after 129 years of service. It is possible that this model represents one of the refits post-1741 or 1772.

Condition Report

This model was discovered about 20 years ago in the Portsmouth area in a distressed but largely complete condition, elements that have been replaced include figurehead, part of the companionway, belfry, cutaway mast and bowsprit, tiller and some small elements of the stern carving including a suggested coat of arms based on historical research, the lined paper decks are later, however underneath the bow section, remnants of a chequerboard design, also laid to paper, survive, one surviving gunport provided a pattern used for the others present; the stand and case are also later

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.