A VERY FINE 1:36 SCALE ADMIRALTY BOARD STYLE MODEL FOR THE SIXTH-RATE 20-GUN SPHINX-CLASS FRIGATE SPHINX [1775]

modelled in alder and fruitwood, the framed hull planked and pinned, with ebony main wale, gun ports with cast brass guns in trucks, finely carved figurehead with carved decoration along bulwarks and stern, glazed stern with scrollwork, caryatids and dolphins, oxidised brass stern lamp, the deck with details including bitts with belaying pins, gratings, stovepipe, belfry with bell, well deck with fitted pinnace over with bottom boards, seats, gratings etc., bound cutaway masts, capstan, double helm with 12 turned spokes, compass box, swivel guns etc., mounted on ebonised cradle stand to wooden display base, overall measurements -- 14 x 48in. (35.5 x 122cm.)

The name-ship for a class of ten, Sphinx was ordered from Portsmouth dockyard in 1773 and completed just in time to attend to the revolt in the American colonies. Sailing to North America with Admiral Parker's squadron in March 1776, she took the American privateers Eagle and Rover in November and December 1777. Two years later in November 1779, she was briefly captured herself by the French 32-gun L’Amphitrite off Martinique however she was recaptured in December by the Proserpine. Thereafter she served various commanders without much incident and was laid up in ordinary at Portsmouth in 1799 until sold for breaking in 1811.