A 1:48 SCALE ADMIRALTY BOARD STYLE MODEL OF THE 100 GUN FIRST-RATE SHIP OF THE LINE ROYAL WILLIAM AS REBUILT TO THE 1719 ESTABLISHMENT, THOUGHT TO BE 19TH CENTURY

the hull carved below the ebonised main wale and planked and pinned over, hinged gunports with Venetian red interiors and rings, boarding ladder with canopied admiral’s entrance, chainplates with deadeyes, carved giltwood double equestrian figurehead, giltwood stern carvings, pierced and carved balconies with ‘WR’ monogram, glazed windows and quarter lights, painted decorative bulwarks, catheads with sheaths, roundhouses, planked decks with gratings, stovepipe, belfry, capstan with spars, spare masts, poop deck with companionways and double helm under, bound masts with yards, fighting tops, standing and running rigging with carved blocks and tackle, loosely mounted on ebonised cradle stand with name, overall measurements -- 53 x 60 x 25in. (134.5 x 152.5 x 63.5cm.)

Provenance: Deaccessioned from the Russell-Cotes Museum, Bournemouth, 2021; Understood to have been sent from India to the Museum in the 1920s.

Designed and built at Chatham under the direction of Sir Phineas Pett, great-nephew of the builder of Charles I’s fabled Sovereign of the Seas, the Prince was one of three first rates dating from 1670, all of which were laid down to replace the capital ships destroyed or captured by the Dutch during their infamous raid on the Medway in June 1667.

Prince was measured at 1,395 tons and was 167 feet in length with a 45 foot beam. Mounting 100 guns, she was powerful as well as handsome, and was first commissioned in 1672, on the outbreak of the Third [and last] Anglo-Dutch War. Her then lieutenant – later her captain – Sir John Narbrough called her “a great and brave-contrived ship” and found that she “wrought very well in staying and bearing up, and steereth mighty well.” Throughout the Third Dutch War (1672-74), Prince acted as flagship for several high-ranking officers including the Duke of York, the King’s brother and the future James II, and thereby attracted the enemy’s special attention. At the battle of the Texel (11^th August 1673) she was subjected to a particularly determined assault by a group of Dutch ships and barely avoided destruction in what proved an epic fight that soon became the stuff of legend within the Royal Navy.

Extensively rebuilt at Chatham in 1691-2, which increased her beam to 47 feet 10ins., she was renamed Royal William upon completion of the work and saw her first action under her new name at Barfleur on 19^th May 1692; this and the even more decisive action at La Hogue a few days later effectively ended French naval superiority in the Channel and thereby greatly influenced the successful outcome of the so-called ‘War of the English Succession’ (1689-97). Rebuilt a second time in 1719, this essentially new ship – but one which incorporated all the usable parts of the original Prince – then achieved her own fame by her remarkable longevity. After participating in the capture of the great Canadian fortress of Louisburg in 1758 and then the city of Quebec the following year, she was last in action at the battle off Cape Spartel when Lord Howe defeated a large Franco-Spanish fleet on 20^th October 1782. Hulked in 1790, “Old Billy”, as she had become affectionately known, was finally broken up in 1813 at which time her ancient timbers were said to be “tough enough to turn the strongest nails.”

Condition Report

Overall wear and losses to paint and rigging with some loose parts on deck.

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.