A WELL-PRESENTED SCALE MODEL OF H.M.S. REDOUBTABLE, CIRCA 1813

modelled by E.V. Fry circa 1968 with carved 13in. hull painted copper below the waterline, open gun ports with guns, chainplates with deadeyes, headrails, figurehead, hammock racks, stern and quarter galleries with traced windows, scored decks with gratings, shot racks, chimney, companionways etc., bound yellow masts with yards and stuns’l booms, standing and running rigging, mounted on wooden display base, overall measurements -- 19 x 27½ x 12in. (48 x 70 x 30.5cm.)

Provenance: Deaccessioned from Russell-Cotes Museum, Bournemouth; purchased from Christie’s St. James’s circa 1968.

In the aftermath of the decisive Franco-Spanish defeat at Trafalgar, Napoleon initiated a massive rebuilding programme to create a new battlefleet utilizing not only France’s own naval dockyards but also those throughout the various French-occupied territories across western Europe. When news of this project reached England, the Admiralty countered it by directing the two most talented naval architects of the time – Henry Peake and William Rule – to prepare designs for a new standardized class of ‘74’s. After submitting their plans, upon which the Navy Board was unable to agree, it was decided that the two men should collaborate on a new design which was approved on 1st October 1806 and designated the ‘Armada’ class. Despite the potential problems inherent in any joint design, the fruits of the two surveyors’ labours proved so successful that they produced the numerically largest class of battleship ever built to one design by any navy, bar for the French ‘Téméraire’ class begun in 1782. In all, the intention was to build forty-one ‘74’s to the ‘Armada’ design, but since the various yards to which the contracts were awarded were given only the most basic details of tonnage at 1,741bm., length 176 feet (overall) and 145 feet (keel), beam 47½ feet and draught 21 feet, the vessels themselves showed numerous variations when completed.

Condition Report

Generally good overall condition, one or two lines of rigging repaired, dust to the main 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.