A WELL-PRESENTED AND FINELY-OBSERVED NAVY BOARD-STYLE MODEL OF THE 28-GUN FRIGATE SOLEBAY (1694)
modelled in fruitwoods after the original held at the Central Naval Museum, St. Petersburg with deck details including launching masts with hand-painted flags, cast brass figurehead and 'carved work', bronze guns with Royal Arms in stepped wooden carriages, finished in natural wood and wax and mounted on a pair of cast dolphin set wooden stands on sliding display base within glazed case. Model measurements (excluding masts) -- 9½ x 34½in. (24 x 87.5cm.); Overall measurements -- 22¼ x 41¼ x 14¼in. (56.5 x 105 x 36cm.)

The model offered here has been copied, with meticulous attention to detail, from the original now housed in the Central Naval Museum in St. Petersburg. One of two (the other being Royal Sovereign) presented to Peter the Great (1682-1725) when he visited London during his novel European progress of 1697-98, these source models are justly famous, not least because of the unusual circumstances which took them to Russia. Soon after the innovative Tsar Peter ascended the Russian throne, he realised that if he was to modernise his backward country he must learn something of Western Europe's technological skills, especially shipbuilding. It was this latter interest which eventually brought him to the Thames-side shipyards in the spring of 1698 to study the shipwrights' craft and where he saw, with amazement, the huge bulk of Royal Sovereign taking shape on the stocks. In commemoration of this visit, King William III is said to have presented Peter with a beautiful model of the new flagship which the Tsar then took home with him along with the model of Solebay, presumably given to him when he called into Snelgrove's yard nearby.

Condition Report
Fine overall condition

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.