A 1:48 SCALE ADMIRALTY DOCKYARD OR NAVY BOARD MODEL FOR AN UNIDENTIFIED TWO-MASTED 8-GUN VESSEL OF CIRCA 1720
constructed in boxwood with exposed frames below ebonised wales and scored planking with trenails over, tapering rudder, chain plates with deadeyes, Venetian Red gun port lids, swivel gun mounts, finely carved figurehead in the form of Neptune, delicately painted eggshell blue scrollwork bulwarks and catheads with sheaths, carved quarter badges and stern, semi-open decks with fittings including belaying rail with pins, windlass, capstan, covered hatches, cleats, bilge pumps, poop rail and companionways, great cabin with compass rose parquetry floor, and keel with mast steps etc., mounted on two wooden balustrades with tapered steel side supports within late 19th-Century glazed display case with mirrored back and side panels (missing taffrail, part of the head and head rails, loose companionway and knee within, dust and wear; cases back mirror broken). Model overall -- 6 x 22in. (15 x 56); Case -- 11 x 26 x 7½in. (28 x 66 x 19cm.)

Provenance: English private owners from the first half 19th-Century and thence by descent.

This model enjoys several distinctive features which suggest it is probably a unique example. Apparently unlisted and of a hybrid design, it is possible that it was built as a private commission for an important official, either as a proposal or one that was intended for private use. The most immediately distinctive feature is the delicately-carved figurehead of Neptune - all the known "Neptunes" are large ships of the line and not small craft. It is thought that the Admiralty were beginning to experiment with character heads on small 5th and 6th Rates around 1720 so it is not impossible to extend that to an 8-gun vessel; alternatively, were this a proposal model it would seem probable that a simple billet head, or perhaps the usual Lion, would be used, that it's a character head on such a small craft is rare. It is possible that this hybrid design might have been considered for a small class -- an early "Neptune" class perhaps, but which remained a proposal (latterly there was a "Neptune" class of 1st Rates built from 1790); alternatively, if it represents a one-off commission for a wealthy naval dignitary, it may incorporate part of his Grant of Arms. The distribution of the gun ports is also unusual - six in the stern and two forwards providing for a very long deck with shallow bulwarks (often associated with bomb ketches) and, most unusually, a capstan and windlass almost side-by-side. The mast distribution suggests it may have been rigged as a snow and, with a comparatively shallow draft carrying a large sail area, it should have been a fast sailer - ideal for ferrying the new Hanoverian monarchs' officials over the English Channel and North Sea perhaps? The loss of the taffrail carvings in the late 19th-Century is a great shame as these may have held additional clues, and it is thought that after suffering this accident it was placed in the overly-tight case.

Condition Report
Missing taffrail, part of the head and head rails, loose companionway and knee within, dust and wear. The model is thought to have been dropped at the end of the 19th-Century which was when the losses and damage occurred - in addition to the above, there is a gap above the aft deadwood which might be shrinkage, but is more likely caused by a fall. The family finally placed it in a case after this accident and the case seems to have been made to fit a particular niche - it has a slightly extended rail at the top, it is also very close fitting and, with three of the four sides mirrored, can only be viewed from the front with most of wear hidden. The case is in poor condition with the main back mirror now broken with only a small section on the left remaining (the side panels are intact) and some joints are now loose on the right rear. Whilst the taffrail carving cannot be replaced easily, the other losses all have references on the model and a full and convincing restoration should be possible - and will likely be the first undertaken since construction.

Model measurements using directions from Franklin:
Main deck: 19½in.
Breadth: 5½in.
Height of hold: 2in.

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.