A RARE 1IN:32FT SCALE WATERLINE MODEL OF H.M.S. HAWKINS, MODELLED BY NORMAN OUGH, 1926
the hull carved from the solid with painted sides and natural deck, carved and painted fittings including capstan, bitts, anchors with painted chains, main and secondary armament, bridge with fire control, masts with radio aerials and signal lanyards, stayed funnels, covered boats in davits, and other details, mounted on raised cloth-covered plinth with maker's plate, name and scale plates, and contained within ebonised wood glazed cover with exhibition label to one corner. Cased measurements -- 6½ x 23½ x 6½in. (16.5 x 60 x 16.5cm.)

Norman Ough (1898-1965) was principal model maker to both the National Maritime Museum and Imperial War Museum and made commissions for many others as well as private clients. A considerable eccentric, he was sometimes found half starved having forgotten to eat for days being so wrapped in his work. His models are considered amongst the finest evocations of the genre, capturing the essential spirit of the ship and, at an age when few, if any short cuts were available, did not see the need to over-crowd detail. This model was presumably a private commission for someone connected to Hawkins, another example of this ship is held in the Imperial War Museum, Catalogue No. MOD1637.

H.M.S. Hawkins was one of the five 'Cavendish' class cruisers ordered in 1915. Designed primarily for trade protection, Hawkins was built at Chatham where she was laid down in June 1916. Displacing 9,750 tons (12,190 deep loaded) and measuring 605 feet in length with a 65 foot beam, she could steam at 30 knots and carried a surprisingly heavy main armament of 7-7.5in. guns. Launched in October 1917, she was not completed until after the end of the Great War and her first tour of duty was as flagship to the 5th Light Cruiser Squadron on the China Station where she served from 1919–29. After a spell in the East Indies, she was rearmed in 1939 just in time for active duty in the Second World War during which she initially served as Flagship to Rear Admiral Sir Henry Harwood immediately after the Battle of the River Plate; she was scrapped in 1947.

Condition Report

Model is in good overall condition; the raised display base has several areas of discolouration from presumed damp, and two or three old wood worm holes.

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.