Duke (1777)

Scale: not known. A sketch of the starboard side of a double figurehead for Duke (1777), a 90-gun, Second Rate, three-decker. The plan is unnamed, but comparison with ZAZ0213 for HMS Duke (1777) shows many of the same features in the same configuration. This may represent King George III as Duke of Brunswick-Luneburg (Hanover).

The figurehead shows a central bust of a male figure facing forward. He is wearing a powdered wig, and an overcoat with wide lapels. Behind the bust is a cherub with wings blowing a trumpet. Below the bust is the Royal Crest surrounded by elaborate decoration. Beside the Crest is an eagle/vulture(?) standing on a mushroom-shaped(?) pedestal. Behind it is a full-length crowned depiction of Neptune in a loin cloth, holding a trident in his right hand with his left arm raised above his head. The bottom right section is missing, but the bottom left of the trail-board includes a seahorse (Hippocampus).

The plan was originally folded and has been pasted onto an unused printed Naval expenses sheet.

Object Details

ID: DIC0026
Type: Technical drawing
Display location: Not on display
Date made: circa 1777
Credit: National Maritime Museum, Greenwich, London
Measurements: Overall: 250 mm x 130 mm