Possibly Achille (1798)

Scale: 1:48. Plan possibly showing figurehead for Achille (1798), a 74-gun Third Rate, two-decker. The design of the head, head-rails and trail-board is incorrect for a Third Rate, being more relevant to a Fifth Rate frigate, but that may reflect the use of a generic scale bow drawing for the figurehead. While this later British-built Achille initially had a billetlhead (see approved amendment on ZAZ0795), there is evidence in a contemporary letter from 12 March 1806 that gives Plymouth Dockyard the authority to spend £30 on a new figurehead for Achille and Conqueror (ADM 106/1938), both having been at the battle of Trafalgar. Designs were not submitted because Sir William Rule visited the yard and the designs were approved during his visit. This may explain the lack of signatures and letter references.

The figurehead is a port side bust of a warrior facing forward. They are in stylised Greco-Roman armour, consisting of a plumed helmet with peak, scaled armour and ‘pteruges’ on the upper arms. The lower part of the bust is enveloped by a cloak that is pinned by a broach just below the square-neck of the armour. Below the bust is a circular plaque with a branch of laurel around the edge. The lower trail-board cheek ends in a stylised foliage scroll, behind which are spears and a standard.