Warship (1805); Frigate; 38 guns

Scale 1:48. A contemporary full hull model of a frigate (circa 1805) built plank on frame in the Georgian style. Model is decked, equipped, and fully rigged with a full suit of sails set. The hull is complete with copper sheathing which was added in the 1960s by Jim Lees in the Museum's workshop.This contemporary model is fully rigged together with sails, which are thought to be original. The hull has the solid bulwarks on the upper decks and an enclosed waist, both of which offered greater protection to the crew when under fire. It is has a full complement of boats from the large launch to the smaller jolly boat mounted on davits hanging over the stern. The copper sheathing below the waterline was introduced by the Navy in the 1780s. Its purpose was twofold: it prevented weed growth, which would reduce the ship’s speed, and to stop damage to the timbers by the marine boring toredo worm.

Object Details

ID: SLR0346
Collection: Ship models
Type: Full hull model; Rigged model; Sails set
Display location: Display - Nelson, Navy, Nation Gallery
Creator: Unknown
Date made: Circa 1805
Exhibition: Nelson, Navy, Nation
Credit: National Maritime Museum, Greenwich, London
Measurements: Overall model: 1205 x 1670 x 535 mm; Base: 95 x 913 x 263 mm
Parts: Warship (1805); Frigate; 38 guns