Scale: 1:60. A contemporary full hull model of a 96-gun three-decker first rate (circa 1703), built plank on frame in the Navy Board style. The model is decked, equipped and mounted on three turned boxwood pillars along the keel with two ‘barely twist’ brass rods supporting the wales amidships. Although the model cannot be identified as a particular ship, it represents a vessel with a gun deck length of 170 feet by 49 feet in the beam and an approximate tonnage of 1720 burden. The profusion of heavy gilt carving suggests that the model was made before the order of 1703 restricting such decoration. However, the royal monogram ‘AR’ of Queen Anne and the position of the fore and main channels above the middle deck ports make 1702 the earliest possible date.

The reason for raising the channels to just below the upper gun deck was to prevent the shrouds, the rigging that supports the mast, from interfering with the firing of the lower guns. This model is unique in that it is fitted with a windlass on the quarter deck which has ropes running down to the tiller. This was probably an experimental fitting prior to the introduction of the steering wheel in about 1703. Another noticeable feature of this model is that the exposed frames of the hull have been made from several different coloured woods so as to highlight the main station frames that correspond with the ship plan.