Lifeboat(1790-1810); Service vessel; Lifeboat; Greathead type

Scale: 1:12. A contemporary full hull model of a Greathead lifeboat, circa 1810, built plank on frame. The hull is double-ended with a distinct rockered keel and curved sheer and painted white externally and red internally to the level if the gunwale capping. It is fitted with heavy sawn timbers four pairs of which project above the gunwale as timbers heads for securing ropes and towing warps. There are five thwarts connected by a central gangplank, painted black, together with six pairs of thole pins mounted on the gunwale for rowing double-banked oars.
For additional buoyancy, large cork blocks are fitted around the gunwale and underneath the side benches. There are a six wooden floors which are painted black and can be removed to show the construction in and around the keel area. Being double-ended, it can be rowed in either direction and was pulled by up to ten oars. The whole model is mounted on a pair of carved wooden crutches. There is a paper label attached to the stemhead with the number "6" inscribed on it.

Object Details

ID: SLR0560
Collection: Ship models
Type: Full hull model; Plank-on-frame
Display location: Not on display
Creator: Unknown
Date made: circa 1790-1810; late 18th century
People: Percy, Ralph George Algernon; Greathead, Henry South Kensington Museum
Credit: National Maritime Museum, Greenwich, London
Measurements: Overall model: 183 x 741 x 271 mm; Support: 59 x 19 x 147 mm