Scale: approximately 1:192. A full hull model of a frigate (circa 1800). The model is decked, equipped and rigged. This model has been made in wood, apparently by French prisoners during the Napoleonic Wars. As usual with such models, the details are quite accurate but the proportions of the hull are wrong, as the modellers did not have plans to work from.

It represents an unusually large French frigate of 50 guns, but modellers were often inclined to exaggerate the size or other features of the ship they were modelling. The bowsprit is also set at an exaggerated angle or ‘steeve’. The name ‘La Blanche’ is on stern but because the model is prisoner of war work, doubt remains whether it is really that ship. It has one plank left off on the starboard side of the hull, which is unusual on such models.