Scale: 1:48. A contemporary half block model of the ‘Algesiras’ (1804), a French 74-gun two-decker third-rate ship of the line. Built in ‘bread and butter’ fashion, the half model is mounted on a painted backboard on which is inscribed ‘Algesiras’.

Built in 1804 this two-decker measured 181 feet along the gun deck by 48 feet in the beam. The ‘Algesiras’ was captured at the Battle of Trafalgar by the ‘Tonnant’ but recaptured the next day. In 1808, she was seized by Spanish insurgents at Cadiz and a year later was at Portsmouth, where the lines were taken off to produce a draught from which this model is based. This is confirmed by the solid bulwarks fitted to the quarter- and poop decks on the model, a feature that was introduced to all ships in the early 19th century. The ‘Algesiras’ was eventually broken up at Cadiz in 1826.