Scale: 1:48. A contemporary half-longitudinal section model of the West Indiaman ‘Sylph’ (1842), built plank on frame, to clearly illustrate the internal construction and layout of the hull. The model is of the port-side half of the hull and is fully planked externally. Internally, it shows the construction and layout of the hold; of particular interest are the hanging knees, which are made from iron, and support the deck beams where they meet the hull. The model has been annotated in recent years, for exhibition purposes, with most of the major component parts labelled in white lettering.

The introduction of composite construction allowed shipbuilders to produce larger and stronger vessels with an increased cargo capacity. Both the upper and main decks are supported by vertical pillars, which are located under the deck beams along the centreline of the hull. The quarterdeck at the stern shows the accommodation space for the Captain and some crew, whilst additional living space would have been located on the main deck below.

The ‘Sylph’ was built and registered in London in 1842 and given a Class A1 classification by Lloyd’s. Measuring 168 feet in length by 40 feet in the beam, she was owned by Daniel & Son and under a Captain Treadwell, traded between London, Barbados and the West Indies. The ‘Sylph’ disappears from the register in 1856.