Scale: 1:48. A contemporary builder’s full hull model of the coastal defence monitor HMS ‘Glatton’ (1871). It is rigged with a single mast and has two small boats stowed on the bridge deck. Deck fittings include guardrails, skylights, and binnacles both forward and aft for navigation. The model is mounted on its original supports and baseboard.

Described also as a ‘breastwork’ coastal monitor, i.e. with the turrets mounted on a centrally raised armoured platform, the ‘Glatton’ was a one-off design intended to serve in the dual role of coastal defence as well attack on enemy coastal defences. As a result, the hull was given a deep draught for better sea-keeping qualities but this limited its operation in the shallower coastal waters. Conversely, the low freeboard of only three feet would restrict its ability to operate in the open sea.

The ‘Glatton’ was built at Chatham dockyard and launched in 1871. Measuring 245 feet in length by 54 feet in the beam, with a displacement of 4912 tons. Its armament consisted of two 12-inch muzzle-loading guns in a 14-inch armoured turret, and three 6-pounder guns mounted amidships. Mainly employed in the channel for most of its short career, the only notable point being, that during manoeuvres in 1881, it defended the Thames Estuary. The ‘Glatton’ was later reduced to reserve duties and eventually sold for breaking in 1903.