Scale: 1:48. A full hull plank on frame ‘working’ model of the cargo brig ‘Marie Sophie’ (1879) complete with sails, the whole of which is mounted on keel blocks on a slipway. The detail and quality of this model is exceptional bearing in mind it was originally built as a ballasted sailing model. The hull has simulated copper sheathing as well as the newly introduced ‘Plimsoll Line’ amidships, a safety feature introduced by Samuel Plimsoll designed to stop the overloading of the hull with cargo. When the model was eventually ‘retired’ from its working life, all of the working fittings both inside the hull and modifications to the rigging were removed. It was then refitted and partially re-rigged as a static exhibition model.

The ‘Marie Sophie’ was a typical example of the deep water trading brigs, which sailed to all parts of the world during the latter half of the 19th century. These vessels established themselves in the specialist trades, which best suited their size and rig: the dried fish trade from Newfoundland to South America; palm oil from West Africa to the United Kingdom; fruit and nuts from the Mediterranean countries; the West Indies sugar trade; and grain from California. Built by J. Wempe of Elsfleth, Germany, in 1879, the ‘Marie Sophie’ measured 126 feet in length by 26 feet I the beam with a tonnage of 234 gross.