Scale: 1:16. A model of a midship section of HMS Defence (1861), a 40 gun, iron-cased frigate. The model is made almost entirely of wood with some metal fittings and finished in a varying dark brown mahogany colour which has been both stained, polished and varnished. The model illustrates the mode of forming and combining the keel, frames (transverse and longitudinal), box keelsons, skin-plating, beams, pillars, wing passage bulkhead and armour-plating. Assuming that the brass plaque at the front of the model is facing towards the bow, the port side of the hull is complete with skin-plating and armour-plating along its entire length. The starboard side of the hull shows the exposed framing with some skin-plating up to the level of the lower deck while above the armour-plating has been removed to show the internal skin applied to the frames. The whole model is mounted on a pair of keel blocks, angled wooden props (ten in total), all of which are mounted on a wooden rectangular framework base. Plaque on base reads "SECTION OF HM IRON CASED FRIGATE DEFENCE BUILT BY PALMER BROS & CO NEWCASTLE ON TYNE 1861".