Warship; Ganges class; Canopus Class; Second rate; 84-gun

Scale: 1:16. A sectional model depicting the circular stern for Canopus Class second rate vessels. The model is made entirely of wood, with the outboard painted black and the traditional yellow buff stripes along the gun decks, which carry on round the stern and onto the galleries. The lower part of the stern is painted brown to indicate copper sheaving. There are twelve gun ports, all of which are painted red internally. The upper and lower stern galleries all run into one with the quarter galleries and comprise of a series of dummy as well as framed glass panels, and individual sliding sash doors, some of which are working. On the lower stern galleries moulded columns are painted on raised pillars between each stern gallery window. The stern post is fitted together with two small brass eyes to take the rudder, which unfortunately is missing.

Internally the model comprises of three decks supported by deck beams and shelves, all of which are painted a light brown colour. The underside of the decks and beams are painted white. The lower of the decks is fitted to a solid waterline base, with the interior hull and ceiling planking painted the same colour as the decks. The poop deck is fitted with a raise taffrail and bulwark rail complete with ports for guns and access.

On the starboard stern quarter at the upper gun deck the model inscribed "Canopus Class" and on the lower deck "Original After-Port" is hand painted. There is an accompanying original metal display plaque painted black and inscribed "CIRCULAR STERN, of ships of "Canopus" class. 84 GUNS, built by Sir Robert Sepping, between 1821-1832. S.K.No550 CL1 DIV. E.".

Object Details

ID: SLR2271
Collection: Ship models
Type: Sectional model; Stern model; Waterline model
Display location: Not on display
Creator: Unknown
Vessels: Asia (1824); Calcutta (1831) Bombay (1828) Clarence 1827 Ganges (1821) Formidable (1825) Monarch (1832) Powerful (1826) Vengeance 1824 Thunderer (1831)
Date made: circa 1821
People: South Kensington Museum; Seppings, Robert
Credit: National Maritime Museum, Greenwich, London.
Measurements: Overall: 640 mm x 834 mm x 555 mm