D4073_1

Frigate, Probably 'Lowestoft', 32 guns Long Caption: Scale: 1:48. A contemporary full hull model of a fifth-rate 32-gun frigate (circa 1761) built in bread and butter fashion and finished in the Georgian style. Model is decked, rigged, fully equipped and mounted on its original veneered baseboard. Past research has suggested that this model represents the 'Lowestoft’ built in 1761, although the dimensions differ slightly. At this scale the model depicts a ship measuring 130 feet along the gun deck by 36 feet in the beam and a tonnage of approximately 710 burden. The model has several noticeable features such as the fish davit across the forecastle deck fully rigged to the bower anchor, and the new round bow, which replaced the old square bulkhead at about this time. It is also complete with a longboat, which is lashed to the spare topmast stowed in the waist, whilst on the deck below, the gun carriages are complete with the various blocks and tackles. Frigates performed a number of roles in the navy and were known as the 'eyes and ears’ of the fleet, particularly in reconnaissance work and cruising on a station. Credit line: On loan to the National Maritime Museum, Greenwich, London, from the Science Museum, London Object: SLR0339 Artist: unknown Date: circa 1761 Medium: fruitwood; gilt; pine; bone; cotton; silk; brass; mica; paint; varnish Size: Overall model: 1020 x 1300 x 540 mm; Base: 177 x 876 x 267 mm Click here to buy a bespoke print of this image.