A REMARKABLY DETAILED 1IN:1FT SCALE MODEL OF THE 'BRISTOL' CLASS FRIGATE BRISTOL (1861) MODELLED BY COMMANDER A.H. OLIVER CIRCA 1870 AND LATER
the hull carved from the solid with copper-coloured 'sheathing', raising propeller, rudder with guide chains, enamelled name plate, gun ports with guns, figurehead; planked decks with contrasting central divide, gratings, bitts, belaying rails, cleats with rope coils, retractable funnel with chains, fully fitted long boat complete with oars, rollers, seats, foot rests etc, and steam pinnace with steam engine with folding chimney, opening grate etc, painted capstan, rigged double helm and binnacles, poop with propeller lifting gear, side and stern davits with fully-fitted boats in straps; bound masts constructed as in working practice, fully rigged with standing and running rigging with running blocks and sheaths, yards with s'tun'sl booms and footropes, mounted on later perspex stand. Overall measurements -- 23 x 33in. (58.5 x 84cm.); Copies of historical data

Provenance: Oliver-Bellasis family and thence by descent; loaned to the Science Museum 1931-2016, inv. 1931-660.

Algernon Hardy Oliver (1855-1934) completed his training aboard Britannia in 1869 and joined H.M.S. Bristol in December 1870 for eighteen months. He went on to serve on many vessels of which he kept meticulous logs which are now housed in the library of the National Maritime Museum, Greenwich. He retired a Commander in September 1900 and pursued a career as a silversmith and jeweller - skills he clearly drew on in this model where the most minute details are observed. His talent as a modeller was mentioned in his obituary of February 1934 which also noted that his model was now in the care of the Science Museum.

The 'Bristol' Class comprised fourteen vessels with some enlarged retrospectively as the "modified" Bristol Class. Built at several yards, the design was approved in 1858 and was basically a conventional 'wooden wall': a 250ft gundeck mounting 51 assorted guns manned by 550 crew. The nameship was built at Woolwich by Napier & Son, fitted with a steam engine able to produce an impressive eleven knots and launched in 1865. Commissioned the same year as the Flagship of Commodore G.T.P. Hornby for a cruise to West Africa, she was paid off in 1868. Recommissioned later that year as a cadet training ship, it was a role in which she remained until sold to the famous Lambeth breakers firm of Castle in July 1883.

Condition Report
Uncased; Model is in fine overall condition for age - some replaced running rigging is in evidence, and the boats have later securing straps; it's possible the Science Museum undertook some work in the 1930's to the painted upperworks, but no records survive to indicate either way.

We are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of this property. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Charles Miller Ltd is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue. NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD “AS IS” IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE.