A VERY FINE 1:36 SCALE ADMIRALTY BOARD STYLE MODEL FOR THE SIXTH RATE 28-GUN SHIP ENTERPRISE [1774]

modelled in alder wood, fruit wood and ebony, the framed hull planked and pinned, with ebony main wale, gun ports with cast brass guns in trucks with tackle, finely carved figurehead with carved decoration along bulwarks and stern, with trophies of arms, scrollwork, caryatids, glazed stern with ionic pillar supports, oxidised brass stern lights, the deck with details including bitts with belaying pins, gratings, stove pipe, belfry with inscribed and dated bell, well deck with fitted pinnace over with bottom boards, seats, gratings etc., bound cutaway masts, capstan, double helm with 12 turned spokes, compass box, swivel guns etc., mounted on ebonised cradle stand to wooden display base, overall -- 15 x 48in. (38 x 122cm.)

Ordered in 1771 and completed in 1775 by Adam Hayes of Deptford Dockyard to designs by John Williams for a total (fitted) cost of £14,715.08, Enterprise was the name-ship for a class of five built in response to the Falkland Islands emergency. Displacing 593 tons, she was 120ft long with a 33ft beam and draft of 11ft. Commissioned in 1775 under Capt Sir Thomas Rich, she served initially in the Mediterranean and at the Siege of Gibraltar where her crew bravely saw off a concerted fireship attack by the Spanish. In 1781, she was re-fitted and coppered at Woolwich for a further £5,185.19.2d. Sailing to the Leeward Islands, she took the 22-gun US privateer Mohawk later in 1782, which entered the RN in her own name. Latterly she was moored by the Tower of London and used to receive impressed men before being paid off, and was broken at Deptford in 1807.

Condition Report

Very fine overall condition.

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.