Accommodation model

Scale: 1:12. An accommodation model depicting a section of a mess deck (circa 1860) and its position in relation to the ship's side and main deck. The model is realistically painted and detailed, the exterior hull is painted black, dark ochre beneath to indicate coppering, and separated by a fine white horizontal line. The three edges of the hull section reveal the ship's construction; along the top edge, iron frames are shown as black rectangles, while wood filling frames, and inner and outer planking are depicted as wood, with graining to simulate oak. Two decks are depicted with iron beams, painted white. The decks are stained and polished wood, and scored to simulate planking. Beneath the lower deck, the connecting of the iron frames to the ship's side is terminated at the place where the model is attached to a rectangular polished mahogany baseboard with bevelled edges. The main deck is bare of fittings and equipment.

The lower deck accommodates the mess area which is depicted with two tables and four benches (one of which is missing). The tables have rounded corners at one end and are supported by collapsible brass rails attached to the deck head. The opposite ends are hooked onto a partition that runs longitudinally along the section. Between the partition and the hull there is a void. The partition is about half the height of the deck. The benches are arranged either side of the two benches, fore and aft, and have rounded corners at one end supported by collapsible brass legs. The opposite ends of the benches are semi-circular and pivot on brass pegs attached to the partition. Set into the partition are stowage lockers which open at the tops and sides. Above the top surface of the partition there is an arrangement of shelves and stowage areas which include plate racks and drawers (one missing).

Original size: 265 mm x 356 mm x 274 mm