Folding model and plan of the 'Gurland' (1721)

Flat, leather bound folio containing a mounted profile, section and body plan for the armed sloop 'Gurland', together with a series of coloured cut-out sections of the ship, hinged onto the base. Housed in a fitted oak case.

Scale: 1/8:1. A contemporary 'pop up' and folding model, together with a scale drawing, of the 22-gun 6th rate warship 'Gurland' (1721). The model is formed of cut out cross-sections of card which are mounted on hinges along the keel glued to the inside leather covered boards. On the other half of the board is a scale drawing showing cross sections, lines and inboard profile of this ship in the traditional manner, the whole of which is kept in a flat oak box for transportation. The card sections are painted with the inboard colours, bow stern decoration, and include fitting such as the pumps, cannon on their carriages, capstan and the riding bitts. They are also complete with a full set of launching flags (some incomplete) flying from staffs. By pulling a small piece of cord, the sections which are stored flat against the boards, are raised vertically and give a three dimensional image of the hull shape. It has been suggested that this model and drawing was made by a master shipwright in a private yard, and used as a marketing tool to persuade the Navy Board to place an order to build in his yard. Although there is not a vessel of this spelling listed in the Navy, it is probably that it is a misspelling and the model and drawing represent the 'Garland' launched in 1721.