HMS 'Raleigh' (1845)

Scale: 1:48. A contemporary half block model of HMS 'Raleigh' (1845), a 4th rate 50-gun frigate. The hull is carved form a solid block of wood (?) and is painted a metallic bronze colour below the main wales separated by a thin white line along the waterline. The topsides are painted black, with the main gundeck highlighted by a creamy white horizontal band. The gunports are painted black, let into the hull and fitted with canon in the firing position with half lids above. Above the main gundeck are three sets of channels rigged with chain plates and deadeyes, above which the gunports on the forecastle and quarterdeck are cut into the solid bulwarks. The bow is fitted with half-length figurehead, painted gold, with a stump bowsprit above. There are three stump masts on a flush upper deck which are painted a creamy white colour. At the stern are the carved galleries, painted black, below which is a rudder complete with gudgeons and pintles. The whole model is mounted on a rectangular wooden backboard which is painted a creamy white surrounded by a stained moulded edging. The number "(23)" is painted in white on the lower backboard edge amidships. There is a detached plaque which is inscribed "202 Raleigh, 50 guns 1845. Scale 1: 48 (1/4" to 1ft). Built at Chatham. Wrecked on the Chinese coast in 1857. Dimensions: - Gun deck 180ft Beam 50ft 1in".

Original size: 308 mm x 1368 mm x 155 mm