Model, of auxiliary frigate

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During the 19th century steam engines began to be fitted to warships, to provide auxiliary power in the event of poor winds. This wooden model represents a screw-driven auxiliary frigate from around 1850. A frigate is three-masted fully rigged vessel with up to 50 guns.

Built to a scale of 1:120, the contemporary model has bone masts and spars.

When they decided to introduce steam power, the warship designers were unsure whether to fit paddles or screw propellers. A tug-of-war was organised in 1845 between a paddle steamer and a screw steamer. The screw steamer won and this model was built shortly afterwards.

Record details

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• Online ID: 000-180-001-200-C
• Image Rights Holder: National Museums Scotland
• Project: National Museums Scotland Part 2
  Project description   View all records in project
• Ref: National Museums Scotland  T.1925.32
• Date: c. 1850 - 1860
  Model & original: Around 1850
  
• Material: Wood, bone masts and spars
  Frigate / model
  
• Dimensions: 13.00" H x 18.25" max L x 2.88" B (hull)
  
• What: Frigate / model
  
• Subject: 23. SHIPPING, Steam and Motor Ships (Departmental Classification)
  
• Who:
• Where:
• Event:
• Description: Contemporary model in wood and bone of an auxiliary frigate of the period 1850 - 1860
  
• References:
  • Storer, J D. Ship Models in the Royal Scottish Museum, Edinburgh: A catalogue of models representing the history of shipping from 1500 BC to the present day. Edinburgh: Royal Scottish Museum Information Series, 1985, p 43. 
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