A FINELY DETAILED 19TH-CENTURY PLANK ON FRAME FULLY RIGGED MODEL OF THE 10-GUN AMERICAN PRIVATEER LIBERTY OF CIRCA 1810
the planked and pinned hull with ebonised wales, chain plates with deadeyes, anchors with bound wooden stocks, the deck with details including bitts, companionways, stove pipe, belaying rails with pins, cast brass guns in stepped wooden carriages with tackle, fitted ship's boat complete with crossboards, thwarts and oars, bilge pumps, brass-topped capstan and tread plates, glazed binnacle compass, bell, rigged tiller and other details; white painted raked masts with yards, standing and running rigging with blocks and tackle and full suit of stitched linen sails, mounted on a cradle stand on plush base within glazed wooden case on grey display plinth. Model measurements -- 46 x 61in. (117 x 155cm.); cased measurements -- 84½ x 72 x 30in. (214.5 x 183 x 76cm.)

Despite the large number of US-built vessels named 'Liberty' during the post-revolutionary era, this model is believed to be that of the 10-gun privateer Liberty built for Mr. Francis Adams in John Henry's Yard at Cathance Landing, Bowdoinham, Maine, and launched in 1810. Rigged as a brig and measured at 121 tons, her main deck was 77 feet long and she had a 22.3 foot beam with an 8.1 foot draught. Although no other information about her is readily available, her smart lines and useful armament would surely indicate that she was probably employed as a privateer during the Anglo-American War of 1812-14.

This lot will be available for viewing at Imperial Road.

Strong overall condition. Sails have oxidised pleasantly overall, rigging in good state, tiller displaced from rudder head. Please note that this model does not appear to be secured within the case, and the case can only be removed vertically over the model.