A 1:72 SCALE NAVY BOARD-STYLE MODEL OF THE AMERICAN WAR OF INDEPENDENCE 36-GUN FRIGATE CONFEDERACY [1778]
modelled by H. Philips, with open frames below painted main wales, partially planked decks with belfry, bitts, gratings, helm and bound cut-away masts, contained in a glazed wooden case. Overall measurements including base -- 11 x 41½ x 12½in. (28 x 105.5 x 31.5cm.)
Built in 1778 by Jedidiah Willets on the Thames River at Norwich, Connecticut, the Confederacy was measured at 971 tons and was 154 feet in length (berth deck) with a 37 foot beam, a highly unusual ratio by the standards of the time. Nominally a fifth rate mounting 36 guns, she was exceptionally long, almost 160 feet overall, and bore a marked resemblance to the so-called "galley-frigates" of the previous century. Built and rigged for speed yet strikingly ornate, with profuse carving, she was described as being "a very fast ship and well built" at the time of her subsequent capture by the Royal Navy. Despite her many merits, she proved an unlucky ship and saw little service under the Continental flag after her early success on 6th June 1779 when, in company with the U.S. frigate Boston, she captured three English privateers. Her next mission was to carry a French diplomat back to Europe but when, after many delays, she was finally able to sail towards the end of the year, she was severely damaged in a gale off the Bahamas and had to put into Martinique to be re-rigged. Eventually returning to the safety of the Delaware, she was then found to be in need of an extensive refit which took most of 1780 to complete. Returning to service, she captured two British merchantmen, the Elizabeth and the Nancy, in the Atlantic on 5th January 1781 but was then herself taken off the Virginia Capes on 14th April. She was returning home from Cape Franois (Martinique) loaded with valuable military stores and colonial produce when she was sighted by two British frigates, H.M. Ships Roebuck and Orpheus, patrolling the eastern seaboard. They gave chase and, without a shot being fired, forced Confederacy to surrender, whereupon she was absorbed into the Royal Navy with her name slightly amended to Confederate but was not commissioned and was broken up at Woolwich in March 1782.
++Fine overall condition.