Inscribed: “H.M. Steam Frigate Firebrand and the Experimental Squadron”. Various Experimental Squadrons were at sea in 1844-6 testing new technology. ‘Firebrand’ served as the commanding umpire’s vessel in the one sent out from Portsmouth in 1844. They departed Spithead on 22 October, ‘Firebrand’ leading eight newly-designed sailing brigs, sailed to Portugal, and returned to Devonport on 6 December.

Here, ‘Firebrand’ is shown centrally in starboard-broadside view, under steam but with clewed-up sails on her foremast, and surrounded by her brig complement in various positions, the whole set out of sight of land in a fresh breeze. There are men in her shrouds, and she is signalling (blue-yellow-blue-yellow-blue horizontal from her foretop; red-white-blue vertical, red-white quartered, and white-blue vertical from her main). The overall impression is that manoeuvres are taking place.

'Firebrand' was a paddle frigate built in 1842 and sold in 1864. She appears in several drawings in the sketchbook of Captain George Pechell Mends (PAI0868 verso, PAI0873 and PAI0882) as part of the Mediterranean Fleet. In the first two of these she is shown towing major sailing vessels. [PvdM 2/12]

Hand-coloured.