Rudder from a model depicting the temporary rudder fitted to the packet Britannia (1824) while at sea in 1827. The stern is shown in a stylised manner with a section of the poop deck, but largely in frame, the framing and the overall shape of the stern not resembling the actual ship. The temporary rudder and the stern have both been made largely in wood and stained and polished a dark brown colour. The stern is mounted on a simple lozenge shaped baseboard, made from the same material and stained the same colour as the model. The temporary rudder over hangs the baseboard and can be pivoted in an arch.

The temporary rudder is made from several pieces of wood, fixed to three upright timbers and a diagonal section extends from the top of the rudder and there is provision for securing the extension to a yard that is positioned transversely on the poop deck. The top of the rudder post has provision for a tiller (now missing). There is the remains of a wheel on the poop deck, which may be a temporary structure to facilitate the operation of the temporary rudder.

A varnished paper label has been applied to the poop deck with an illegible inscription, and a second inscription has been hand-written directly on the poop deck, also illegible. A paper label has been applied to the stern marked "14", and a South Kensington Museum exhibition label, hand-written on metal plate, has been pinned to the stern.