Scale: 1:48. A contemporary full hull plank on frame model of a 38-gun frigate (circa 1794). The model is decked and equipped and mounted on turned brass pillars to the original wooden baseboard. This model is a preliminary design for the nine ‘Diana’-class frigates built to the design of Sir John Henslow, Surveyor of the Navy from 1784-1806. Unusually for models of this date, it is equipped with hinged gunport lids, and the smaller oar ports through which the oars were used should the ship be becalmed through lack of wind. The frigates were the ‘eyes' of the fleet, and were used to search for and report the enemy fleets or convoys. They also carried out independent patrols.