Contemporary full hull model of the ‘Lady Nelson’ (1799), built at a scale of 1:32. The model, which is decked, has been constructed in the solid from planks of wood assembled in the 'bread and butter' fashion. The frames have been drawn onto paper, which has then been glued to the hull and painted with a layer of varnish. This in some ways uses the 'navy board' style to highlight the overall shape of the very shallow hull, which enabled the 'Lady Nelson' to carry out survey work around the shallows of the coastlines. To help overcome leeway and sail efficiently with a shallow draught, sliding keels designed by Captain John Schank (1740-1823) were fitted. The casings for these can be seen on the deck of the model by the main hatch, deckhouse and windlass.

The 'Lady Nelson' was originally rigged as a cutter but this was changed to that of a brig when it was fitted for the long voyage to Australia for survey work in 1800. The vessel was later destroyed by the inhabitants of Babber Island, Timor in 1825.