Scale: 1:24. A contemporary full hull model of a ship's dinghy (circa 1838), built plank on frame in clinker construction in the Georgian style. Model is complete with three thwarts, bottom boards, rudder and tiller, and three pairs of swivelling oar crutches, which were originally introduced in 1826. It is mounted on wooden turned pillars above a beaded baseboard complete with bun feet. The base is inscribed with the numbers ‘1’ and ‘9’ on base. It is one of a set of ten boat designs (SLR0768-0777) proposed by Sir William Symonds, Chief Surveyor of the Navy, to be carried by a first-rate man-of-war.

The name ‘dinghy’ is thought to have originated from an Indian word and these types of boat as used in this country probably originated from the large East Indiamen. Their size ranged from 12-14 feet in length and these vessels were one of the easiest and quickest boats to launch due to their size and lightness in construction. They were generally introduced into the navy in about 1826 although the earliest reference in the English language is in 1794.