Scale: 1:24. A contemporary full hull model of a ship's gig (circa 1838), uilt plank on frame in clinker construction in the Georgian style. Model is complete with six thwarts, bottom boards and seating, including a backboard in the stern. The rudder and tiller are missing. It is mounted on wooden turned pillars above a beaded baseboard complete with bun feet. The base is inscribed with the number ‘7’. It is one of a set of ten boat designs (SLR0768-0776) proposed by Sir William Symonds, Chief Surveyor of the Navy, to be carried by a first-rate man-of-war.

The word `gigge’ or `giggish’, as an adjective meaning light or flighty, has been traced back to 1225, but kindred usage as a noun is not generally thought to have come into use before 1790 for a type of boat. This model illustrates the long and narrow hull shape which was originally designed for use against the faster vessels employed by the smugglers on the south coast. Such was the popularity of these boats in the navy, they soon replaced the larger and heavier barge as the principal boat for use by the officers as they could be easily launched as a fast method of transport to and from the ship. During the latter part of the 19th century, they became the sole property of the captain, who would provide a hand-picked crew with a uniform and race them against other crews in the fleet, often betting on the outcome.