Scale: 1:12. A contemporary full hull model of the spritsail Thames sailing barge ‘Verona’ (1877). The hull is built plank on frame and is complete with all the standard equipment including the hand-operated winches used in particular for raising and lowering the large leeboards either side of the hull amidships.

The fact that the model is fitted with internal ballast together with lead on the leeboards, and has a fully working rig, suggests that it was sailing model. The wheel steering is shown and, if original, is a very early example. It is also worth noting that the tiller, which has the name ‘Verona’ inscribed on either side, cannot be worked independently with this other gear in place. Another noticeable feature is that the small mizzen mast is stepped on the rudder post and sheeted to the rudder itself, acting as a self-steering gear that could be used in open waters. Although the measurements of this vessel work out at 63 feet in length by 16 feet in the beam, it has not been possible to identify this model to a particular barge.