Scale: 1:1200. During the First World War, several companies made wooden identification models for use in training naval observers, the most famous of which was the British model making firm of Bassett-Lowke. It subsequently made these recognition models for the Admiralty during the Second World War.

The company also made 1:1200 waterline models for sale to the public until the 1950s. These became popular collectibles at the time and today they are much sought after. The model of ‘Berengaria’ is a good example of Bassett-Lowke’s model-making style in this genre. It is exquisitely made for such a small-scale, mass-produced item.

The ship is depicted as a Cunarder but it started life as the German liner SS ‘Imperator’, built by A. G. Vulcan of Hamburg and launched in 1912. In May 1919 it was handed over to the US Shipping Board and, for a while, was used to transport home soldiers of the United States Army. It was then transferred to Britain as a war reparation for the loss of RMS ‘Lusitania’, and purchased by Cunard, renamed ‘Berengaria’ becoming the company’s flagship.

During its career as a British express liner, it underwent several overhauls, both cosmetic and mechanical. In the 1930s it went aground on two occasions on the approaches to Southampton, and it twice caught fire due to faulty wiring. In 1938 ‘Berengaria’ was withdrawn from service. Its fixtures and fittings were auctioned off the following year and what remained was sold for scrap.