Model, scale 1:48, rigged, of a 28 gun frigate (c.1785), rigged by Science Museum, Workshops 1907, unsigned, England, 1770-1780. Actual ship designed by Sir John Williams, England, United Kingdom.
Model (scale 1:48), of a 28-gun frigate, made c. 1785. The name frigate was given to various types of warships at different periods. This 18th century vessel was specially designed for scouting, convoy duties and attacks on enemy merchant ships. It carried its main armament on a single gun deck. In 1757 a new class of vessels was introduced, the 32-gun frigate, and by the end of the century the fleet contained frigates of up to 40 guns. Between 1770 and 1783 some twenty 28-gun frigates were built in the 'Enterprize' Class, of similar dimensions to this model. It was made by Sir John Williams (active 1765-1784). The model was rigged in the Museum in 1907.