HMS Victory is the world's oldest naval ship still in commission, with 245 years' service as of 2023

The HMS Victory was built 264 years ago and was a first-rate ship, made famous by the battle Trafalgar under Lord Nelson. The 104-gun flagship took 6 years to build. She was floated in 1765 and was one of the largest ships of its time, taking roughly 6,000 oak trees to build. Over the course of a mere 30 years, she actively participated in 6 major battles. In 1810 she was recommissioned as a troopship before being relocated to Portsmouth Harbour.  Over the next century HMS Victory was to be used as a prison ship, hospital ship, floating depot, ships tender, signal school and finally a museum ship.

In 1831 orders were issued for Victory to be broken up, and her timbers reused. A public outcry against the destruction of so famous a ship led to the order being held in abeyance and Victory was left, largely forgotten, at a Portsmouth mooring. Here civilian visitors were permitted to come aboard for tours, this was the beginning of HMS Victory’s life as a museum ship. Sadly, for many decades she was in such disrepair, including being bombed in World War 2, that the public could not visit her. She still stands in Portsmouth today undergoing constant repair work.

This model ship is entirely handmade by skilled and experienced craftsmen, using the plank on frame construction method. No kits are used in the making of this model. The anchors, guns, decorations, and other intricate details are fashioned from metal and timber. The Sails are hand sown. High-quality wood such as rosewood, ebony, black wood and mahogany wood are used in the construction.

To protect the ship from damage during transport we remove the sails. When you receive your ship, simply insert the masts and watch your ship come to life.

Dimensions:

73cm Long

22cm Wide

56cm Tall