Model Boat Mayhem
Mess Deck: General Section => Chit-Chat => Topic started by: PICKETBOAT on March 02, 2017, 07:04:05 pm
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I inherited this cast bronze plaque years ago, from a chap who's father worked in a small London foundry. The foundry was contracted to make these, and he made an extra one for himself. Iv'e been using it as a paperweight on my desk but wouldn't mind finding out more about it.
Obviously it was for Thornycrofts but I wonder what it was intended for. Maybe it was always meant to be a paperweight. There are no securing holes and the back is flat.
I guess by the vessel it's either WW1 or soon after. Can anyone ID the vessel type?
The plaque by the way is 10 inches by 4 1/2 inches and 1/8 inch thick. Cast bronze and pretty heavy.
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looks a little like a V & W torpedo boat destroyer as Thorneycroft built them.
Jim.
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I would agree, certainly looks like a V&W one of the best destroyer designs.
Colin
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The V&W 's mostly had Stepped Funnels.
with the after one a lot lower than the forrard
one.
Ned
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The squared off bridge, and twin stacks lead me to believe it is
a C-D, or E-F class, with the gun between the stacks.
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I think it is a V and W class as the forecastle is shorter than later designs and the forward mount for the B turret is right. The S class do not have the B turret so it is no earlier.
Looking at the image of the C-D/ E/F class, the forecastle is much longer and the bridge is much more extensive. The gun or searchlight position in that position is a common fit certainly from M class and possibly before.
Quite a few builders were contracted to build destroyers from 1892 onwards with Thorneycroft and Yarrow being the leaders, but by no means the only ones. I am not sure who was building destroyers by WW1 but many of the names you see in the ninteenth century plus or minus a few were certainly engaged building destroyers up to the war's end.
That is a lovely plaque Picket Boat. I would say it is a paperweight though it may be a plaque to be put in a small frame?
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I was wondering if they were handed out when Thornycroft passed the vessel onto the RN or possibly at launch. There is enough space around the outside for it to be drilled and screwed to a bulkhead. Makes a cracking paperweight.
I thought possibly the V and W but not sure now.
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hi there
This could be one of Thorneycroft's R or S Class destroyers. Have a look on the link
The other thing is - Vosper Thorneycroft used to have a historical department - and - I am wondering if they are still going. Because I have had information from them before - but now I cant find the telephone number/link.
http://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/old_r+s_class.htm
https://www.google.co.uk/search?q=HMS+Tribune,+1924.&hl=en-GB&rlz=1T4GGHP_en-GBGB692GB692&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwjU-NWb_7nSAhWDORoKHU52Cb4Q_AUICSgC&biw=1536&bih=878#imgrc=6msjBfLn2e7jZM:
John
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Cheating a bit and looking at my copy of "Janes Fighting Ships of WW2" shows a picture of a Thorneycroft Modified W" (Wishart, Witch). The notes do say that both funnels are nearly equal in height as a distinguishing feature from other "W" types. Looks about the closest to the OP picture.
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As it has no name and was probably
a freebie, it may just be a generic
Destroyer of its time
Ned
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I think Umi has got it right.
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This is a bit like having all the "Time Team" working for me.
I think it may be a merged image of several vessels. Generic for the period.
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I think you will find it is a Thorneycroft leader built 1917 onwards.
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I think you will find it is a Thorneycroft leader built 1917 onwards.
There you go... :-))
(https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/564x/26/2f/0d/262f0d91e2c2efa98bdefa3aa72b4597.jpg)
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Hi ya, I have been trying to research - I think the plaque may belong to an inkwell set?? possibly given by Thorneycroft for good customer service. Its just when you say there were a number of them cast - it indicates it wasn't a one off - for say celebrating a particular ship - cos I went along the lines looking for one of the first destroyers built by Thorneycroft for the Royal Navy (HMS Tartar). That though has drawn a blank for now - and I don't think it would be a plaque to celebrate that sort of thing.
John
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The squared off bridge, and twin stacks lead me to believe it is
a C-D, or E-F class, with the gun between the stacks.
that "gun" between the funnels looks to me like two Carley floats,
Jim.
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Having looked at all the pictures I think Umi has the closest. The last image seems spot on.
I also think the inkwell idea is probably the best bet too. Having been in the "antique trade" for more years than I care to recollect I can confirm that the late 19th early 20th century was a boom time for all sorts of commemorative/celebration/just wierd inkwells to clutter your desk up with.
I have never seen a Thornycroft one but I'm sure they do (or did) exist.
You have all been very helpful. I think I will just keep it as a paperweight now I'm fairy sure about it's background.
Thanks again