A Finely Executed Late 20th Century Half-block Model of the Royal Yacht Britannia

A finely executed late 20th century half-block model of the Royal Yacht Britannia, carved in exotic timbers and mounted on an ebonised backboard. The model is by Basil R. Tubbs and is signed to the reverse, with the date stamped 18.8.95, reflecting the maker’s characteristic precision and quality. HMY Britannia was built in 1893 by D. & W. Henderson on the Clyde for the Prince of Wales, later King Edward VII, and designed by the great naval architect George Lennox Watson. Conceived as a Royal Racing Cutter, Britannia proved to be one of the most successful yachts of her era, winning 33 of 43 races in her first season alone, before later being converted for cruising use.