Varnished timber carry case for a scale clockwork model of a Royal Navy picquet boat

Maker Arthur Joel Cole

Date1966

Object number00019257

NameCase

MediumTimber, varnish, glue, felt, brass, leather, nails

DimensionsOverall: Height: 230 mm, width: 710 mm, depth: 150 mm

ClassificationsTools and equipment

Credit LineANMM Collection Gift from W A Cole

Terms

DescriptionVarnished timber carry case for a scale clockwork model of a pre-World War I naval picquet boat. Made in Tuggerawong, New South Wales. A red card tag affixed to the strap reads 'R.N. Picquet boat / 1914 - 1918 era'. A brass key for the vessel's motor is attached within the lid.HistoryThis model case was made in 1966, nearly forty years after the model itself was created. The case is of a different timber to the model, however the boat fits well within it and it has a secure housing for the model's key. The case was made to house a clockwork model of a Royal Naval picquet boat that was made in Clapham, London, in 1925. The model features a steering wheel and gear that operates a steering cable with pulleys fitted into the bullwarks. This operates the tiller and in turn moves the rudder. The keyhole for the clockwork mechanism is concealed inside the funnel. Picquet (or picket, or piquet) boats were coal burning steam pinnaces that were carried on large warships. This model was made by Arthur Joel Cole who served as a coxswain on Royal Navy picquet boats from 1901 to 1913. Sailor-made ship models were a recognised genre of the 19th century, and were often created to represent their maker's ships, sometimes while serving onboard them. The earliest powered models were operated by clockwork, not unlike the model that was housed in this carry case, and the oldest known example of a clockwork ship model is dated 1822. SignificanceThis timber carry case, and the model it was created for, are representative of sailor-made models that were popular around the time of the 19th century.