SS FRANKLIN half block model
Maker
David and William Henderson & Company
(1872 - 1936)
Date1880
Object number00007256
NameModel
MediumBrass, wood
DimensionsOverall: 270 x 1573 x 98 mm
ClassificationsModels
Credit LineANMM Collection
DescriptionThis builder's half block model depicts the starboard side of SS FRANKLIN and was built at Glasgow, Scotland. The ship operated for the Spencer's Gulf Steamship Co Ltd and was used to transport cargo and passengers mainly in South Australia but also around Australia.HistoryShip builder's half block models were produced to demonstrate the shape of a vessel and were constructed by joining a series of planks together. Builder's then used this model as a reference point when cutting and fitting timbers for the full scale vessel.
SS FRANKLIN was an iron steamship of 730 gross tonnes. It was registered in Sydney in 1893 and owned by the Adelaide Steamship Company after being built at Glasgow. It was built for 60 passengers and was intended for the outport trades in South Australia, but was employed in Australia wide services at various periods.
FRANKLIN made small profits on trips to the South East travelling between Melbourne and Western Australia. In 1888 it was used to transport coal from Wollongong and the Illawarra. It grounded on Point Malcolm Western Australia in 1902 and broke up. It was acting as the contract mail steamer between Albany and Esperance.
The Adelaide Steamship Company was formed in 1875 to conduct passenger runs between Adelaide and Melbourne. They then expanded into the cargo trade to build one of Australia's most well established shipping companies. They continued to operate up until 1975.
SignificanceThis model is representative of ship building techniques in Australia during the late 19th century.
