Royal Louis — French First-Rate Ship Model, Exclusive Edition | Admiral Line

A French first rate at full ceremonial dress — three gun decks, stacked stern galleries, and gilded sculpture running the length of the ship.

Built plank on frame in hardwood and individually recorded: a serial number etched into the hull ties your model to its build date, materials and workshop.

Construction

• Plank-on-frame hull in western red cedar, rosewood and mahogany
• Three gun decks with cast cannon and carved gunport surrounds
• Deep-carved, gilded stern gallery, quarter galleries, lanterns and beakhead
• Three masts and bowsprit, complete hand-knotted standing and running rigging
• Hand-stitched linen sails on every yard
• Ship's boats, capstan, wheel, anchors and rudder
• Solid wood base and engraved brass nameplate
• Serial number etched into the hull

History

Several ships carried the name Royal Louis in the French navy, each the largest and most decorated vessel of its generation. The name was reserved for the fleet's premier first rate — a ship intended as much for the prestige of the crown as for the line of battle, which is why so much of the shipwright's budget went above the waterline.