*British, Post WW2 – 1962, HMS Otter (S15) – Original Photograph and Large model of Oberon-Class Submarine*
An unnamed large WW2 model of a submarine – likely Oberon-Class. Accompanied by an original wire photograph of HMS Otter (S15) dated Sept 1962. This photograph originally formed part of the Lou Britton British Submarine Collection, which was acquired by the Royal Navy Submarine Museum, Gosport in 2007. HMS Otter (S15) was a Royal Navy Oberon-class submarine. Designed as a successor to the Porpoise class, it shared similar dimensions but featured improved equipment, updated fittings, and a higher-grade pressure hull.
Approximate measurements:
Model: 30.2cm x 5cm tall, 3cm wide
Photograph: 20.8cm x 15.8cm
Photograph marked on the back: HMS Otter, September 1962, Photograph by W. Ralston Ltd, Glasgow, Admiralty Material Branch 11, Crown copyright reserved
The submarine measured 295.2 feet (90.0 m) overall, with a beam of 26.5 feet (8.1 m) and a draught of 18 feet (5.5 m). It displaced 2,030 tons surfaced and 2,410 tons submerged. Powered by two Admiralty Standard Range diesel generators and electric motors, Otter reached speeds of 17 knots submerged and 12 knots surfaced. Armed with eight 21-inch torpedo tubes (six forward, two aft) and equipped with Type 186 and Type 187 sonars, it carried a crew of 68.
Built by Scotts Shipbuilding, Otter was laid down on 14 January 1960, launched on 15 May 1961, and commissioned on 20 August 1962. Unique among the class, it featured a mild steel casing for use as a target in practice torpedo drills. Otter was decommissioned on 31 July 1991.
About Oberon Class
The Oberon class consisted of 27 British-designed submarines operated by five nations, serving during the Cold War. Developed as a successor to the Porpoise class, they shared similar dimensions but featured stronger hull materials and upgraded equipment. Known for their exceptional quietness, Oberon submarines excelled in surveillance, ship and submarine tracking, special forces operations, and anti-submarine training.
Built between 1957 and 1978 across four shipyards, 13 served with the Royal Navy, six with the Royal Australian Navy, three each with the Brazilian and Canadian Navies (plus two ex-Royal Navy subs used in Canada), and two with the Chilean Navy. They remained operational until 2000, replaced by newer classes like the Collins in Australia and Victoria in Canada.
*Condition*
The model is in excellent condition with minor marks and scratches. Please see photographs as part of the condition report.
RQMAEOXBDO_3699193030
