*British, Post WW2-1962, HMS Otus – Original Photograph and Large Brass Model of Oberon-Class Submarine on Brass Base*
An unnamed large brass model of a submarine – likely Oberon-Class. Accompanied by an original photograph of HMS Otus, dated 1971. 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 Otus, an Oberon-class submarine of the Royal Navy, was launched in 1962 and decommissioned in the early 1990s. She now serves as a museum ship in Sassnitz, Germany.
Approximate measurements:
Brass Base: 34.5cm x 6.5cm x .5cm
Brass Model: 29.5cm x 4.5cm tall, 2,5cm wide
Wire Photograph: 27cm x 21cm
Photograph marked on the front: SO1 HMS Otus. Marked on the reverse: 31 May 1971. Daily Express Wire Photo Glasgow. 30 May 1970.
About HMS Otus
Design and Construction
A follow-on to the Porpoise class, Oberon-class submarines featured the same dimensions but incorporated improved equipment, updated fittings, and higher-grade steel for the pressure hull. Otus 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). Displacing 2,030 tons surfaced and 2,410 tons submerged, she was powered by two diesel generators and electric motors, enabling speeds of 17 knots submerged and 12 knots surfaced. Equipped with eight torpedo tubes and a payload of 24 torpedoes, the submarine carried 68 crew members.
Built by Scotts Shipbuilding, Otus was laid down on 31 May 1961, launched on 17 October 1962, and commissioned on 5 October 1963. Sea trials were conducted in Scottish waters.
Operational History
Otus’s early service included missile trials in the Atlantic and visits to the United States and Canada. She participated in the 1977 Silver Jubilee Fleet Review and set a world record for submarine escape trials in 1987 near Bergen, Norway, reaching a depth of 183 meters (600 feet).
During the 1991 Gulf War, Otus was deployed under Operation Granby, where she supported special operations. Upon her return to Gosport, she flew a Jolly Roger, signifying her role in deploying and recovering Special Forces personnel.
Decommissioning and Museum Role
After decommissioning, Otus was stored at Pound’s scrapyard in Portsmouth before being acquired by a German entrepreneur. She was relocated to Sassnitz, Germany, where she now serves as a floating museum.
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.
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