~ Well Finished Model of 18th Century Cazador Xebec Ship, 1:60 Scale ~
The 1/60th scale plank on bulkhead model includes 24 brass cannon on bronzed metal carriages and 11 brass falconets swivel cannon – 3 to either broadside and a further 5 to sweep the gun deck or as a subtle reminder that the Captain is in charge. The detail is superb – the deck is fitted with water pumps, the ships bell, buckets, stowed oars and even the ships launch has been built from individual planks. The poop decks apertures are fitted with finely cast metal ornamentation.
The model has been mounted onto a named wooden stand which reads ‘Cazador’.
The model, which is based on the OcCre kit, was completed by a gentleman from Dorset, England over a period of approximately 500 hours.
~ Xebec ~
Xebecs were similar to galleys, with there raised quarter-decks, and were used by Algerian Berber corsairs and Barbary pirates. They had both lateen sails and oars for propulsion. Early xebecs had two masts; later ones three. Xebecs featured a distinctive hull with pronounced overhanging bow and stern, and rarely displaced more than 200 tons, making them slightly smaller and with slightly fewer guns than frigates of the period.
The xebecs played a decisive role as auxiliaries to fleets on missions of exploration, discovery, lookout and mail; specifically during the Algerian landings and the second siege of Gibraltar.
~ Dimensions ~
The ship model has a length of 34 inches (86cm) a height of 23 inches (58.5cm) and width of 6.5 inches (16.5cm).
The wooden base is 12 inches (31cm) long by 5.25 inches (13cm) wide.
It weights approximately 1.6 kg.
~ Condition ~
The model has been constructed to a high standard and is complete. I will note that there are a few glue areas, mostly around the poop deck.