Artesanía Latina proudly unveils the breathtaking new edition of the HMS Surprise – a ship that captured imaginations in Master and Commander and lives on through the timeless tales of Patrick O’Brian.
A Legendary Ship
The HMS Surprise, a 24-gun frigate from the Napoleonic Wars, inspired Patrick O’Brian’s Aubrey-Maturin novels, where Captain Jack Aubrey and Dr. Stephen Maturin sail on daring adventures. Its vivid portrayal in Master and Commander: The Far Side of the World (2003) brought the ship to life, making it a cultural icon.
The San Diego Replica
Artesanía Latina’s 1/48 scale HMS Surprise model kit connects to the replica at the Maritime Museum of San Diego, originally built as HMS Rose and modified for the film. This replica, with its period-accurate details, mirrors the ship in O’Brian’s stories and the movie, offering a tangible link to its legacy.
Building the Adventure
This model kit lets you recreate the Surprise’s elegance with precious wood such as American Walnut and Swiss Pearwood, brass, and pre-sewn sails. As you build, you’ll re-live Aubrey’s voyages, guided by detailed instructions and historical accuracy. Your model will reflect the craftsman-ship of the San Diego replica and the spirit of O’Brian’s tales, making it a tribute to adventure and naval history.
Comprehensive Build Support:
Includes a full-color instruction book, detailed plans, and step-by-step video tutorials for a seamless and rewarding assembly experience.
The HMS Surprise model kit is a masterpiece of naval heritage and craftsmanship, designed to captivate modelers and collectors alike. Build, display, and treasure a legend reborn.
Scale: 1:48 – A generous scale for intricate detailing and a commanding presence
Length: 1495mm (58” 55/64)
Width: 555mm (21” 27/32)
Height without stand: 1040mm (40” 15/16)
Height with stand: 1090mm (40” 15/16)
Plank-on-frame – Authentic wooden shipbuilding technique with a keel, frames, and layered planks for a historically accurate hull.
Advanced to advanced – Ideal for modelers seeking a rewarding, detailed build.
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Marvel at the exquisite rear view of HMS Surprise’s stern, a masterpiece of 18th-century naval craftsmanship. This view showcases the ship’s grandeur and the artistry that defined her commanding presence on the seas.
Capture the bold elegance of HMS Surprise’s prow, featuring its intricately carved figurehead, a portion of the sturdy anchor, and the forward-reaching bowsprit. This view embodies the ship’s adventurous spirit and meticulous craftsmanship.
Captain Aubrey and his officer stand near the prow of HMS Surprise, peering through a long vue. This evocative scene captures the tension and leadership on the deck, with the ship’s bow cutting through the waves, ready for battle or discovery.
Delight in the captivating performance of Captain Aubrey and Stephen Maturin as they play La Boccherini’s timeless melody in the captain’s quarters of HMS Surprise.
Step onto the quarter deck of HMS Surprise, where a partial view reveals the sturdy steering wheels and a carronade, alongside a young boy proudly showcasing the wooden hull of a model to an officer.
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Admire the fully decorated upper deck of HMS Surprise, bustling with activity around the oven and an array of guns, enhanced by an optional lighting set that casts a warm glow. This vibrant scene showcases the ship’s operational heart and ornate details, ready for action or celebration.
Exploring the incredible details packed into this kit!
Clear and simple step-by-step video instructions
The HMS Surprise is a storied vessel, steeped in naval history and immortalized in literature and film. Originally launched in 1796 as the French corvette Unité, this 24-gun frigate was captured by the British Royal Navy in 1796 and recommissioned as HMS Surprise. Renowned for its speed and agility, the ship played a vital role in the Napoleonic Wars, patrolling the seas and engaging in daring missions that showcased the skill and bravery of its crew.
In Patrick O’Brian’s acclaimed Aubrey-Maturin novels, the HMS Surprise becomes the beloved command of Captain Jack Aubrey, a charismatic and strategic leader. Through O’Brian’s vivid prose, the ship sails through treacherous battles and far-flung adventures, embodying the spirit of the Age of Sail. Its legacy was brought to life on the silver screen in 2003’s Master and Commander: The Far Side of the World, where the HMS Surprise, portrayed by the replica ship HMS Rose, captivated audiences with its breathtaking presence during thrilling naval battles and dramatic high-seas pursuits.
This model kit, meticulously crafted at a 1:48 scale, draws on extensive research from Brian Lavery and Geoff Hunt’s The Frigate Surprise, ensuring every detail honors the ship’s historical and fictional legacy. From its sleek hull to its towering masts, the HMS Surprise is a tribute to a vessel that defined an era of naval warfare and continues to inspire modelers and maritime enthusiasts alike.
HMS VICTORY Trafalgar 1805 - ANATOMY Version - 1:84 Wooden Scale Model
* This is not a toy. Not suitable for children under 14 years old due to small parts. Adult supervision required.
