Navis Neptun 1/1250 1104A HMS Valiant Royal Navy Battleship
A second-hand, 1/1250 scale metal model of HMS Valiant during 1942 by Navis Neptun 1104A. Extensively modernised at the start of WW2, Valiant served effectively with the Mediterranean and Far Eastern Fleets.
This model has been hand-painted by the previous owner in a high contrast camouflage scheme which was common on the larger Royal Navy ships in the Mediterranean in 1941-42 and the main decks have been given a weathered wood finish (see photograph). The model is in good condition but the mainmast has been replaced.
Following the modernisation of Warspite in 1937, Valiant was taken in hand and even more extensively altered, only the plough bow giving an indication of her true age. The most obvious difference from the re-built Queen Elizabeth was the pole, rather than tripod, mainmast.
Her operational career came to a sudden end in 1944 when a new Indian-built floating drydock collapsed around her and severely damaged the grand old lady.