A Real Labour Of Love,

modeller Tim Davies spent more than 10 years,

making this model of HMS Victory, the detail in the 2ft long, 1:96 scale model of Lord Nelson’s flagship has to be seen to be believed, Tim, 74, has kept the model in his study for 15 years but has now decided to sell it to raise money to fund his grandchildren’s university education,

the model ship, made from 12 varieties of fruit wood, is so accurate it is believed to show Victory as she was on January 19, 1805 at 3.45pm precisely, to preserve the model for posterity, Tim designed an airtight case with temperature-controlled climate and a dust trap on top, the model is up for sale in the forthcoming auction at Charles Miller auctions in London on October 31, if you are interested it is lot number 256, Estimated Price: £20,000 - £30,000, so bring a cheque book!