Figurehead of H.M.S. Shannon, 1912 (colour litho)

HMS Shannon was a 38-gun frigate of the British Royal Navy; launched in 1806 and served in the Napoleonic Wars and the Anglo-American War of 1812-14; on 1 June 1813, captured the American Navy's USS Chesapeake; a ship's figurehead embodied the spirit of a ship and was originally believed to placate the gods of the sea and ensure a safe voyage; female figureheads were especially popular, as according to the superstitions of seamen, although women on board a ship were thought to be unlucky, a female figurehead would help to calm a storm at sea; from a series of illustrations of figureheads produced as cigarette cards by Players;