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

Launched at Chatham Dockyard in 1790 as a 100 gun ship of the British Royal Navy, she was named after Queen Charlotte (1744-1818) wife of King George III; flagship of Admiral Lord Howe at the Battle of the Glorious First of June in 1794; 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;