Soleil Royale Model Ship Kit – Mantua (MA796)

The Soleil Royale Model Ship Kit manufactured by Mantua Model Ships & Mantua Model Boats. Mantua have built its reputation on large, elaborately detailed ship model kits. Their ship model kits use photo-etched brass, cast metal fittings, cast metal and machined turned brass fittings. The detail in their range of large ship models is exceptional.

History of the Soleil Royale

The Soleil Royale (Royal Sun) was a French 104-gun ship of the line, flagship of Admiral Tourville. She was built in Brest between 1669 and 1671 by engineer Laurent Hubac, and commissioned as the flagship of the escadre du Ponant (squadron of the Ponant).

She was said to be a very good sailing ship and her decorations were amongst the most beautiful and elaborate of all baroque flagships. The emblem of the ‘sun’ had been chosen by Louis XIV as his personal symbol.

The battle of Barfleur began on 19th May 1692 and lasted for almost two days. Having been badly damaged she disengaged together with three others and was systematically destroyed by cannon shot and fire by the Anglo/Dutch fleet. It was reported that her destroyers were ashamed to be a part of her destruction.