This magnificent sterling silver model of Horatio Nelson's Trafalgar flagship, HMS Victory, was recently completed by a team of master craftsmen led by Richard Jarvis of Pall Mall.

Commissioned by Richard Jarvis as a tribute to Britain's greatest naval hero, the scale model HMS Victory – incorporating, in total, 10 kilograms of silver – is a stunning 21st century master-work.

Taking more than 1,700 man-hours to fashion and valued at £175,000, it is the work of specialist maritime silversmiths Mike Softley and his partner Gordon Evans, with fine engravings by Larry O'Connell and painted enamels by Keith Seldon.

The model's hull, stem to stern, measures 18 inches (46cm) with an overall ship's length, including bowsprit, of 30 inches (76cm). The plinth is 33 inches x 24 inches (84cm x 61cm).

Richard Jarvis explains: “In the spring of 2004 I met master silversmiths Mike Softley and Gordon Evans to discuss commemorating the Battle of Trafalgar bicentenary with a truly outstanding scale model of HMS Victory.”

“By October 2005 I had taken delivery of a magnificent hand-crafted tribute to Admiral Nelson and the fleet's most famous flagship. Thanks to superb craftsmanship, detail and authenticity, this victorious model comes alive and tells a story.

“Unlike previous static scale models, Victory 2005 is romantically depicted at sea with 19 sails flying and all gun ports open – in the moments before engaging with the French and Spanish fleets.”

“The engraved and enamel panels around the sculptured silver base provide a chronological account of the events of October 21 1805, and thus a stunning plinth for this silversmithing miracle.”

Larry O'Connell's fine engravings depict: Nelson at quayside, departing for his ship; a gun crew between decks firing a cannon; the line of battle of the English, French and Spanish fleets; Nelson's death scene, and HMS Pickle returning to England with news of the victory and Nelson's death.

“In the middle of the two longer sides,” says Richard, “there are two painted enamels by Keith Seldon – one a portrait of Nelson, the other his coat-of-arm – while at each corner are significant pieces sculpted by Ted Simmons. In all, the model comprises more than 1,000 separate pieces of silverwork which had to be shaped, filed, fitted and soldered.”

The model of the Victory is of such quality that it was exhibited on the gun deck of HMS Victory in Portsmouth on October 21st 2005 during the dinner attended by the Queen. It was on display at St Paul's at the Trafalgar 200 Service on October 23rd 2005 at the request of the Dean, John Moses.