Brigg Mercury

Plastic model kit of a Russian brig with 711 parts, vacuum-moulded sail and rigging.
Length built 56 cm.

The brig Mercury with 20 guns was laid down in 1819 in Sevastopol. She was designed as a special ship to protect the Caucasian coast as a patrol ship. The Mercury could both sail and row. In May 1829, during the Russo-Turkish War, three Russian ships - the frigate Standard, the brig Orfey and the Mercury - crossed the Bosporus and noticed a Turkish squadron of 14 ships.
The enemy squadron took up the pursuit of the Russian ships. However, the Standard and the Orfey were quickly able to break away from the pursuit. The Mercury
under the command of Captain-Lieutenant A.I. Zdarsky took up the fight against the best ships of the Turkish squadron, the Selimiye with 110 guns and the Real Bey with 74 guns. Using oars and skilful manoeuvres, the Mercury skilfully dodged salvoes and fired at the masts and sails of the enemy ships. The unequal battle lasted about four hours. Selimiye and
Real Bay suffered considerable damage and were unable to pursue the Russian ship. Mercury received 22 hits in the hull and more than 300 in the sails, rigging and masts, but was able to rejoin its squadron. The crew of the Mercury was decorated and the brig received a commemorative flag and a pennant of St George.