2-982-085 - The Print Collector/Heritage Images

The Duilio, Italian Ironclad, recently launched at Castellamare, Bay of Naples, 1876. Engraving from a sketch by Mr. H. Cooke, of Rome. 'The Duilio takes her name from Caius Duilius, who was appointed Roman Consul 260 years before the birth of Christ...[She was] constructed for the Italian Royal Navy...The ceremony was simple. After the priests had given their benediction to the vessel, Princess Margherita pulled the ribbons which were attached to the baptismal bottle of champagne, and the hitherto nameless monster became the Duilio...the ship reposed unsupported in her cradle; the hydraulic pumps were used; and away she went, as easily and gracefully as ever any vessel took to the water. There was not the slightest let or hindrance during the whole operation. The Italians may congratulate themselves on the successful birth of perhaps the largest vessel of war in the world'. From "Illustrated London News", 1876.