Rare books dating to the 18th century which documenting the papal fleet, the medicine that ship doctors prescribed and a history of the Order of St John have been presented to the Maritime Museum by maritime researcher Joseph Muscat.

He also presented a number of detailed ship models and a naval clock.

Mr Muscat, 78, is an expert ship model-maker and restorer who specialises in the naval activities of the Order of St John. He is the author of many publications.

“I am very glad to leave my collection to the museum. I encourage others to leave their items to museums before they die so that they can be enjoyed by future generations,” he said.

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