Thanks for the reply, let me expand on what I have found to date:
I obtained A3 schedule's of the Register
The 1888 Captains Registers for Hugh Duncan has the number written clearly - 102973 - , the reply back from Nat Maritime Museum stated the names on the M/C 102973 relates to George Symes not Hugh Duncan. I had hoped this was straight foreward error between George & Hugh
The Maeander ship details came from
www.pdavis.nl records the ship built 5th may 1840/44 tons/sail/wrecked at Ascension July 1870.
I am 200 miles from Kew so not able to view records
I did ask the TNA for the details of the Maeander ship 1848 quoted the Captain Henry Kepel & ships boy H Duncan but they replied that this enquiry was too broad.
I may plan another visit to Liverpool Maritime Museum to search the MF for Lloyds Lists