Georgios Averof had initially been ordered for the Italian navy before being offered for sale. A bequest from the Greek businessman whose name she received supplied the down payment, allowing Greece to acquire her in 1909 before her launch in 1910. Her practical operating speed was about 20 knots, although she could reach 23.5 knots at the cost of severe vibration. Four 9.2-inch guns and eight 7.5-inch guns formed her principal batteries. Her roughly 7.9-inch midships armour was much thinner than the Brandenburgs' quoted 15.7-inch belt, but the comparison also depended on the quality of armour produced at different dates. Thickness alone did not settle the relative protection of the ships.
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Averof's purchase and the limits of comparing armour thickness
A private bequest helped Greece acquire Averof, whose speed, guns and newer armour made her an effective opponent for older battleships.