A LAUNCHING SET FOR THE S.S. LETITIA, BUILT BY FAIRFIELD SHIPBUILDING CO. FOR THE ANCHOR DONALDSON LINE, 1924

with boxwood mallet carved overall and the head with ensigns for Donaldson and an anchor, contained within a plush-lined box with watercolour inside lid dated 1924 depicting the vessel underway, dolphin corner supports and devices for the builders and owners and brass plate inscribed Presented to Mrs Charles Donaldson on the occasion of the launch of the "Letitia" 14th Octr 1924 -- 5 x 13in. (12.5 x 33cm.)

The S.S. Letitia was a solid but unremarkable addition to the Anchor-Donaldson fleet. Registered 13,475 tons, she was 525ft long with a 66ft beam with a service speed of 15kts. Requisitioned by the Admiralty in the early days of WW2 and converted to serve as an armed merchant cruiser, it was rapidly made clear large liners were unsuited for such service and she was withdrawn in 1941 to become a troopship. Badly damaged in 1943, after being repaired the Letitia was used as a hospital ship in Canada for the duration. She returned to civilian service in 1946 being bought by the Ministry of Transport, who renamed her Empire Brent and assigned Donaldson Brothers & Black to manage her, at times carrying troops to the Far East, and also as an emigrant ship to Australia. Briefly laid up in 1950, she was returned to service under charter to the Government of New Zealand as Captain Cook. Withdrawn from service in 1960 she was sold for scrapping by Ward's of Hull.

Condition Report

Left front dolphin support badly reglued, some loose fins inside box, chip out of mallet

We are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of this property. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Charles Miller Ltd is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue. NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD “AS IS” IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE.