[M] A 1:200 SCALE MODEL OF H.M.H.S. 'BRITANNIC' [1914]

A 1:200 SCALE MODEL OF H.M.H.S. BRITANNIC [1914]

the 52in. laminated and carved hull with simulated plating and finished in hospital ship livery with white hull, green boottop with interspersed red crosses, brass propellers and rudder, lined paper deck with detailed fittings including deck rails with lifebuoys, spare anchors, bow crane, anchor chains and capstans, companionways, covered hatches, superstructure with bridge, stayed funnels with ladders, safety valve extension pipe and hooter, engine room lights and other details, mast with standing and running rigging and radio aerial, the foremast with crows nest; mounted within two column glazed wooden case -- 21 x 60 x 13½in. (53.5 x 152.5 x 34cm.)

Britannic was launched on February 26^th 1914 but completion was delayed by the looming War. On November 13^th, 1915 she was requisitioned for use as a hospital ship to assist with the evacuation from the Dardanelles campaign carrying 3,009 hospital berths (returning from her first visit with 3,300 casualties). Whilst passing through the Aegean Sea towards Mudros on her sixth voyage with just crew and medical staff on board, she struck a mine laid by U-73 just hours before and sank within an hour. Commodore Bartlett, her Master, endeavoured to ground the ship but she foundered in four-hundred feet of water. Tragically one of the lifeboats was drawn into the still-turning propeller blades as the stern rose from the water and twenty-nine lives were lost.

Condition Report

fine overall condition, slightly battlescarred

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.