A FINELY REALISED 1:600 SCALE DIORAMA OF THE PADDLE TUG ANGLIA TOWING CLEOPATRA TOWARDS LONDON IN 1878
modelled by J. Evans from his own researches, each complete with intricately detailed fittings and depicted in a brisk green sea set within a glazed wooden case with plaque, overall measurements -- 4½ x 12¾ x 4¾in. (11.5 x 32.5 x 12cm.)

In 1801 the Khedive of Egypt, Mehmet Ali, offered Great Britain, France and America each one of the three stone obelisks lying at Alexandria popularly (but incorrectly) known as "Cleopatra's Needles". Weighing about 240 tons, the French and the Americans moved theirs with comparative ease, however the British - whose Navy had refused to be involved - developed a complicated, somewhat eccentric, method. John Dixon (an engineer) designed a cylindrical hull comprising a straight stem, bilge keels, balancing sails, rudder and six man deck house to be taken out to Egypt in sections and assembled around the needle and which would then be towed back to England. All proceeded to plan and the curious craft now called Cleopatra departed on 21st September 1877 under tow from the 1300 ton passenger/cargo ship Olga. On October 14th they encountered a force 12 storm and six of Olga's crew were lost trying to rescue the crew of Cleopatra which they were finally forced to cast off. Cleopatra drifted in the Bay of Biscay for four days until salvaged by the S.S. Fitzmaurice whose master extracted a salvage of £2000 for his troubles. Finally recovered and repaired, the William Watkins Ltd paddle tug Anglia was chartered to bring the Cleopatra home which was happily accomplished without further incident. Arriving at Gravesend on 21st January, 1878, the needle has stood on Victoria embankment ever since, together with a bronze plaque commemorating the lives of those lost in her extraordinary passage.

Condition Report
fine condition

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.