AN EXHIBITION STANDARD 1:32 SCALE STATIC DISPLAY MODEL OF THE RUSSIAN IMPERIAL YACHT QUEEN VICTORIA, ORIGINALLY BUILT BY J. SAMUEL WHITE AT EAST COWES, 1846

modelled by A. Baranov from his own researches, in alder, pear and black hornbeam woods, the hull sheathed below the waterline with ebonised topsides and finely chased brass bow and stern decoration and finely carved figurehead of the queen, the planked decks with treenails and fittings including metal anchors with bound wooden stocks, anchor winch with hawse pipes, belaying rails and pins, deck and saloon lights with glazing, metal bilge pump with eccentric crank shaft, covered companionways with panelled sides and seats, brass binnacle and helm, two finely constructed lifeboats swung-out in davits, racked masts with standing and running rigging with bound blocks and tackle, and full suit of stitched linen sails, mounted on two brass supports to ebonised display base -- overall measurements 43 x 54in. (109 x 137cm.)

Provenance: This model was awarded gold at the All Russian Shipmodelling Competition Championship, 2017; and silver in the Ukrainian Shipmodelling Championship, 2012

This lot will be available for viewing at Imperial Road

With ‘Russophobia’ on the rise since 1820 over tensions with India and elsewhere, the British Government, capitalising on the new Queen's youth and in an attempt to break with the past, presented this yacht as a diplomatic gift to Tsar Nicholas I. Built by Joseph White of Cowes and registered at 95ft long with a 22ft beam, it was supposed to be launched at midday 10th June 1846 in the presence of the Grand Duke Constantine and Queen Victoria, but as it turned out, the Victoria & Albert aboard which they were travelling was delayed and so in the event the Russian consul smashed a bottle of Lacryma Christi over the bow and launched her. The I.Y. Queen Victoria was indeed splendidly appointed with ceremonial cabins decorated with rosewood and maple with a bird's-eye texture and a gilt full length figurehead of the Queen herself and became the first yacht of the St. Petersbury Yacht Club, founded by Nicholas on the 1^st May the same year. A great success, she raced for many seasons and her life was extended by a substantial refit, but by 1884 she was worn out and had to be broken up.

Condition Report

Fine condition overall.

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.