ANTONIO DE SIMONE (ITALIAN, FL.1860-1900)

The twin-screw steam yacht 'Zoraide' lying in the Bay of Naples

Signed 'De S..' (lower right) and 'S.Y. Zoraide' (lower left)

Watercolour heightened with white

16¼ x 25½in. (41.5 x 64.5cm.)

Designed by St. Clare J. Byrne for Mr. Thomas J. Waller of Baynard's Park, Horsham, Sussex, the twin-screw schooner Zoraide was built by Earle's at Hull in 1894. Registered at 549 tons (Thames) and measuring 168½ feet in length with a 27-foot beam, she was engined by her builders and rated 100A1 by Lloyd's surveyors when completed. In 1898 she was sold to Comte Vitali of Paris who renamed her Fiorentina II but only kept her a few years before selling her to Duc Decazes, another Parisian, who rechristened her Sylvabelle. Sold yet again in 1909 to Kenneth M. Clark of Sudbourne Hall, Orford, Suffolk, she reverted to her original name of Zoraide and remained thus from September 1914 to March 1919 when she was hired by the Admiralty as an auxiliary patrol yacht armed with 1-12 pdr. and 1-6 pdr. guns. Untraced after her Great War service ended, it is likely she was scrapped due to her poor post-War condition.

Condition Report

Some modest fading, water staining in the middle sky.

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.