A FINE DISPATCH BOX FROM THE SCHOONER-RIGGED STEAM YACHT TAMESIS, ROYAL ST GEORGE YACHT CLUB, IRELAND, CIRCA 1900

covered in black leather with gilt brass fittings, the lid inscribed in gilt COLONEL BIBBY "S.C.H. TAMESIS" R.S.G.Y.C., the internal correspondence tray with 'light', 'ink' and 'stationery' compartments, inset hinges and Chubb patent lock -- 6 x 18in. (15 x 46cm.)

The 140 ton schooner yacht Tamesis was built in 1881 for J.R. Hoare; sold to Col. Bibby in 1900 who owned it until 1914. After several more changes of owner, she's last heard of living out her days as a houseboat in the late 1950s in the Tollesbury Saltings south of Colchester.