THE MAIN FOREMAST BELL FROM H.M. ROYAL YACHT ALEXANDRA, 1907

cast in bell bronze and nickel plated overall, inscribed ALEXANDRA in an arc, moulded rim and shoulder, the crown inset into integral suspension with shaped free-standing bracket mount inset into later wooden base support. The bell -- 18 x 15in. (46 x 38cm.); 24in. (61cm.) high overall

By 1906 the R.Y. Osborne II was forty years old and, as a paddler, looking distinctly obsolete. The need for a new consort yacht for the huge Victoria & Albert III was pressing as, at 5,500 tons, it was too large to make the short, quick trips made by their Majesties to Europe. The Alexandra, designed by Sir Philip Watts along the lines of the V&AIII and named after the Queen, was laid down in A. & J. Ingis' shipyard in March 1906 and launched by the Duchess of Argyll on 30th May, 1907. Registered at 2050 tons, she was about one third the size of the V&AIII, measuring 275 feet with a breadth of 40 feet and draught of 13 feet, her twin Parsons turbines, powered by three Yarrow boilers, could develop 18.8kts. After a year of fitting out, she was commissioned at Portsmouth in time for the hugely important state visit of King Edward VII to Tsar Nicholas II at Reval (now Tallin). This was the first time a British monarch had visited Russia and the vast suite accompanying the King needed the additional yacht to accommodate it all. After the Great War it was deemed extravagant to have two Royal yachts and she was laid up from 1922. In 1925 she was sold to the Norwegian firm Det Nordenfjeldske, renamed Prins Olav and began a career of Fjord pleasure cruising. In 1937 she had a major refit including new engines, but was caught up in the Norwegian Campaign of 1940. On 9th June, whilst attempting to join a convoy to steam back to the UK, she was spotted by six Heinkel HE 111 bombers. She dodged 15 bombs, but a near-miss left her dead in the water and the crew abandoned her whilst being strafed. Shortly afterwards two bombs hit and she caught fire before sinking with the loss of one crewman and four wounded. Although 36 survived, it was a sad end for such a popular and graceful yacht.

The bell offered would have been removed at the renaming in 1925 and was discovered by a private collector, unidentified, in the cellar of a Belgium antique shop some fifty years ago. There are many vessels named 'Alexandra' in service around the turn of the century, however most are merchants or small craft. The size, high quality of finish and distinctive mounting bracket set this bell apart as superior, and this is confirmed in the ship's plans which shows the bell on such a bracket, mounted on the foremast.The plans show that this was the only bell fitted.

Ref: RMG Plan: NPA5233

Condition Report

Minor rubbing to some areas revealing brass, especially around crown suspension and arms; black in-filling to name largely missing; lacks clapper; 1in.chip to rim under the 'A' of name; some old marks and abrasions commensurate with age.

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.