7th Jul, 2020 10:00
Maritime and Scientific Models, Instruments & Art (Unshaken)
117
[M] A FASCINATING MEMENTO OF THE GREAT WAR’S FIRST HOSPITAL SHIP
A FASCINATING MEMENTO OF THE GREAT WAR’S FIRST HOSPITAL SHIP
a silver vesta case, hallmarked Birmingham, 1912-13, the front bearing crossed enamelled flags of St George and the Royal Fleet Auxiliary, and engraved J.G. from G.H.H., 1914-15, H.M.H.S. 'Oxfordshire' -- 2.25in. (67.4g)
Provenance: This is one of a small number commissioned by Captain G.H. Harris, the Master of H.M.A.S. Oxfordshire and who presented them to his Officers to commemorate their time together.
Oxfordshire was built in 1912 for the Bibby Line's Rangoon Service by Harland & Wolff. In World War One she enjoyed the distinction of being the very first British merchant ship to be requisitioned. On passage from Liverpool to London on 2nd August 1914, she was off the Isle of Wight when she received orders to proceed to Tilbury where she was rapidly converted into Naval Hospital Ship No. 1 and commissioned a mere nine days later. Survivng the War, she was released back to her owners and refitted for peacetime. In all, she made 235 voyages and carried some 50,000 wounded (the highest of any hospital ship in the Great War), and steamed a total of 172,000 miles without a single mechanical problem. History repeated itself twenty years later when, on 3rd September 1939, she was again taken up for War Service and refitted this time as Hospital Ship No. 6. Used for trooping and refugee duties, her role extended long past the Wars end. She was finally broken up at Karachi in 1958 after what one source describes as “46 years of impeccable service”.
Sold for £595
Estimated at £300 - £400
(inc. buyer's premium of 24%)
Condition Report
excellent 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.
A FASCINATING MEMENTO OF THE GREAT WAR’S FIRST HOSPITAL SHIP
a silver vesta case, hallmarked Birmingham, 1912-13, the front bearing crossed enamelled flags of St George and the Royal Fleet Auxiliary, and engraved J.G. from G.H.H., 1914-15, H.M.H.S. 'Oxfordshire' -- 2.25in. (67.4g)
Provenance: This is one of a small number commissioned by Captain G.H. Harris, the Master of H.M.A.S. Oxfordshire and who presented them to his Officers to commemorate their time together.
Oxfordshire was built in 1912 for the Bibby Line's Rangoon Service by Harland & Wolff. In World War One she enjoyed the distinction of being the very first British merchant ship to be requisitioned. On passage from Liverpool to London on 2nd August 1914, she was off the Isle of Wight when she received orders to proceed to Tilbury where she was rapidly converted into Naval Hospital Ship No. 1 and commissioned a mere nine days later. Survivng the War, she was released back to her owners and refitted for peacetime. In all, she made 235 voyages and carried some 50,000 wounded (the highest of any hospital ship in the Great War), and steamed a total of 172,000 miles without a single mechanical problem. History repeated itself twenty years later when, on 3rd September 1939, she was again taken up for War Service and refitted this time as Hospital Ship No. 6. Used for trooping and refugee duties, her role extended long past the Wars end. She was finally broken up at Karachi in 1958 after what one source describes as “46 years of impeccable service”.
Auction: Maritime and Scientific Models, Instruments & Art (Unshaken), 7th Jul, 2020
Unless government advice changes, we will be proceeding with our 7th July sale, starting at 10am, as a live webcast. Please note the following changes to our usual format:
THIS SALE WILL BE CONDUCTED LIVE ONLINE ONLY
Viewing by appointment only at our Fulham offices. Please call 020 7806 5530 or email enquiries@charlesmillerltd.com to make an appointment.
You will not be able to bid live in the room. Absentee bids may be left via the website or using a bid form or you can bid via one of three online platforms. Unfortunately, we cannot offer telephone bidding for this sale
- UKAuctioneers.com – this service offers a choice of either paying a one-off £3.95 flat fee for the sale and no further charges; or 3% of the hammer price. Charles Miller Ltd will refund successful buyers who bid via the £3.95 flat fee
- The-Saleroom.com – charges 5% of the hammer price
- Invaluable.com – charges 3% of the hammer price
Lots may not be collected on the day of sale. Collection begins from 10am, Wednesday, 8th July and must be booked in advance.You may also appoint a third party or a shipper to collect on your behalf. Please note that we require your written authority to release to a third party.
Payment is due in sterling at the conclusion of the sale and before purchases can be released. We cannot accept payment in cash at this time. Our preferred method of payment is by electronic bank transfer and amounts over £2,000 must be made by this method. There is a limit of £2,000 on debit cards and £300 on credit cards.
Invoice of under £300 may be paid through our website: https://www.charlesmillerltd.com/account/makepayment
Viewing
VIEWING BY APPOINTMENT ONLY
You may view by appointment at our Imperial Road Studios during office hours - please call on +44 (0)20 7806 5530 or email enquiries@charlesmillerltd.com to make an appointment.
