A WELL-DETAILED 1:96 SCALE STATIC DISPLAY MODEL OF THE BARQUE BEREAN OF LONDON

modelled by S. Kershaw in pear, mahogany, box and walnut with 20in. planked hull with bow and stern detailing, rudder, and planked deck, carved female figurehead, catheads, anchors, deck rails, bitts, decklights, stovepipes, capstan, winch, companionways, slat-covered hatches, deck winches, deckhouse, four ship's boats in chocks, davits, poop deck with saloon lights, lockers, aft helm with binnacle and other details, masts with yards, stun's'l booms and foot ropes, standing and running rigging, mounted on a realistic scale shingle display base within Plexiglass case. Measurements overall -- 20½ x 31½in. (52 x 80cm.)

Christie's, South Kensington, Maritime Sale, 31st October 2002, lot 171

Designed and built for the Tasmanian trade by Pile of Sunderland, the "beautiful little Berean" was owned by T.B. Walker of London and soon made her name as the fastest of his fleet of barques. Launched in August 1869, she was registered at 542 tons gross (526 net) and measured 160 feet in length with a 30-foot beam. Berean's best ever outward run from London to Launceston (Tasmania) was 71 days, pilot to pilot, and in 1881-2 she ran home in 79 days, Launceston to the Lizard. Averaging one round trip each year, she usually left the West India Docks in May and was generally back in the Thames the following March. Such was her reliability that Lloyd's underwriters eventually offered to insure her at a reduced premium and the only two accidents she ever suffered were both due to the negligence of others. In 1894 she was sold and Berean was bought by Norwegian owners who employed her carrying ice from Norway to London.Less well-maintained but still making good passages, she remained a familiar sight on the Thames until 1910 when she was rammed by a foreign steamer near Gravesend and had to be beached in a sinking condition. Thereafter condemned, she was patched up and towed to Falmouth where she ended her days as a hulk.

Condition Report

Fine overall condition. The model was originally mounted on a stand and was re-presented on this attractive shingle beach by the late John Clarke of Putney.

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.