8th Nov, 2016 12:00
Maritime and Scientific Models, Instruments & Art ('Torch')
158
[M] A ROYAL NAVY RESERVE ENSIGN FROM R.M.S. QUEEN...
constructed in sewn bunting panels, attached to canvas sleeve with lanyard -- 18 x 36ft. (5.5 x 11m.)
Provenance: Private Collection, UK.
As a civilian liner the Queen Mary normally flew the red ensign, however when she was commissioned as a troop transport in March 1940 she was doing so as part of the Royal Navy Reserve which fly blue ensigns. She spent the War ferrying just over 800,000 troops across the globe wherever they were needed. Although never attacked herself, she was involved in a notorious incident in October 1942 when she rammed one of her escort vessels, the British cruiser H.M.S. Curacao, with Queen Mary going at full speed, the force of the impact sliced Curacao clean in half and 338 of her crew were drowned in the tragedy. Released from trooping duties in 1946, she was reconditioned and resumed her peacetime sailings in July 1947. Showing her age under growing competition from air travel, she was finally retired in 1967 and sold to the city of Long Beach, California, for $3,450,000, arriving there on 9th December 1967. Initially her contents and fittings were sold off and it's understood this ensign was originally acquired at that time.
Condition Report
Apparently in good over condition for age - no tears, one or two small holes, but flag has proven too large to fully unfold and so a detailed examination has not been possible.
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.
constructed in sewn bunting panels, attached to canvas sleeve with lanyard -- 18 x 36ft. (5.5 x 11m.)
Provenance: Private Collection, UK.
As a civilian liner the Queen Mary normally flew the red ensign, however when she was commissioned as a troop transport in March 1940 she was doing so as part of the Royal Navy Reserve which fly blue ensigns. She spent the War ferrying just over 800,000 troops across the globe wherever they were needed. Although never attacked herself, she was involved in a notorious incident in October 1942 when she rammed one of her escort vessels, the British cruiser H.M.S. Curacao, with Queen Mary going at full speed, the force of the impact sliced Curacao clean in half and 338 of her crew were drowned in the tragedy. Released from trooping duties in 1946, she was reconditioned and resumed her peacetime sailings in July 1947. Showing her age under growing competition from air travel, she was finally retired in 1967 and sold to the city of Long Beach, California, for $3,450,000, arriving there on 9th December 1967. Initially her contents and fittings were sold off and it's understood this ensign was originally acquired at that time.
Auction: Maritime and Scientific Models, Instruments & Art ('Torch'), 8th Nov, 2016
