EDOUARD ADAM OF LE HAVRE (1847-1929)

The iron clipper 'Ravenscrag' requesting a pilot

Signed & dated 'Edw. Adam fils / Dunkerque 1893' (lower right)

Oil on canvas

24 x 36in. (61 x 91.5cm.)

Built by R. Steele & Co of Greenock for the Allan Line, Ravenscrag (named after the eponymous Scottish castle) registered 1,253 tons, was 219ft long with a breadth of 35ft. She plied a steady and successful trade to the United States and is even credited with introducing the ukulele to Hawaii when she carried 400 Portuguese immigrant labourers from Madeira in 1879. The Allan Line sold her in 1885 to J.C. Richardson of Swansea who ran her for eleven years and so it is their House flag depicted in this fine painting. Bought by F.G. Mabane of South Shields in 1896, they sold her again in 1901 to the Norwegian company J. Johanson & Co of Oslo who renamed her Armenia and re-rigged her as a barque. She was wrecked in 1907 attempting to put into Port Matane (Quebec) in thick fog.

Condition Report

Fine overall condition but would benefit from a cleaning.

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.