AN ATTRACTIVELY PRESENTED FOLK ART HALF-BLOCK MODEL FOR THE CLIPPER SHIP SPINNING JENNY, CIRCA 1852

the 35in. laminated hull carved in contrasting woods, ebonised above the waterline, red lined portholes with marbles behind, chainplates, finely carved female figurehead, foliate carved stern, the painted deck with deck rails, davits and anchor on chain, mounted on display board painted with seascape and sky -- 14 x 46in. (35.5 x 117cm.)

Built by John Pile of Monkswearmouth, Sunderland for T.A. Gibb & Co. of London for their China trade, Spinning Jenny merited a glowing review in the North & South Shields Gazette for 18th June 1852 where it was stated this ship has excited more than ordinary interest by the peculiarity of her dimensions and construction... (Registered at 469 (new) tons, she was 165ft overall with a breadth of 26ft and dept of 17ft) her keel and rake is nearly six times her breadth and overall nearly seven times. Her bow the most approved clipper form and her stern a beautiful elliptic. Her lines are on the principal of a pilot coble for 4.5ths of her length. She is extremely sharp forward... it is calculated this vessel will not be surpassed, if equalled, by anything afloat. She is ornamented with a female figure representing the daughter of Hargrave, the inventor of the spinning jenny... Our correspondent adds that by common consent the championship of the port is awarded to the Messrs. Pile and that in this instance the justly admired Aberdeen clippers have been fairly eclipsed. Be that as it may, it seems Spinning Jenny was lost on her maiden voyage from London to Shanghai on 16th November 1852 on the Royal Charlotte Shoal, her crew being rescued by the Portuguese Revolucão. She does not appear in Lloyd's Register.

Condition Report

Good overall condition. Some rub marks to lower hull. Some lamination cracks where main deck is located. Varnish has gone dark.

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.