[M] PRISON HULK GRAFFITI, A PINE BULKHEAD PANEL FROM HMS 'DROMEDARY', BERMUDA, 1852-56

PRISON HULK GRAFFITI, A PINE BULKHEAD PANEL FROM HMS DROMEDARY, BERMUDA, 1852-56

the panel variously carved with the names of convicts and dates of their confinement, the reverse with exhibition label and number, later framed -- 20¾ x 25½ in. (53 x 65 cm.)

The 5^th rate, 44-gun HMS Dromedary—originally Kaikusroo then Howe when purchased by the Admiralty—was built at Bombay in 1799. In 1809, the ship carried Lachlan Macquarie to his new posting as Governor of New South Wales, in place of William Bligh.

For forty years from 1823, Bermuda received British convicts to work on the building of the naval dockyard. In 1826, after delivering convicts to the island, Dromedary was stripped and converted to a prison hulk and, for the next 37 years, was moored at Ireland Island - alongside the construction site and near the quarries where the convicts laboured.

In the naval tradition, the convicts lived together and dined in messes and the carving on the panel—predominately for prisoners with initials R-T—suggests they messed alphabetically.

In 1864, Dromedary was broken up when this panel was salvaged then subsequently donated in 1899 to an unknown institution.

Condition Report

Original condition in modern frame. Wear commensurate with age.

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.