A POIGNANT SHIPPING COMPANY'S VESTA CASE
a silver vesta case, by Walker & Hall, hallmarked for Sheffield 1914, bearing the coloured enamel house flag of Elder Dempster's British & African Steam Navigation Company, reverse with engraved inscription for S.S. Mendi -- 2in. (5cm.) wide

S.S. Mendi, 4,320 tons, was built by Alexander Stephen & Sons of Glasgow in 1905 and operated for 11 years before being requisitioned as a troopship in 1916. At about 5.00am on 21st February, 1917, whilst still dark and in thick fog, Mendi collided with the Royal Mail Line's steamer Darro off St. Catherine's Point, Isle of Wight, and sank in twenty minutes. On passage from Simonstown, South Africa, to Le Havre, via Plymouth, she was carrying an entire Bantu native labour battalion heading for the Western Front. Out of a total complement of 824 persons, 625 native troops and 31 crew were lost in what can be regarded as one of the worst passenger ship disasters of the Great War even though it has been largely forgotten.

Condition Report
Enamel in good original condition; small ding just under pennant; reverse with vertical dent through middle.

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.