A DETAILED, PROBABLY SAILOR-MADE, MODEL OF THE EXTREME CLIPPER CHALLENGE, 19TH CENTURY

the 20in. hull carved and scored with planking, copper below the waterline, with ebonised top sides and gilt stern and carved eagle head, scored deck with carved polychrome fittings, including anchors with bound stocks, capstans, bell, belaying rails, bilge pump, companionways, hatch covers, saloon with boats stowed over, water barrel, compass box and helm, bound masts with standing and running rigging, with yards, stuns'l booms, lined and furled sails and house flags, mounted on cradle stand pinned within green painted glazed wooden case with legend -- 22½ x 33½ x 14in. (57 x 85 x 36cm.)

Built in 1851 by William H. Webb of New York at a cost of $150,000, Challenge was an iron framed extreme clipper of 1,365 tons and the first to include three decks. Undoubtedly a fast vessel, she was blighted by bad luck and her first commander, Captain R.H. Waterman, had to be removed after the maiden voyage when the crew threatened to mutiny. In 1860, she was dismasted in a typhoon but made it to Hong Kong; a year later she arrived in Bombay leaking badly and was sold to Thomas Hunt & Co., Liverpool, for 78.000 rupees and was renamed Golden City. In July 1875, whilst in the Indian Ocean on voyage between South Shields to Anjer with a cargo of coal, her decks were swept clean with the loss of seven men and all the officers except third mate. Eighteen months later she was lost at Abervache off Ushant in passage between South Shields and Genoa with 1590 tons of coal and a crew of 26 men.

This lot will be available for viewing at Imperial Road

Condition Report

Model's in good overall condiiton; We assume it's been restored and conserved at some point as rigging tight, some light evidence of varnish to the topsides; sails time-stained; one or two metal elements corroded.

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.