A WELL-PRESENTED 1:85 SCALE MODEL OF THE EXPERIMENTAL CRUISER-COMMERCE RAIDER SUBMARINE H.M.S. X.1 [1923]

modelled from his own researches by M. Butler and comprising a carved 48in. hull with brass planes, anchors and propellers, closed torpedo tubes and water inlets, jack staff, deck rails, fire direction, twin guns in casemates, conning tower with raised radio aerial, range finder, snorkel and periscope and other details, mounted on polished brass rests to oak display base with plaque and plexiglass cover. Overall measurements -- 17 x 61 x 14in. (43 x 155 x 35.5cm.)

At 363ft long, X1 was, for a time, the largest submarine in the world. Built at Chatham Dockyard and displacing nearly 2800 tons, she could make 19.5kts surfaced and about 9kts submerged using two salvaged German engines from U-126 and two Admiralty designs. Although fitted with six torpedo tubes in her bows, she was intended to tackle her targets using her twin pairs of 5.2in. quick-firing guns mounted in turrets fore and aft of her conning tower. Based on the late WWI German design for submarine cruisers she was laid down in November 1921 but her intended role as a commerce raider was made illegal by the 1922 Treaty of Washington and so she was completed in great secrecy and declared to be a submersible 'cruiser' capable of hunting destroyers. Manned by 100 crew with 11 officers, she was double hulled and her 1in. thick pressure hull had a designed diving depth of 350 feet but, in fact, never went below 200 feet. She proved a stable gun platform and handled well, however she was beset by mechanical problems from the outset and never achieved her full potential. She was laid up in 1933 and finally broken in 1937 -- the only R.N. vessel built after World War I to be broken before the onset of World War II.

This lot will be available for viewing at Imperial Road

Condition Report

Fine overall condition.

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.