7th Nov, 2017 12:00
Maritime and Scientific Models, Instruments & Art ('Fearless')
271
[M] A FINELY DETAILED 1:384 SCALE MODEL OF THE TEA...
modelled by J. Evans with carved hull plated below the waterline and planked above, lowered boarding companionway and figurehead, planked decks with fittings including deck rails, bitts, catheads, capstan, stove pipe, covered hatches, deck houses with boats secured over, bilge pump, fitted boats in racks, saloon lights, compass, helm, white masts and yards with standing and running rigging with blocks, tackle and flags, and other details, mounted in glazed case with plate. Overall measurements -- 8¼ x 12 x 5in. (21 x 30.5 x 12.5cm.)
Thermopylæ was built in Walter Hood's yards in Aberdeen in 1868, to the order of George Thompson & Co. of London. A splendid sea boat, she was fast in any weather and especially quick at going to windward. Launched on 19th August 1868, she sailed from Gravesend on her maiden voyage to Melbourne on 7th November the same year and anchored in Port Phillip after a record run of 60 days (pilot to pilot). Continuing to make extremely fast passages throughout the 1870s, she loaded her final tea cargo at Foochow in 1881 before being transferred to the Australian wool route. During the 1880s, she frequently raced her old tea-trade rival Cutty Sark from Sydney to London, via Cape Horn with a best passage of 76 days in 1882. In 1890 Thermopylæ was sold to Canadian owners for £5,000 and from 1892 to 1895 she was used in the trans-Pacific trade. In 1896 she was resold to the Portuguese Government, renamed Pedro Nunes, and put to work as a cadet training ship. Her condition deteriorated gradually and by 1907 her working life was over. On 13th October that year, she was towed out of the Tagus into the open sea and sunk by gunfire; it was a sad end for such a thoroughbred, but she was -- and has remained -- one of the legends of the age of sail.
Sold for £2,232
Estimated at £800 - £1,200
(inc. buyer's premium of 24%)
Condition Report
Fine condition overall.
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.
modelled by J. Evans with carved hull plated below the waterline and planked above, lowered boarding companionway and figurehead, planked decks with fittings including deck rails, bitts, catheads, capstan, stove pipe, covered hatches, deck houses with boats secured over, bilge pump, fitted boats in racks, saloon lights, compass, helm, white masts and yards with standing and running rigging with blocks, tackle and flags, and other details, mounted in glazed case with plate. Overall measurements -- 8¼ x 12 x 5in. (21 x 30.5 x 12.5cm.)
Thermopylæ was built in Walter Hood's yards in Aberdeen in 1868, to the order of George Thompson & Co. of London. A splendid sea boat, she was fast in any weather and especially quick at going to windward. Launched on 19th August 1868, she sailed from Gravesend on her maiden voyage to Melbourne on 7th November the same year and anchored in Port Phillip after a record run of 60 days (pilot to pilot). Continuing to make extremely fast passages throughout the 1870s, she loaded her final tea cargo at Foochow in 1881 before being transferred to the Australian wool route. During the 1880s, she frequently raced her old tea-trade rival Cutty Sark from Sydney to London, via Cape Horn with a best passage of 76 days in 1882. In 1890 Thermopylæ was sold to Canadian owners for £5,000 and from 1892 to 1895 she was used in the trans-Pacific trade. In 1896 she was resold to the Portuguese Government, renamed Pedro Nunes, and put to work as a cadet training ship. Her condition deteriorated gradually and by 1907 her working life was over. On 13th October that year, she was towed out of the Tagus into the open sea and sunk by gunfire; it was a sad end for such a thoroughbred, but she was -- and has remained -- one of the legends of the age of sail.
Auction: Maritime and Scientific Models, Instruments & Art ('Fearless'), 7th Nov, 2017
