27th Apr, 2021 10:00

Maritime and Scientific Models, Instruments & Art (Untiring)

 
  Lot 32
 

32

[M] A FINELY CARVED YACHT'S TILLER FROM THE PETREL R.Y.S, CIRCA 1852

A FINELY CARVED YACHT'S TILLER FROM THE PETREL R.Y.S, CIRCA 1852

with square section by rudder head with three inset brass banners, the top inscribed as per title, carved castle motif on three sides, and finely observed rope work shaft terminating in a brass cuff and Turk's head knot -- 107in. (272cm.)

In the long and decidedly glamorous history of the Royal Yacht Squadron, there were several yachts named Petrel during the course of the nineteenth century, but only one whose size would require a tiller as large and handsome as the example offered in this lot.

Designed and built by George & Thomas Inman Bros. at Lymington in 1852, this Petrel was a big schooner registered at 101 tons gross (57 net). Originally measuring 70 feet in length, with a 16.8 foot beam and an 8.9 foot draught, she was extended to 84 feet in 1866 although her other dimensions remained unchanged. Allocated the signal letters KLMD, her long-time owner Lord Richard Grosvenor of 76 Brook Street, Mayfair, always kept her at Dartmouth until he finally sold her to Mr. George Marvin of West Cowes at the end of the 1892 Season. After flying Marvin’s colours for barely a year, however, she was broken up in 1894, possibly deemed not worth refitting due to her age.

Lord Richard de Aquila Grosvenor, 1st Baron Stalbridge (1837 – 1912), was the second surviving son of Richard Grosvenor, 2nd Marquess of Westminster, educated at Westminster School and Trinity College, Cambridge and, during an adventurous youth, toured the western United States and was present at the sack of the Summer Palace in Peking in 1860. Elected a Liberal M.P. in 1861, he became a Privy Counsellor in 1872 and was made Vice-Chamberlain of the Royal Household by Mr. Gladstone, a post he held until the government fell in 1874. Back in office in 1880, he served as Chief Whip until 1885, but then quarrelled with Gladstone over Irish Home Rule and resigned his seat the next year. After standing down from Parliament in 1886, he was created Baron Stalbridge and became leader of the Liberal Unionists in the House of Lords. He became a director of the London & North Western Railway in 1870 and promoted its business so energetically that he became its Chairman in 1891; he was also an early exponent of Channel [Railway] Tunnel. He was twice married and died in his London home in May 1912, a little over a year after his second wife.

Elected to the Royal Yacht Squadron in May 1870, he was clearly very fond of Petrel given how long he owned her. However, it would seem he kept her primarily for cruising as there is no record of her taking part in any racing activity.

Sold for £8,928
Estimated at £3,000 - £4,000

(inc. buyer's premium of 24%)


Condition Report

Good overall condition with typical marks 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.

 

A FINELY CARVED YACHT'S TILLER FROM THE PETREL R.Y.S, CIRCA 1852

with square section by rudder head with three inset brass banners, the top inscribed as per title, carved castle motif on three sides, and finely observed rope work shaft terminating in a brass cuff and Turk's head knot -- 107in. (272cm.)

In the long and decidedly glamorous history of the Royal Yacht Squadron, there were several yachts named Petrel during the course of the nineteenth century, but only one whose size would require a tiller as large and handsome as the example offered in this lot.

Designed and built by George & Thomas Inman Bros. at Lymington in 1852, this Petrel was a big schooner registered at 101 tons gross (57 net). Originally measuring 70 feet in length, with a 16.8 foot beam and an 8.9 foot draught, she was extended to 84 feet in 1866 although her other dimensions remained unchanged. Allocated the signal letters KLMD, her long-time owner Lord Richard Grosvenor of 76 Brook Street, Mayfair, always kept her at Dartmouth until he finally sold her to Mr. George Marvin of West Cowes at the end of the 1892 Season. After flying Marvin’s colours for barely a year, however, she was broken up in 1894, possibly deemed not worth refitting due to her age.

Lord Richard de Aquila Grosvenor, 1st Baron Stalbridge (1837 – 1912), was the second surviving son of Richard Grosvenor, 2nd Marquess of Westminster, educated at Westminster School and Trinity College, Cambridge and, during an adventurous youth, toured the western United States and was present at the sack of the Summer Palace in Peking in 1860. Elected a Liberal M.P. in 1861, he became a Privy Counsellor in 1872 and was made Vice-Chamberlain of the Royal Household by Mr. Gladstone, a post he held until the government fell in 1874. Back in office in 1880, he served as Chief Whip until 1885, but then quarrelled with Gladstone over Irish Home Rule and resigned his seat the next year. After standing down from Parliament in 1886, he was created Baron Stalbridge and became leader of the Liberal Unionists in the House of Lords. He became a director of the London & North Western Railway in 1870 and promoted its business so energetically that he became its Chairman in 1891; he was also an early exponent of Channel [Railway] Tunnel. He was twice married and died in his London home in May 1912, a little over a year after his second wife.

Elected to the Royal Yacht Squadron in May 1870, he was clearly very fond of Petrel given how long he owned her. However, it would seem he kept her primarily for cruising as there is no record of her taking part in any racing activity.

Auction: Maritime and Scientific Models, Instruments & Art (Untiring), 27th Apr, 2021

Mercantile (Sail) 1-123

Mercantile (Steam) 124-166

Naval (Sail) 170-252

Naval (Steam) 255-339

Navigational & Scientific Instruments 340-395

 

SALEROOM ANNOUNCEMENTS

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Printed catalogues available at £20 (+P&P)

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Absentee Bidding Form 

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THIS SALE WILL BE CONDUCTED LIVE ONLINE ONLY

You will not be able to bid live in the room. Absentee bids may be left via the website or using a bid form or you can bid via one of three online platforms. Absentee bids on our site must be left by 9am on the morning of the sale. Unfortunately, we cannot offer telephone bidding for this sale

  • UKAuctioneers.com  this service offers a choice of either paying a one-off £3.95 flat fee for the sale and no further charges, or 3% of the hammer price. Charles Miller Ltd will refund successful buyers who bid via the £3.95 flat fee
  • The-Saleroom.com – charges 5% of the hammer price
  • Invaluable.com – charges 3% of the hammer price

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