A RARE 19TH CENTURY RUDDER CAP FROM THE YACHT JILT

heavily cast in brass, the top engraved with a device of a waterman holding a globe and anchor within a garter inscribed ‘TUTUS IN UNDIS’ (‘Safe in the water’) with yacht's name inscribed to front, with square sections to receive tiller and screw holes to sides -- 4½ x 5½in. (11.5 x 14cm.)

The Bridsons of Bolton, Lancashire and Windermere, Westmoreland, were amongst the best-known yachting families of England during the mid to late nineteenth century. Harry Bridson (1849-1922) owned no less than twelve yachts in his long life, including the celebrated Hatcher-built 40-ton Muriel, and was one of the founders of the Yacht Racing Association in 1875. Harry’s son Andrew was an equally prominent figure, from the age of 14 in fact, but the rudder cap offered here is from an earlier family member, Joseph Ridgway Bridson, Harry’s paternal uncle. It was Joseph Ridgway Bridson who owned Jilt, a 25-foot 7-ton cutter built by Dan Hatcher at Southampton and, in 1861, noted in the yacht lists of both the Windermere Sailing Club and the Birkenhead ‘Model’ Yacht Club, the latter stating that Mr. J.R. Bridson also owned a smaller 12½ foot cutter named Maggie. Regrettably, no details of Jilt’s date of build or her eventual fate were found during the preparation of this catalogue, but a search for them would surely make for a very worthwhile research project.

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.