AN INTERESTING INCLINOMETER APPARENTLY PRESENTED TO ADMIRAL LORD CHARLES BERESFORD, CIRCA 1900
unsigned, with 6½in. brass dial engraved with a depiction of the 2nd Class cruiser Undaunted, the Royal Arms allied to the Royal House of Denmark, flanked by Britannia and a Lion Rampant, the indicator needle counter balance monogrammed 'CPB', set within rope-bordered frame with securing lugs -- 14in. (35.5cm.) diameter

Admiral Lord Charles Poer Beresford (1846-1919) was a colourful and highly popular Admiral with the British public who affectionately called him 'Charlie B'. He won their devotion early on in the Egyptian campaign of 1882 when, in Command of the Condor he took his ship inshore to bombard the batteries with great effect. The flagships signal "Well Done Condor" reverberated around the fleet and sealed Beresford's reputation. The latter part of his career however was spent in a bitter feud with Sir John ('Jackie') Fisher whose modernising reforms were to become essential in World War One and who prevented Beresford from attaining the rank First Sea Lord. He commanded H.M.S. Undaunted from her launch in 1889 until 1893 and it seems likely that this inclinometer was presented to him by his old messmates as an in-joke in 1907 when he took command of the Channel Fleet where he "lived with great style" aboard the Flagship H.M.S. King Edward VII - using patriotic symbols including those of the King with whom he had dramatically fallen out with in 1891 over an affair with the Countess of Warwick.

Condition Report
In good working order; varnish on wooden frame shrunk 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.