THE BRIDGE BELL FROM R.R.S. DISCOVERY II, 1928

cast in brass with black filled lettering to front, suspension loop and clapper, suspended on a brass bracket for bulkhead mounting, the bell -- 6in. (15cm.) diam; together with a quantity of historical data, press clippings and photographs

Provenance: H. Oldfield (ship's carpenter circa 1951) to the vendor's father and thence by decent

Built by Ferguson Bros in Port Glasgow and named for Captain Scott's famous vessel of 1901, this R.R.S. Discovery registered 1,036 tons, was 221 feet long and her single triple-expansion oil-fired engine gave her a stately 9kts, never-the-less, she has the distinction of being the world's first purpose-built oceanographic research ship. After her maiden voyage to the Sandwich Islands from December 1929-May 1931, she went on to conduct numerous important surveys in the Antarctic and southern hemisphere. Before War interrupted her busy schedule, she was also involved in the successful rescue of the American polar explorer and aviator Lincoln Ellsworth (1880-1951) whose aircraft had ditched in the Ross sea. Serving in the Royal Fleet Auxiliary mostly in the North Atlantic for the duration of the War, she resumed her survey work once hostilities were over. Her final Antarctic voyage in the Discovery Investigations series took place from May 1950 to December 1951, in the course of which she circumnavigated the Antarctic continent and discovered four seamounts, three in the Indian Ocean and one in the Pacific Ocean. From 1952 she mainly undertook oceanographical work in the North Atlantic. She was decommissioned in 1962 and broken up the following year after a full career lasting over thirty-four years.

Condition Report

Fine original condition, no cracks or significant wear and good black filling to lettering still insitu. Photos and cuttings in good condition for age, cuttings have been mounted on black paper and are modestly time-stained, but in better condition, than they would otherwise be unmounted.

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.