 |
|
Nautical Stock Archive - Page 3
These are some of the SOLD items that have been listed on our website
There are a maximum of 20 items on each page - our most recent sale is listed first - this is now quite a large reference record.
If you have a specific interest, use our keyword search to search the entire stock database.
|
 |
NEW STOCK |
 |
IN STOCK |
 |
FEATURED |
 |
SOLD |
 |
SOLD - similar available |
|
| Reference |
Stock Item |
|
Description |
|
|
 |
 | HMS Apollo D- Day Trench Art - Another item we bought at auction in 2005 but was subsequently mislaid in our stock room for the last 14 years, but it has finally seen the light of day, together with a number of other assorted items that came in the mixed lot. Small but historically interesting, it is made from a 1943 dated expended shell case that has been display mounted on a hardwood base. To the front is a white metal plaque that has been embossed 'HMS Apollo D-Day 6.6.44'.
Our research indicated HMS Apollo was an Abdiel-class minelayer of the Royal Navy, the eighth RN ship to carry the name. She was commissioned in February 1944 and joined the Home Fleet at Scapa Flow before setting out for Plymouth for minelaying operations in support of the planned invasion of France. She loaded mines at Milford Haven and commenced a series of operations off the French coast of Brittany between Ushant and Île Vierge. She was detached for duty in "Operation Neptune" and on 7 June and carried Allied Supreme Commander General Dwight D. Eisenhower, Naval Commander in Chief Admiral Bertram Ramsay, General Bernard Law Montgomery and staff officers from SHAEF, to visit the assault beaches. Unfortunately Apollo grounded while underway, damaging her propellers, and her VIP passengers were transferred to the appropriately named destroyer HMS Undaunted!
Sadly we have no provenance with the item but seems most likely it was made by a crew member of Apollo from scrap materials recovered but we have no idea where it subsequently resided for the next 61 years before turning up in an Exeter auction house.
An ideal Christmas stocking filler for anyone with associations with Apollo (she was placed on Reserve in 1961 and was broken up at Blyth, Northumberland in November 1962) or to the collector of Royal Navy trench art in your life. Measures 5" from base to top of shell case (12.5 cm)
|
|
|
 |
| A/S Mk 10 Mortar Shell Case Trench Art - Here is another item from our 'Pandora's box' of mainly Royal Navy related items. In this instance we have a fine example of post war Royal Navy trench art, in the form of an ashtray made from a cut down shell case. The face plate is profusely stamped including A/S Mk 10 Mortar Mk 2. Online research indicates this is made from a Limbo, or Anti-Submarine Mortar Mk 10 which was the final British development of a forward-throwing anti-submarine weapon originally designed during the Second World War. Limbo, a three-barrelled mortar similar to the earlier Hedgehog and Squid which it superseded, was developed by the Admiralty Underwater Weapons Establishment in the 1950s. It was installed on the quarterdeck of Royal Navy escort ships from 1955 to the mid-1990's and was used in the 1982 Falklands War. When a contact had been confirmed as a hostile submarine, the SC manually fired the Mortar Mk 10 from the SCR upon receiving the order from the captain in the operations room. The firing was done by means of a pistol grip and trigger mounted to the deckhead immediately behind the Mk 10 Mortar. Limbo had a max range of about 1000 yards.
Our shell case is dated 1962 and a further stamp 6/63. It is also marked ECC indicating it was made by Edward Curran & Co. The original length of the shell case before it was cut down was 305 mm with a diameter of 115mm. Inside the base of the shell case, mounted where the detonator cap used to be is a pre decimal original British Penny piece that is dated 1967 and shows and image of Britannia ;the "old penny" ceased to be legal tender after 31 August 1971. The ashtray is 4.5" diameter (11.5 cm) and stands 1.25" high (3 cm). The item is completely inert and would make a fine addition to a trench art of British Naval shell case collection and with the festive season approaching would make a great stocking filler!
|
|
|
 |
| Alldays & Onion Bellows Fog Horn - A superb example used as a mobile fog horn on vessels at sea from the late 1800's. The firm of Alldays & Onion of Birmingham was formed in 1889 and subsequently went on to work in the motor industry. A scarce and decorative marine antique, they were amazingly used by the Royal Navy up until WWII. Whilst Bargain Hunt was filming on our stand at a fair, host David Dickinson told us he had never encountered one before and proceeded to film a similar example for the show. The instrument is made from elm and leather whilst the trumpet is brass. Interestingly, the elm carries Welsh script which we will endeavour to have translated and will add to our description. While for sale as a decorative item, it still has a good voice despite dating from the 19th century!
|
|
|
 |
| HMS Revenge Copper Ashtray - This tray seems to relate to the Battleship HMS Revenge launched in 1915 and weighed 25,750 tons. and took part in both the Battle of Jutland and operation Overlord in WWII and was scrapped in 1948. These little trays were offered for sale onboard via the NAAFI shop to serving crew members and were mainly bought as gift for friends and relations back home. This and the rest of the small collection we are listing today are all of the period and would make a great gift for anyone with an association with this fine ship. Measures 3.75" diameter (9.5 cm)
|
|
|
 |
| HMS Devonshire and HMS Isis Original Watercolour Paintings - The pair, mounted and framed and both signed M.Wolverson. We have been unable to trace any information on the artist but if any visitors to the site can add anything please get in touch and we will add to this listing. Whilst neither painting is dated we believe them to be period works. HMS Devonshire was the lead ship of her class of six armoured cruiser built for the Royal Navy and was launched in 1904. She served throughout WWI but was paid off and sold for scrapping in 1923. Her four funnels and distinctive bow shape are shown off to good advantage in our painting.
HMS Isis was an Eclipse-class protected cruiser built for the Royal Navy and launched in 1896. She served until 1902, when she was put in the Reserve Fleet, but in August 1914 with the outbreak of war Isis was brought out of the reserve and deployed to the 11th Cruiser Squadron based at Queenstown, Ireland. She survived the War to be scrapped in 1920.
Both paintings show the ships at anchor with a lighter alongside each, with the shoreline depicted behind at unknown locations. The paintings are still bright but minor signs of age and as ever a few 'thunder flies have gained access to the card mounts. The pictures may benefit from being opened and cleaned but we will leave this decision to the new owners. The frames are identical in size at 12 1/2" x 9 1/2" (31.5 cm x 24 cm) whilst the paintings themselves measure 8.25" x 4 1/2" (20.5 cm x 11.5 cm). These represent quite scarce subjects depicting two Royal Naval ships at the turn of the 19th century.
|
|
|
 |
| HMS Worcester Transom Board Seat Back - A unique item of treen with interesting provenance. Built as a first rate screw ship in 1860 called "Frederick William", she was subsequently renamed "Worcester" and became a training ship for merchant navy cadets and was moored on the Thames at Greenhithe. She foundered on her moorings 30.08.48 with the hulk being raised for breakup in 1953. This seat back, which we believe to be from one of the ship's boats (possibly the Admiral's barge), was recovered from the Thames foreshore shortly after the sinking 62 years ago. Made from polished hardwood with marquetry inserts to centre. Measures 50" x 19" (127 cm x 48 cm)
|
|
|
 |
| Lord High Admiral of Great Britain Original Desk Seal with Royal Associations - If only this one could talk! We have just purchased this seal from a private collector here in the West Country, South West England. Whilst looking like a fairly well used and mundane desk seal we have deciphered the Latin inscription of the seal which reads :- 'SIGIL:OFFI:MAG:ADMIR:MAG:BR & C' and enclosed within is the fouled anchor device of the British Royal Navy. In translation the wording reads:- 'The Seal of the Lord High Admiral of Great Britain'. Further detective work indicates this office of state dates back to 1405 and the Lord High Admiral of England, Great Britain and then the United Kingdom is the titular head of the Royal Navy. Most holders have been courtiers or members of the Royal Family and include the Duke of York, Charles11, King James 11 and Queen Anne. The incumbents were mainly not professional Naval officers and the office of Lord High Admiral remains one of the nine English Great Officers of State. The position has remained extant until finally abolished in 1964 when the functions of the Admiralty were transferred to the Secretary of State for Defence and the ancient title of Lord High Admiral was transferred to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth 11. The Queen held the title for 47 years up until 2011 when she conferred the office upon her husband, the Duke of Edinburgh, as part of the celebrations for his 90th birthday and he remains the current holder. The Queen chose this title to honour her husband with as he served in the Royal Navy during the Second World War, and gave up a promising naval career to support her as consort.
The seal handle is made from an ebonised hardwood and judging from the wear it has had significant usage during its working life, that just adds to its charm. The metal seal remains in perfect condition and is not worn and would work today as well as it has done during a long service life. We would estimate it dates from the first half of the 20th century. Sadly its significant history has been lost down the years but it is probably safe to speculate this modest item has served to seal documents of state over many years and could well have spent its working life at Buckingham Place; we can almost smell the distinctive aroma of hot red sealing wax here in the Oldnautibits HQ today! Certainly a one off item and we are unlikely to ever find another. With a clear connection to the British Royal Family grab it whilst you can! Measures 3.75" (9.5 cm)
|
|
|
 |
| HMS Cornwall Copper Ashtray - HMS Cornwall was a Royal Navy Cruiser launched in Davenport in 1926 of 9,800 tons. She served in WWII until sunk by Japanese aircraft in the Indian Ocean on 5th April 1942 together with 192 members of her crew. These little trays were offered for sale onboard via the NAAFI shop to serving crew members and were mainly bought as gift for friends and relations back home. This and the rest of the small collection we are listing today are all of the period and would make a great gift for anyone with an association with this fine ship. Measures 3" diameter (7.5 cm)
|
|
|
 |
| WWII Childs Kapok Flotation Device - This is most certainly a first for us! Whilst clearly stamped to the front 'Child' looking at its diminutive size one almost feels 'baby' would have been a more accurate description! Below is stamped in ink 'MT' and a Kings Crown ; we believe this refers to the Ministry of Transport which was formed in 1941 when it merged with the Ministry of Shipping with responsibility for sea transport. A further stamp appears to read A.M, and is dated of August 22nd 1945 (although could be'49) and finally 'Sunderland'. Whilst only speculation could this have been a vest taken on charge by the Air Ministry for use flying civilian passengers on Sunderland flying boats?Alternatively it could simply have originated from the port town of Sunderland. The back kapok pad carries the logo of a lifebelt and in the centre is marked 'Reverse'.
The condition of the vest is what we would described in designer terms as 'shabby chic', with water stains and storage marks but is in generally good display condition. It remains a bit of an enigma but it almost certainly has a story to tell if only it could talk. If any visitors to the site can enlighten us a little more with it's background please get in touch and we can add to our description. This would make a perfect stage or film prop and an ideal accessory if TV's 'Call the Midwife' ever need to take their young charges to sea!
|
|
|
 |
| Voyage of the 'New Golden Hinde' Parchment Sea Chart 1974 - An intriguing and possibly unique chart showing the intended passage of the full size replica of the new 'Golden Hinde'. She was commissioned by two American businessmen, Albert Elledge and Art Blum, who wished to commemorate the vessel sailed by Sir Francis Drake on his circumnavigation of the globe between 1577 and 1580 and specifically the 400th anniversary of Sir Francis Drake's landing on the west coast of North America in 1579. The ship was designed by Loring Christian Norgaard, a Californian naval architect, who spent three years researching it, drawing on original journals of the crew members and other manuscripts. The building of the ship was given to J Hinks & Son of Appledore, North Devon, using traditional methods and tools. She was named 'The New Golden Hinde' by the Countess of Devon and was launched on 5th April, 1973.
She subsequently sailed out of Plymouth on her maiden voyage in late 1974 via Barbados and transited through the Suez Canal, a facility not available to Sir Francis Drake, but her insurers and we suspect owners would not allow a voyage via Cape Horn as the original vessel was routed 400 years before! She was nearly lost in a hurricane but finally arrived in San Francisco on 8th May 1975 and the skipper and crew were given a hero's welcome by the locals and so achieved their aim of commemorating Sir Francis' proclamation of New Albion at a site believed to have been in northern California in 1579. Since then she has travelled more than 140,000 miles (225,000 km) and has sailed around the world whilst also starring in various movies including 'Shogun' filmed in Japan in 1979, 'Drake's Adventure' and 'St Tinian's 2: The Legend of Fritton's Gold'. Following numerous adventures worldwide 'The New Golden Hinde' has been berthed since 1996 at St Mary Overie Dock in London although she did sail to Southampton in 2003. She is open to the public as well as hosting a range of educational programmes for school visits and can also be booked for private functions.
Our chart, which shows some age wear and minor fading to the edges, is printed on material which gives the impression of the sail cloth used on treasure maps. It appears to have been produced by Adrian Small and is dated 1973. Our research indicates Captain Small was the Skipper on the maiden voyage. The chart is entitled 'Proposed route of the New Golden Hinde ' and dated 1973 which has been crossed out and changed to 1974. It is dedicated to 'Sid Walker Esq, B.O.J. Surveyor With all Good Wishes ' and signed 'Adrian Small, Master and dated 28th September 1974'. The voyage chart was discovered in the attic of the Plymouth home of Sid & Sara Walker by the new owners back in 1994. We assume Sid Walker (who was apparently a real character and had metal mooring buoys as garden features at this home) assisted on' the Golden Hinde' project and this chart was presented to him as a form of thanks. It measures 32 1/2" x 21" (83 cm x 53 cm). Having languished in a Plymouth attic for many years this historical artefact is now in need of a new owner to be treasured and displayed as it deserved.
|
|
|
 |
| Royal Navy Lieutenant Commander Working Dress Blouse - A genuine WWII issue 1944 dated RN Officers Working Dress (BD) blouse in totally original condition. The hard backed rank shoulder boards are sewn on and with the purple background indicate the original owner served with the engineering branch; sadly the garment is not named. Interestingly in the opening years of the Second World War the Royal Navy refused to adopt battledress for officers aboard ship but despite this dyed army battledress was modified and worn on duty. Finally their Lordships at the Admiralty authorised officers to wear 'Working Dress' ; they could not bring themselves to call it 'Battledress' as was adopted by both the Army and the RAF. The Working Dress, also designated '5A' was immediately popular and officers could either obtain it from the stores or have a set made up by their tailor.
This scarce example was an issue item and carries a good clear Admiralty label indicating the blouse is a size 9 to fit an Officer of height 5' 7"-5' 8", Breast 39"-40" and waist size 34"-35". It was manufactured by H. Lotery & Co Ltd and dated 1944. The blouse features quality Royal Naval pattern brass buttons with kings crown and anchor motif made by Gaunt of London. The inside of the unlined blouse still retain original paper labels confirming the size. Two breast pocket are fitted with button closure whilst the waist has a short strap and a single button. It is in generally very good display condition with just a few minor moth nibbles, but seeing it is 74 years old is has survived in remarkably well.
|
|
|
 |
| Board of Trade Life Jacket - An original ships life vest stamped 'Standard', 'Front' and for 'Persons of 70 Lb. or More.' It appears to be kapok lined and the outer is finished in a dayglo orange material, which has some stains and minor paint splashes commensurate with age, but is generally in very good condition. It comes complete with various straps and a Mk II Perry emergency whistle which is attached to a lanyard, for attracting attention at night. This item is sold as a collectable only and would add an authentic touch to a nautical themed room and would of course be ideal if you should be attending a 'Titanic' or 'What you were wearing when the ship went down' themed party! The jacket is surprisingly not dated but the British Board of Trade was merged with the Ministry of Technology in 1970 to form the Department of Trade and Industry so we estimate this probably dates from the 1960's. The jacket weighs in at over 2 kilos unpacked so please check delivery charges before ordering. It measures 34" x 20" (86 cm x 51 cm).
|
|
|
 |
| Royal Navy Officers Working Dress Blouse - Another genuine WWII issue 1944 dated RN Officers Working Dress (BD) blouse in totally original condition which we are listing today. This one does not carry rank shoulder boards and is unnamed but judging by its excellent overall condition it may actually be unissued. In the opening years of the Second World War the Royal Navy refused to adopt battledress for officers aboard ship but despite this dyed army battledress was modified and worn on duty. Finally their Lordships at the Admiralty authorised officers to wear 'Working Dress' ; they could not bring themselves to call it 'Battledress' as was adopted by both the Army and the RAF. The Working Dress, also designated '5A' was immediately popular and officers could either obtain it from the stores or have a set made up by their tailor.
This scarce example was an issue item and carries a good clear Admiralty label indicating 'Admiralty Blue Serge Working Dress Blouse Officer's. This one is in a very scarce Size15 to fit an Officer of height 5' 11"- 6' 0", Breast 42"-43" and waist size 37"-38". It was manufactured by H. Lotery & Co Ltd and dated 1944. In addition the waist band is also stamped with an Admiralty anchor. Thee blouse features quality Royal Naval pattern brass buttons with kings crown and anchor motif made by Gieves of London. The inside of the unlined blouse still retain original paper labels confirming the size. Two breast pocket are fitted with button closure whilst the waist has a short strap fastening and triple brass buttons for correct fitting button. Despite its 74 years this BD remains in remarkable condition with just one minor moth nibble to the rear of the collar. Whilst for sale, like all our stock, as a collectable this one would certainly be strong enough to wear and with the added advantage of being an almost impossible to find large size wartime dated blouse.
|
|
|
 |
| Ex Trawler 5 Spoke Brass Ships Wheel - This one is an absolute beauty! It was recovered from a redundant trawler when she was broken up in Devon, South West England in the late 20th century. Sadly the name of the vessel was not recorded so we know nothing of her history but she certainly had a very fine helm, typical of the type used on a working boat.
When it came in it was nearly black but with some careful polishing it now glows, with a great patina that has an almost orange tint and could actually be bronze rather than brass, but we will leave that for the experts to decide. It is also heavy weighing in at 6 kilos, so please check delivery costs with us before ordering. It would look stunning in an appropriate nautical collection or as a focal point in a marine themed room. And whilst like all our stock it is for sale as a collectable we see no reason why it could not go back to sea, were you to own the appropriate classic little ship! The design is typical of wheels used on working boots and made without separate spokes but instead features a steering wheel rim and a 'lazy handle' to enable the helmsman to turn the wheel quickly when manoeuvring and without fear of the wheel spinning and the spokes catching and causing injury.
This wheel measures a modest 15.75" diameter (40 cm) so it is a very useful size for display and it will not dominate its surroundings and so much nicer than the mass of modern replica wheels now flooding the market. This one has been there and earned a hard living over the years but it is not finished yet!
|
|
|
 |
| WWI Convoy or Zig-Zag Clock - Zig-Zag clocks from WWI are almost impossible to find and even WWII examples are both scarce and expensive. The last one of these we had in was back in 2004 so it has been a long wait to secure another! We had previously thought the maker was the US based company Seth Thomas but with online research we have located an identical example which was identified by the Royal Navy Submarine Museum at Gosport as being manufactured around 1915 by The Standard Time Watch Company of New York, who traded between 1885-1926.
This rare early example dates from the first part of the 20th century. In WWI England was suffering huge losses amongst it's merchant fleet due to German submarine actions. It was therefore decided convoys should not sail a straight course and so avoid providing a easy target for German torpedoes. A means had to be found for large convoys to all alter course at exactly the same moment so as to avoid collisions and these clocks were the tools to do it. Secret sealed orders were issued to all the Captains prior to sailing and these gave the exact time when the helmsman should alter course on a predesignated bearing, in unison with the rest of the fleet, often out of vision and without the need to break radio silence or to use Morse signals. The electrical connector on the hand (now absent) would touched the contact on the brass ring attached to the dial and so complete a circuit which sounded a bell at pre-set times. Every time the bell rang the helmsman would change course.
These clock were of basic utility design and made without a bezel or glass exactly as our example. The dial is original, is unnamed and has not been refinished in any way. The metal case has been repainted and has three brass mounting lugs for bulkhead attachment. Three moveable brass contacts remain on the external brass bezel and at the base of the clock are two screw fitted terminals where the bell or buzzer would have been connected. The minute hand carries the remains of the electrical connector whilst the hour and second hands are of standard design. The clockwork mechanism is key wound and is working happily here in the office although we have no record when it was last serviced and it may be wise for a new owner to have this done seeing the age of this timepiece.
As with all our stock feel free to contact us for more detailed pictures and additional information. Whilst we have seen prettier clocks few come with such a story to tell and an extremely rare survivor from a distant war fought on and below the North Atlantic over 100 years ago!
|
|
|
 |
| Decorative Brass Ships Inclinometer - These instrument would originally have been mounted in the wheelhouse or bridge of the ship and would indicate to the Master or helmsman the degree of list to port or starboard and so provide a simple but effective method of keeping the ship level when loading cargo or ships stores. The same type of instrument is also used on sailing vessels to enable the skipper to control the list of the yacht to get maximum power, with minimum discomfort, from the sails. Whilst this one clearly has some age, confirmed by the wear to the hardwood display mount, it is a quality reproduction of an original instrument but still makes a very decorative item in a marine themed room or collection. Display mount measures 11.5" top to bottom (29 cm) and is 12" wide (30 cm.)
|
|
|
 |
| HMS Fisgard Presentation Paperweight presented to the Controller of the Navy - HMS Fisgard was a shore establishment (otherwise known to all as a 'stone frigate') of the Royal Navy active at different periods and locations between 1848 and 1983. She was used to train artificers and engineers for the Navy. The name originates from the Leda class frigate, subsequently used as a depot ship and harbour flagship for Woolwich since 1848, and was used to train engineers. The facility closed in 1872 and Fisgard herself was broken up in 1879 but the name lived on as a shore base, subsequently relocated from Portsmouth to Chatham in 1930. The Fisgard facility finally closed in December 1983.
Our presentation brass paperweight dates to this time and is nicely engraved 'Admiral Sir Lindsey Bryson KGB Controller of the navy and is dated 13th August 1983. Admiral Sir Lindsay Bryson rose from modest circumstances to serve in WWII and subsequently become the first engineer appointed Controller of the Navy, responsible from 1981 to 1984 for the development and procurement of ships and weapons. During the Falklands war, he oversaw the introduction of several urgent operational requirements to bring what was essentially a peacetime service to the peak of fighting fitness. Bryson was appointed KCB in 1981 and retired from the Navy in 1984. He became a Fellow of the Royal Aeronautical Society and was the only naval officer to be president of the Institution of Electrical Engineers and he held various post in industry including deputy chairman of GEC-Marconi from 1987 to 1990. Lady Thatcher, who had been so impressed by her encounters with him during the Falklands War, nominated him as Lord Lieutenant of East Sussex and Brighton and Hove. He died in 2005 aged 80.
Research online indicates via the Fisgard Association website the significance of the date on our paperweight 13th August 1983. It was decided to hold an open day to allow former artificer apprentices to visit the establishment one last time before it closed in December of that year. A date was set for the 13th August as the weather was likely to be good and there would still be sufficient serving apprentices left in Fisgard to man the event with the penultimate class, 823 Entry, passing out four days later. Fisgard opened its gates to visitors at 1330 attended by the Guest of honour, Admiral Sir Lindsay Bryson KCB, visitors were free to wander around the establishment. Supper was served in the evening in the Apprentices Dining Hall and Fisgard's bars remained open until 2300; we imagine it was quite a party! Our paperweight was clearly presented to Admiral Bryson on the day and as such remains a unique souvenir of both a great training establishment, with a history stretching back 135 years and a great Naval Officer of our time.
The Latin motto of HMS Fisgard is "Non manibus solum sed corde" which translates to "Not only with your hands but with your heart" and this seems entirely appropriate to Sir Bryson KGB with the casting showing another Knight's arm appearing from beneath the waves with a hammer firmly gripped and about to strike. Base measures 3" diameter (7.75 cm) and it stands 3.25" high (8.5 cm)
|
|
|
 |
| Royal Navy Lieutenants Working Dress Blouse NO 5B - A genuine late war/early post war period RN Officers Working Dress (BD) blouse in totally original condition from the small collection we have listed this week. This one carries Lieutenant rank shoulder boards which are laced in place and were made by the top London manufacturer of Joseph Starkey. Whilst the blouse is unnamed the original owner clearly had a 'busy' war and his pin back medal bar is attached showing 1939-45 War Medal, The Atlantic Star, The African Star with rosette (for North African service 1942–43 and awarded for service with the 18th Army Group Headquarters between 15 February 1942 and 12 February 1943 inclusive, for Navy and Merchant Navy personnel in shore service 23 October 1942 to 12 May 1943 inclusive). In addition campaign medals issued for Italy plus the Defence Medal and War Medal 1939-45 which my Dad told me everyone got 'for just turning up'!
In the opening years of the Second World War the Royal Navy refused to adopt battledress for officers aboard ship but despite this Battledress type uniforms were worn by naval officers from 1941, as a non-regulation uniform, sometime utilising dyed army battledress. Finally their Lordships at the Admiralty conceded and authorised officers to wear 'Working Dress'; they could not bring themselves to call it 'Battledress' as was adopted by both the Army and the RAF. The Working Dress, designated '5A'was immediately popular and officers could either obtain it from the stores or have a set made up by their tailor. It was introduced for wear at sea in preference to the rather formal No. 5 uniform and the design is based on the Army and RAF battledress featuring a short waisted jacket.
This fine example is a development from this and is referred to as a' Number 5B Working Dress Blouse '. It was Introduced in 1944, and saw limited use in the war; it was similar to 5A, except that the buttons on the blouse are of standard design and are fly fronted as opposed to exposed buttons and the waist is closed by means of a short strap and buckle fastening. Our research indicates It was developed for use by the Air Branch aircrew, as they found the exposed buttons on the earlier blouse had a tendency to get caught on pieces of cockpit equipment and a potential risk in the event of a rapid departure from the cockpit! This blouse is neither named or badged so we have no idea to whom it was issued. It does not carry and issue label but the waist band is ink stamped L, a WD arrow and 679 below. Seeing the full medal ribbon it would appear to have been in use in the early post war period. Interestingly it has an inner zipped pocket fitted (zip is marked 'Swift') which also carries a WD and board arrow stamp. We can't establish if this was a standard fitting or a period customisation; if the latter it would have been perfect for aircrew to keep important items secure. No size is marked but it is on the small size but would be perfect on a Fleet Air Arm mannequin. The jacket is in exceptional condition throughout with the fabric in crisp and unstained and amazingly has completely avoided the attention of the dreaded moth. A scarce example that certainly meets the old collectors maxim of 'always buy the best example you can afford'.
|
|
|
 |
| Vintage Mahogany Folding Yacht Table - We have owned and used this little table ourselves for close on 20 years but a new design scheme forces us to reluctantly offer for rehomeing. Whilst its origins are unknown it probably originally served on a yacht or launch where space below decks was at a premium. Our picture shows the top in the extended position and this gives a surface area of 29" x22.75" (74 cm x 58 cm); when the top leaves are closed the top dimensions reduce to a modest 29" x 11.5" (74 cm x 29 cm).In the folded position the top also has lips on either side to prevent items stored on top falling off during passage. It stands 25" high (64 cm) in the opened position.
Finished in a lightly waxed mahogany, the nautical origins are maintained by solid brass butterfly hinges and below the table is a useful storage compartment that would have been entirely practical at sea, when space is always at a premium. The base of the legs have holes drilled where the table would originally have been bolted to the saloon floor. Sometimes on these table the legs also fold in to aid storage when not in use; this is not the case with this one and the legs are fixed in position, which makes it eminently suitable for continued use ashore. We have found it a fine and practical piece of nautical furniture to own and whilst for sale a collectable we see no reason, if you should require a table for use on your classic boat, why it should not again go back to sea.
Please also check out the pitch pine ships table we are also listing today.
|
|
|
 |
| Original Library Key from 'RMS Pendennis Castle' - One of the most famous passenger vessels of the Union Castle Line, she was built by Harland and Wolff as a replacement for the ageing "Arundel Castle". The ship's keel was laid on 8 November 1955 but the following year Union-Castle merged with Clan Line Steamers Ltd. to form British & Commonwealth Shipping Company. The new management decided to enlarge Pendennis Castle whilst under construction and her length was increased by 18ft. "Pendennis Castle" was launched on n 24 December 1957.
"Pendennis Castle", named after the castle of the same name looking over Falmouth bay, served 1959-1976 on a regular route between Southampton to Las Palmas, Cape Town, Port Elizabeth, East London and Durban on what was called "the Cape Mail service". On 23 April 1976 "Pendennis Castle" sailed from Southampton on her final voyage to South Africa. On arrival back in her home port on 14 June 1976 she was withdrawn from service and sold to the Panama registered Ocean Queen Navigation Company and was renamed "Ocean Queen" with the intention to operate her as a cruise ship but this never happened. She was re named Sinbad, then Sinbad I, but she never returned to commercial service and was broken up in Taiwan in 1980.
On offer is an original key with a "Union -Castle" Line paper label attached marked "Pendennis Castle" with information confirming the bookcase to which is related in the ships Tourist Library. We have a total of 8 sets available and all with a Union Castle label attached, which show some ageing. The keys about 2.25" long (6 cm) and show a little rust as you would expect.
These keys would provide a unique addition to an "RMS Pendennis Castle"or a "Union-Castle Line" collection or as a souvenir to passengers or crew who sailed on her. The key and label illustrated here is the one you will receive.
|
|
 |
 |
