|
A FINE AND DECORATIVE BRASS BINNACLE COMPASS, POSSIBLY MADE FOR THE CLAN LINE, CIRCA 1880
the 9in. Lord Kelvin-type compass card gimbal mounted within bowl with bulbous hood and twin burners, secured to fluted tapering pillar on fretted hexagonal base with 'Lion Rampant and Thistle' device within each section and lion's paw feet with holes for deck securing - 59in. (150cm.) high
£2000-3000
Clan Line presents a possible match for the device seen in the base - the family crest uses lions facing in both directions with crowns about their necks - no right-facing lion has been identified for any company; Gow, Harrison & Co. also use a similar lion, however they were founded in 1895 principally for tankers and this highly ornate object would likely be intended for the few passengers Clan Line carried.
|
|
  |
A RARE PAIRED HELM FROM THE S.T HIBERNIA, 1884
the main helm with eight fluted spokes and brass capped head piece, the wooden hub with secondary 24in. eight-spoke helm also with brass capped head piece, main helm - 55in. (140cm.); together with a photograph of Hibernia and a small provenance plaque S.T. Hibernia commissioned 1884, Served Meritoriously Til end of Voyage 1961
(3)
£600-800
One of a pair of the first screw-driven ocean going Thames tugs added to the William Watkins & Co. fleet, Hibernia was built by de Maas of Delfshaven, Holland in 1884. Measuring 121 ft (reduced to 107ft in 1921) she was registered at 290 tons and generated 120 n.h.p. rising to 600 i.h.p after her refit. She was leased to the Navy in 1914 and briefly renamed Carcass before being renamed Hibernia II for the duration. Her service included the Gallipoli Campaign where her long range was useful. Reverting to her peacetime name and area of operation in 1919, she enjoyed an extraordinarily long career and was only sent for breaking at Wards in 1961, save her helm which remained as decoration on a Medway barge until recently.
|
|
|
A MID-19TH CENTURY 2IN. BORE BRASS SIGNAL GUN
the 27in two-stage barrel with trunnions, touch hole and cascabel, secured to wooden carriage with iron staples and rings and wooden wheels with iron tyres, overall - 20 x 30in. (51 x 76cm.)
£1500-2500
|
|
|
AN ADMIRALTY-PATTERN BOAT BINNACLE ISSUED TO THE IRISH LIGHTSHIP TERN, 1912
the 4in. card signed Kelvin & James White, Glasgow and inscribed Captain Chetwynds Patent mounted in liquid-filled gimbal bowl within binnacle with brass hood inscribed C.I.L. "TERN" 1912 (missing candle lamp and front glass) - 12in. (30.5cm.) excluding top handle
£500-800
C.I.L. - Commissioners for Irish Lights; Tern was a 102ft iron framed steel vessel built by Hawthorn & Co. of Leith for a cost of £7,240, and was withdrawn from service in 1967.
|
|
|
A 10-BORE STARTING GUN BY THE WINCHESTER REPEATING ARMS CO., U.S.A., CIRCA 1901
with tapering rolled steel barrel inscribed to top with maker's name and dated '1901', mounted on heavy cast iron carriage inscribed 'W.R.A.Co.' - 7½ x 17in. (19 x 43cm.)
£250-350
|
|
|
A MARITIME STICK STAND BY ALFRED CORNEAU, 19TH CENTURY
modelled as a Jack Tar holding a coiled rope and standing on a mast top with marine devises below and foundry stamp for Corneau Alfred a Charleville, no. 21, with removable iron drip tray, retaining most of apparently original paintwork - 27½ x 20½in. (70 x 52cm.)
£300-500
|
|
|
A PAIR OF 19TH CENTURY SHIP'S DECANTERS
with plain flared bodies, ribbed necks and mushroom stoppers, one with silver 'Port' label - 9in. (23cm.) high; together with another similar lacking stopper
(3)
£150-250
|
|
|
A PAIR OF 19TH CENTURY SHIP'S DECANTERS
with plain flared bodies, ribbed necks and mushroom stoppers - 9in. (23cm.) high
(2)
£150-250
|
|
|
A PAIR OF SHIP'S WHISKY DECANTERS, CIRCA 1870
with facet cut tapering bodies, cross-hatched neck ring and thistle shaped stoppers - 8½in. (21.5cm.) high
(2)
£150-250
|
|
| |
A PAIR OF 19TH CENTURY CUT GLASS SHIP'S DECANTERS
with ribbed bodies and facet cut neck rings and mushroom stoppers - 8¾in. (22cm) high; together with a modern ship's decanter with etched decoration of a ship (neck repaired, stopper associated)
(3)
£80-120
|
|
|
TWO SIMILAR SUNDERLAND BRIDGED ETCHED GLASS GOBLETS, CIRCA 1820
depicting the bridge with vessels sailing underneath, reverses with owner's initials and wreaths of flowers - 5½in. (14cm.) high
(2)
£300-500
|
|
|
A DUTCH ETCHED GLASS SOUVENIR GOBLET, CIRCA 1840
the fluted bowl etched over one side with a square-rigged galleon inscribed ANNA POUWLONA and owner's initials 'C I' over the main mast - 5¼in. (14cm.) high
£150-250
|
|
|
TWO 19TH CENTURY ELSINORE BOWLS
depicting shipping off Kronborg Castle and at sea, one with faded inscription dated 1856 - 11in. (28cm.) diam
(2)
£300-500
|
|
|
A 19TH CENTURY PORCELAIN ICE PAIL
depicting on one side a polar bear hunt amongst icebergs - 4½in. (11.5cm.); together with three modern limited edition decorated cups and saucers by Captain's Cup, Hamburg for the Ward Jackson, Koenigsburg and Baltic
(4)
£250-350
|
|
|
A TABLE SNUFF BOX, CIRCA 1820
the lid with finely painted tin roundel depicting Ottoman traders by the Bosphorus, gilt lined interior - 3½in. (9cm.) diam
£200-300
|
|
|
A 19TH CENTURY SILVER MARINE-THEMED PRESENTATION CUP AND COVER
the cover with a Triton blowing a conch shell, the rim inscribed Til Capt. A.E. Christiansen R. Af D. og D.M. - med. Anerkjendelse og Tak frou Rðskvas Rhedere. with Copenhagen maker's marks for 1879, the body with repoussé classical marine scene supported by six dolphins to shaped foot - 9in. (26cm.) high
£200-400
|
|
|
Ø A MAGNIFICENT GENTLEMAN'S TRAVELLING COMPENDIUM BY ASPREY, LONDON, CIRCA 1870
apparently unused, the black morocco case with gilt tooling and Asprey patent inset spring handle to lid opening to reveal an opulently worked interior with engraved gilt brass fretwork, complete set of accessories including compass, barometer, Sampson Morden drawing set, spring stationery racks with inkwells and vesta with fish-skin strike and bearing London hallmarks for 1871, scissors, ivory ruler, seal, knife, quill cutter and nib cleaner, etc., morocco bound gilt edged books for cash, addresses and journal, the inside lid with writing slopes, calendar, thermometer, postal rates to India, accessory tray lifting to reveal inner compartment, concealed jewellery and sovereign compartments, secret tray, engraved lock plates with Bramah locks and much other fine detail - 9¼ x 21¼ x 40¼in. (23 x 54 x 37cm.)
£10000-15000
|
|
|
A QUANTITY OF MIXED YACHT CLUB SILVERWARE, CIRCA 1900
comprising ashtrays for the Royal Yacht Squadron; Royal Thames Yacht Club; Royal London Yacht Club; Royal Albert Yacht Club; together with two silver enamel teaspoons and a ceramic salt by Burselm
(7)
£100-150
|
|
|
A MODERN SILVER BOSUN'S CALL
modelled after a Tudor-type with hallmarks for London 1978 - 2½in. (6.5cm.) long; together with a white metal admiralty issue call; an Oriental white metal example; and a base metal U.S. Navy issue example
(4)
£150-250
|
|
|
A WILLIAM IV SILVER LIFESAVING MEDAL
issued to Robert Stables (inscribed to rim 'Stubles'), 6th February 1833, mounted within white metal reversible lunette with suspension chain - 1½in. (4cm.) diameter including lunette
Robert Stables was coxswain of the Holyhead lifeboat. On the 3rd December, 1832 the Iphegenia, which was en-route from New Brunswick to Newry, Northern Ireland, struck rocks near the Holyhead harbour in Anglesey. Whilst the harbour master's boat had rescued most of the crew, the last man was saved by Stables and two others
£200-400
|
|
|
SLAVERY
a three page indenture in consideration of the £2,500 paid to Jospeh Brissett and Anne Brissett by Thomas Hine in the plantation of Content in the parish of Hanover, Jamaica, witnessed by Thomas Amyot, Registrar of Colonial Slaves in Great Britain, 1827, nine leaves for the schedule, 4 seals (Joseph Brissett, 2; Anne Brissett, 2), a few repairs, clumsily repaired with old tape - 26 x 29in. (52 x 74cm.)
£500-800
An interesting document with much information giving the 365 slaves' names (one, ironically, called Liberty), colour (negro, sambo, mulatto), age, African or creole.
|
|
|
AN 18TH/19TH CENTURY MERCY SPOON
probably blacksmith made in cast iron with the 8in. diam bowl attached to wooden shaft - 101in. (257cm.) long
This is understood to have been used aboard slave ships to dispense water through the grates to the slaves below, as the stench from their hold meant sailors often refused to go below
£400-600
|
|
| |
COPY LETTER BOOK FOR JOSEPH WHITE OF COWES
32ff., including 10ff. concerning Waterwitch, its speed, its success in disabling Spanish slaving vessels, its trials and a mention of the Earl Belfast with the celebrated yacht builder, Joseph White, and a copy of 'List of Vessels built, repaired and strengthened by Mr Joseph White from 1839-1854, Willcox, James A.L.S., August 1839, 3pp. 4to, extolling the speed of a Spanish felucca captured after a chase of seven hours and yielding the cargo of 360 slaves and a month later capturing a clipper with 344 slaves (some holes), Marquess of Donegal 2A.L.s, 5pp., 8to to Joseph White forwarding a photograph (letter incomplete) and the other sending White some game and expressing his sorrow that White is invalid and recalling the good old days, October 1872, 3 pen and ink drawings, coloured and a pencilled drawing by White aged 13, December 1839
H.M. Brig Waterwitch: slave vessels captured by Waterwitch between 1st May 1839 and 1st May 1843, ms., 3pp. 4to, a list of 40 ships with 2,976 slaves, many with 'slave equipment'; Matson H.J. A.L.s, 6pp. 4to, on the Waterwitch off Angola, enthusing about another Waterwitch to be built and comparing the present one with six other vessels, 25 November 1840; autograph receipt for £500 by Joseph White to the Earl of Belfast (who commissioned the Waterwitch), 4 x 9in. (10 x 23cm.) 9 June 1835; and a 2pp. manuscript of 'trials and particulars'
'One was the Waterwitch, designed by the noted yacht-builder Joseph White of Cowes and ordered as a private yacht for the Earl of Belfast, but bought by the Admiralty when nearly complete on the stocks at Cowes in order to participate in competitive sailing trials. Arguably she was the first clipper ship...
Literature: Winfield, R: British Warships in the Age of Sail; pp.258-59
£800-1200
|
|
|
A WORKING ENGINEER-TYPE MODEL OF A BEAM ENGINE OF 1900
modelled in painted steel with copper pipes and mahogany lagged boiler, sprung governor, mounted on a wooden base with simulated wall and metal floor - 13 x 17 x 8½in. (33 x 43 x 22cm.)
£250-350
|
|
|
A WORKING ENGINEER-TYPE MODEL OF A BEAM ENGINE OF 1820
modelled in polished brass with reversing gear, mounted on a mahogany plinth - 8¼ x 9in. (21 x 23cm.)
£600-800
| Instruments | |
|
   |
AN INTERESTING TWO-DAY KAISERMARINE CHRONOMETER FOR W.G. EHRLICH, BREMERHAVEN, CIRCA 1886
the 4in. silvered dial signed as per title and numbered 451, gold spade hands with blued seconds, the movement with outer dust cover mounted between plain plates with Earnshaw escapement, Uhrig-type balance, blued steel helical balance spring with jewelled detent, contained within a brass gimbal-mounted bowl engraved with Kaisermaine crown and 'M' within three-tier box with tipsy key and inset drop handles (top lid missing), approximately - 7½in. (19cm.) cubed
£2000-3000
Intriguingly and somewhat confusingly, what is presumed to be another chronometer signed by Uhrig, but also numbered '451', came second in the Greenwich time trials of 1886 and was bought and used by the Royal Navy
|
|
|
A TWO-DAY MARINE CHRONOMETER BY DOBBIE & SON LTD, GLASGOW, GREENOCK & SOUTH SHIELDS, CIRCA 1900
the 4in. silvered dial signed as per title and further inscribed and numbered London House, Dobbie Son & Hutton, 113 Fenchurch St. E.C. Makers to the Admiralty, 5512, gold spade hands with blued secondaries, the movement mounted between spotted plates with Earnshaw escapement, cut standard balance, blued steel helical balance spring with jewelled detent, contained within a brass gimbal-mounted bowl within three-tier box with tipsy key, inset drop handles and ivorine maker's plate to front (top lid missing), approximately - 7in. (18cm.) cubed
£1200-1800
|
|
|
A TWO-DAY MARINE CHRONOMETER BY A. JOHANNSEN & CO., LONDON, CIRCA 1920
the 4in. silvered dial signed as per title, inscribed and numbered Makers to the Admiralty, the Indian Govt. & Royal Navies of Italy, Spain & Portugal, 149 Minories, London, 9200, gold spade hands with blued secondary hands, counter-stamped spotted plates and bowl, Earnshaw escapement with Kullberg-type balance, gimbal-mounted within 7in. two-tier wooden box (lacks viewing lid) with tipsy key, recessed handles and contained within plush-lined travel box with leather strap, approximately - 10in. (25.5cm.) cubed
£1500-2000
|
|
|
A TWO-DAY MARINE CHRONOMETER BY THOMAS ADAMS, CIRCA 1860
the 4in. silvered dial signed, inscribed and numbered Thomas Adams, Maker to H.R.H. PRINCE ALBERT, 36 Lombard St. London, 3132, gold spade hands with blued secondary hands, the movement mounted between spotted plates with Earnshaw escapement, blued helical spring to cut standard balance with jewelled pivot, set within gimbal-mounted brass bowl within three-tier wooden box with numbered maker's plate to front and brass inset handles, approximately - 7in. (18cm.) cubed
£2000-3000
|
|
|
A TWO-DAY MARINE CHRONOMETER BY GEBBIE & CO, GREENOCK, CIRCA 1850
the 3½in. silvered dial signed as per title and inscribed and numbered 28 Cathcart St. Greenock / No. 2550, gold spade hands with blued seconds, the movement mounted between spotted plates numbered '6196' with Earnshaw escapement, plain balance, steel helical balance spring with jewelled detents, contained within a brass gimbal-mounted bowl counter-stamped '6196' set within three-tier box with tipsy key and drop handles (top lid replaced), approximately - 7in. (18cm.) cubed
£1000-1500
|
|
|
A TWO-DAY MARINE CHRONOMETER BY THOMAS MERCER, LONDON & ST. ALBANS, CIRCA 1918
the 4in. silvered dial with Roman numerals signed as per title and numbered 10612, blued steel hands, counter-numbered spotted plates and bowl, chain fusée movement with Earnshaw escapement and bi-metallic balance, gimbal-mounted within two tier glazed wooden box with tipsy key, numbered ivorine plate and brass side handles - approximately 7in. (18cm.) cubed
£800-1200
|
|
|
A TWO DAY MARINE CHRONOMETER BY BROCKBANK, ATKINS & MOORE, LONDON, CIRCA 1880
the 4in. silvered dial signed as per title and numbered '2148', gold spade hands with blued steel secondaries, movement mounted within spotted plates stamped on edge '5259', chain fusée to Earnshaw escapement, bi-metallic cut standard balance with blued steel helical spring and jewelled pivot, set within gimballed bowl counter-stamped '5259', contained with tipsy key stamped '5856' within box of issue with ivorine maker's plate, pasted service label dated 1961 and contained in plush-lined guard box with strap, inscribed in pencil by hinge Kaipaki (missing top lid), approximate overall measurements - 10in. (25.5cm.) square
The S.S. Kaipaki was a 7660 ton general purpose cargo ship built in 1939, owned and run by the New Zealand Shipping Co. until sold in 1955 and renamed Westmeath, surviving until 1962 when broken in Antwerp.
£1500-2500
|
|
|
A LARGE OTTOMAN TURKISH ASTROLABIC QUADRANT BY AHMAD DIYA, 1911
the projection marked in black, dated 1329 Hijra [=1911CE], signed Ahmad Diya, numbered 41, the reverse with sexagesimal trigonometric grid - 8in. (20cm.) wide
£2000-3000
|
|
|
AN OTTOMAN TURKISH ASTROLABIC QUADRANT BY YUSUF BABA, MID-TO LATE 19TH CENTURY
the projection marked in red and black with the ecliptic graduated, with gilt in places, signed Yusuf Baba but undated, gilt decoration to cartouche, the reverse with sexagsimal trigonometrical grid and gilt cartouche - 6in (15cm.) wide
£1500-2500
|
|
|
A BOXWOOD NOCTURNAL
unsigned, probably early 20th century, inscribed for both bears, arm and handle stamped with a fleur-de-lys - 8½in. (21.5cm.) high
£250-350
|
|
|
A MID 18TH-CENTURY FRUITWOOD POCKET SUNDIAL
unsigned, the inner surfaces both engraved and stamped with hour divisions and markers, the top with inset plummet, the base with glazed compass, string gnomon and securing hooks - 3in. (7.6cm.) high, open; together with a 19th century Chinese wooden compass - 4.5in. (11.5cm.) high
(2)
£200-300
|
|
|
A BRASS BUTTERFIELD TYPE DIAL BY DELURE, PARIS CIRCA 1720
signed Delure à Paris with three hour scales for use at 40, 45 and 50 degrees latitude, the reverse engraved with 24 continental towns with their latitudes, folding bird gnomon, contained within associated plush-lined fishskin case, the dial - 2¾in. (7cm.) wide
£400-600
|
|
|
A LATE 18TH-CENTURY PORTABLE COMPASS SUNDIAL
unsigned, with engraved brass plate, fixed latitude folding gnomon, printed paper dial with hand-painted rose, steel needle blued at 'north', set in square ebony base and contained within period box with sliding lid - 3in. (7.5cm.) diameter
£150-250
|
|
|
AN 18TH CENTURY VOGLER-TYPE DIAL
constructed in decorated brass with blued compass needle with gilt pivot, folding latitude arm, and chapter ring with black wax filled numerals and swivelling gnomon, engraved with the latitudes for six European locations, contained within original plush-lined leather case (lid detached) - 2½in. (7cm.) wide case
£300-500
|
|
|
Ø A CONTINENTAL IVORY POCKET COMPASS SUNDIAL, CIRCA 1850
unsigned, with silvered chapter and degree rings, with folding bird gnomon, copper base plate with demi-blued steel needle, within turned ivory case - 2½in. (6cm.) diameter
£200-300
|
|
  |
AN 18TH CENTURY GERMAN SILVER AND GILT PERPETUAL CALENDAR
engraved on one side with a profile of a church, with the days of the week under, the reverse engraved Calendarium Pertpetuum and cut with six apertures with sunset time and other information - 1¾in. (4.5cm.) diameter
£300-500
|
|
|
A POLYHEDRAL SLATE SUNDIAL BY RICHARD MELVIN, CIRCA 1850
signed Melvin, London and inscribed on the chapter ring 51º 50' North, with dials in each corner for Morning, Afternoon, Evening and Night, each with brass gnomon, set with lead on the underside - 14in. (36cm.) square
£1000-1500
|
|
|
A RARE EARLY 18TH CENTURY BRASS DECLINATORY DIAL
unsigned, with inverted Roman numeral chapter ring and gnomon slot - 9½in. (24cm.) diameter
Originally attached to a quadrant-shaped board, a pinhole at the centre allowed the dial to be rotated to read solar time correctly, the gnomon was only added when the dial was in use.
Literature: British Sundial Society: Bulletin Vol 29 (IV) December 2017, p. 14 where this dial is discussed.
£600-800
|
|
|
A LARGE SLATE SUNDIAL, PROBABLY IRISH, CIRCA 1815
the 10-sided plate carved with religious symbols and remnant inscriptions and other decorations to rim (later gnomon, old wear) - 19¼in. (49cm.) wide
£400-600
|
|
|
A 20TH CENTURY BRASS SUNDIAL BY TOPOCHAIX À PARIS
signed to top as per title, for 45º 48º with chapter ring engraved for hours and minutes, sun by base of gnomon and the equation of time and inscription along the edge, brass gnomon - 11¾in. (30cm.) diameter
£250-350
|
|
|
AN ITALIAN CARD AND PAPER WORLD TIME INDICATOR, CIRCA 1880
entitled 'Panorografo Ossia L'ora D'ogni Paese', with 24hr dial with rotating volver listing principal cities and explanations in four languages underneath - 23¼ x 16½in. (59 x 42cm.)
£80-120
|
|
|
A 19TH CENTURY DRY CARD COMPASS BY T. SQUIRE, LONDON
the 5½in. card signed and inscribed T. Squire, 173 High Street Shadwell, London, and with sealing wax balancing, jewelled brass pivot, contained within a white painted gimball-mounted bowl in fitted box with sliding lid - 5 x 9 x 9in. (13 x 23 x 23cm.)
£300-500
|
|
|
A DRY CARD BOAT COMPASS BY DRING & FAGE, LONDON, CIRCA 1830
the 4½in. printed card signed in manuscript Dring & Fage, Tooley Street, London, around the centre with sealing wax balancing and jewelled pivot, contained within white painted bowl with removable glass face plate, gimbal-mounted in wooden box (missing lid) - 6 x 8in. (15 x 21cm.)
£300-500
|
|
|
A GOOD ADMIRALTY PATTERN 20 BOAT'S COMPASS BY DENT, CIRCA 1898
the 4in. light blue and white card set within liquid filled gimballed mounted bowl signed and stamped for E. Dent, and inscribed Boat Compass no. 43593, within temple topped binnacle with counter punch numbered panelled door with instructions dated '4.1.98'., locking arm and spare candle recess, the hood with candle lamp, flanking slide, removable cover with bevelled glass light with broad arrow and maker's mark and inscribed Pat. 20 and turned carry handle, the reverse with branded board arrow numbered 2113 - 15in. (38cm.) high, including handle
£800-1200
This is the same pattern of boat compass as used by Shackleton in the James Caird.
|
|
|
A POCKET COMPASS BY G. BRADFORD, LONDON, CIRCA 1820
the 2½in. card signed G. Bradford 99 Minories London, with brass pivot contained within brass drum case with sealing wax sealed glass, and threaded lid with red interior (old wear) - 3¼in. (8.5cm.) diameter
£200-300
|
|
