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A working model of a ship’s personnel lifeboat on davits

Offered by: Wick Antiques LTD

Description
A working model of a ship’s personnel lifeboat on davits. This fine mahogany working model of a ship’s rowing boat is suspended from two davits. It has four thwarts, a white painted interior and silvered davit hooks in the bow and the stern. It is secured on shaped rests and a mahogany base with chamfered edges. English, circa 1920.

Provenance: Arthur Edward Swain and thence by descent.

It is most unusual to find a working model showing davits in operation. Arthur Swain was a marine engineer involved with weapon design during and after World War II and then the Princess flying boats, before joining the United Nations in the Industrial Development Organization. The Saunders-Roe Princess was developed and built in Cowes, Isle of Wight in the 1950s, and intended to serve the transatlantic route, carrying up to 100 passengers between Southampton and New York City in luxury and comfort. Despite three aircraft being built, delays and problems with the Bristol Proteus turboprop meant they never flew commercially. The Princesses were the largest all-metal flying boats ever constructed.

More Information

Origin:	England
Period:	1920-1949
Materials:	Mahogany
Condition:	Good.
Creation Date:	Circa 1920
Styles / Movements:	Traditional
Incollect Reference #:	735597

Dimensions

W.	30.5 in;	H.	12 in;	D.	8 in;
W.	77.47 cm;	H.	30.48 cm;	D.	20.32 cm;

Message from Seller:

Wick Antiques was established by Charles Wallrock in the early 1980s. Having grown up in the Antiques world Charles developed an extensive wealth of knowledge. Starting out as a ‘man with a van’ he quickly gained a good reputation and embarked on a longstanding relationship with Harrods. He was later joined by his wife, Caroline Wallrock. Caroline having completed a Persian degree, went on to study at Christie’s fine art and then joined Sotheby’s specializing in Islamic and Japanese works of art