3rd Nov, 2015 12:00
Maritime and Scientific Models, Instruments & Art ('Encounter')
105
[M] a silver-gilt and enamel mounted presentation...
the first few pages with 14 mainly 6 x 8in. photographs showing the launch and some fitted interiors; nine watercolour caricatures of principal personnel aboard with captions, each monogrammed 'AD', four pages of German and English press cuttings; passenger list; concert party programme and manuscript menu from the 'Ritz Carlton', gilt-edged card pages bound within substantial blue calf boards with watered-silk lining, silver gilt corners hallmarked for London 1905-06, an enamelled House pennant, and banner title reading Souvenir of Maiden Voyage of / S.S. "AMERIKA" / Oct. 10th to Nov 5th, 1905 -- 15 x 11¾in. (38 x 30cm.)
Provenance: Believed to have been owned by the Chief Steward.
Built for the Hamburg-Southampton-Cherbourg-New York service by Harland & Wolff Ltd and registered at 22,623 gross tons, Amerika was, for a year, the largest ship in the world until the Cunarder's Mauretania and Lusitania eclipsed her. In 1912 she collided with the British submarine B2 with the loss of 15 lives. Interned on the outbreak of War, she was seized by the US Government in 1917 and fitted as a troopship - a year later she collided with, and sank, the British cargo ship Instructor with the loss of 16. Post-War she was absorbed into the United States Lines with an Anglicized name and resumed passenger work. Laid up from 1931, she was re-converted to her troopship role in 1941 for the War. In 1951 she was laid up as a Government reserve ship before being broken up in 1958.
Sold for £1,984
Estimated at £1,000 - £1,500
(inc. buyer's premium of 24%)
Condition Report
Fine overall condition.
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.
the first few pages with 14 mainly 6 x 8in. photographs showing the launch and some fitted interiors; nine watercolour caricatures of principal personnel aboard with captions, each monogrammed 'AD', four pages of German and English press cuttings; passenger list; concert party programme and manuscript menu from the 'Ritz Carlton', gilt-edged card pages bound within substantial blue calf boards with watered-silk lining, silver gilt corners hallmarked for London 1905-06, an enamelled House pennant, and banner title reading Souvenir of Maiden Voyage of / S.S. "AMERIKA" / Oct. 10th to Nov 5th, 1905 -- 15 x 11¾in. (38 x 30cm.)
Provenance: Believed to have been owned by the Chief Steward.
Built for the Hamburg-Southampton-Cherbourg-New York service by Harland & Wolff Ltd and registered at 22,623 gross tons, Amerika was, for a year, the largest ship in the world until the Cunarder's Mauretania and Lusitania eclipsed her. In 1912 she collided with the British submarine B2 with the loss of 15 lives. Interned on the outbreak of War, she was seized by the US Government in 1917 and fitted as a troopship - a year later she collided with, and sank, the British cargo ship Instructor with the loss of 16. Post-War she was absorbed into the United States Lines with an Anglicized name and resumed passenger work. Laid up from 1931, she was re-converted to her troopship role in 1941 for the War. In 1951 she was laid up as a Government reserve ship before being broken up in 1958.
Auction: Maritime and Scientific Models, Instruments & Art ('Encounter'), 3rd Nov, 2015
