A FINELY CARVED AND PRESENTED 1:48 SCALE MODEL OF H.M.S. WAGER [1734]

the planked and pinned 28in. hull painted white below the waterline, ebonised wales and carved gunwales, raised gun port lids with brass rings and oxidized brass guns run out, laminated rudder with pintles and chains, finely carved lion figurehead, stern and quarterlights, four anchors with bound wooden stocks, planked decks with fittings including stove chimney, belfry, gratings with shot rack surrounds, well deck with suite of three fully fitted ships boats over, the poop with double ten-spoke helm rigged to whip-staff, belaying rails with pins and other details, three bound first-stage masts with platforms, standing rigging and ratlines, mounted on cradle stand to green cloth display base with plate within Plexiglass wooden case. Overall measurements -- 25 x 43½ x 14in. (63.5 x 110.5 x 35.5cm.)

H.M.S. Wager was a 28-gun East Indiaman purchased specifically for Commodore George Anson's ambitious but ill-fated six-ship expedition against Spanish Pacific outposts at the start of the War of Jenkins' Ear. Chronically undermanned, the squadron, led by Anson in Centurion, departed Portsmouth on September 18th, 1740 with crews including 260 invalids from Chelsea Hospital and 210 untrained marines. Raising St. Catherines Island off Brazil some three months later, they remained there until 18th January 1741. Intending to sail direct for Cape Horn, the need for repairs was so great they were forced to put into the deserted Port St. Julien where Wager came under the command of Lt. David Cheap, Centurion's former 1st Lieutenant. Transiting the Straights of Le Maire on 7th March, savage weather prevented them from rounding the Horn for six weeks, and, on 24th April, Wager lost sight of the rest of the squadron. Instead of making for a pre-arranged back-up rendevous, Cheap lay to for four days and by 13th May was in the Bay of Peñas - but with only "thirteen sickly hands" to work the ship. At 04.30 the next morning she struck a reef and came to rest just off the shore of the deserted island where she became a total loss. At this point the ship's company divided and pursued different strategies to reach home, which by 1746 several had managed. Wager's wreck was rediscovered in 2006 by the Scientific Exploration Society which, having allowed a full month to find it, arrived late at night and set up camp, with the first members tripping over her ribs, settled in an estuary, first thing the next morning! Whilst Anson's original objectives failed, Centurion circumnavigated the globe and was the only vessel to return to England n 1743 - having intercepted a Spanish treasure ship which yielded half-a-million pounds sterling which, despite all, guaranteed his career and with which he built the stately home of Shugborugh.

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.