A LARGE SHIP'S BELL FROM THE GLASGOW & DERRY STEAM PACKET CO. PADDLE STEAMER FOYLE, 1848

with moulded rim and cast lettering and date to front, the top with suspension lug, complete with clapper – 19 x 16in. (48 x 40.5cm.)

Launched in January 1848 to the order of the Glasgow & Derry Steam Packet Company, the Foyle was built by Cairds of Greenock in their Cartsdyke yard. Designed to carry both cargo and passengers from the Clyde to Londonderry, she was an iron-hulled paddle steamer registered at 796 tons gross (535 net) and measuring 196 feet in length with a 26-foot beam. Costing approximately £25,000, her builders fitted her with one of their own 350nhp side-lever engines and she began her career in the Spring of 1848. After barely a year in service, however, she was laid up at Greenock in February 1849 pending sale and, early the following year, was sold to the British & Irish Steam Packet Company for their prestigious Dublin to London service. Soon settling into her new routine, Foyle maintained this service into London until 12th September 1866 when, whilst proceeding through Barking Reach in the River Thames, she was in collision with the brand-new passenger-cargo steamer Collingwood. The Collingwood, launched earlier that year, was operating a regular Tyne to London schedule and although she was unscathed by the collision, Foyle was badly damaged and sank, although there are no reports of casualties.

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.