THE LAUNCHING MALLET AND CHISEL FOR H.M.S. CHALLENGER, 1858

each carved and inscribed in relief H.M.S. Challenger, Nos. 138. & 139. -- 10in. (25.5cm.) high

Challenger was built at Woolwich in 1858. Classed as a screw corvette and ship-rigged on three masts, she displaced 2,306 tons. Originally armed with twenty 8in. guns and two huge 68-pounders, she pursued an active naval career for 14 years before being converted into a survey ship in 1872. The largest vessel ever supplied for an oceanographic expedition up to that date, Challenger was placed under the command of Captain George Nares. Sailing from Sheerness on 7th December 1872 and carrying a team of six distinguished civilian scientists, the first ten months of the voyage were spent in the Atlantic which the ship crossed three times. After a seven-week stay at Cape Town, Challenger departed for the Southern Ocean on 17th December 1872 and, shortly after Christmas, made a brief stopover at Kerguelen Island, roughly midway between South Africa and Australia although much nearer the Antarctic Continent in latitude 50ºS. When the ship finally dropped anchor at Spithead on 24th May 1876, she had travelled an extraordinary 68,890 miles. The information gathered during the three-and-a-half year expedition, particularly from the deep soundings of the ocean floors, was of immense importance and, once the multi-volumed report was published, both ship and her commander achieved considerable acclaim. She was retired in 1880 and relegated to a harbour hulk at Chatham where she remained useful until finally sold out of the Service in 1921.

Condition Report

Fine overall condition, superficial marks to steel chisel will clean/polish off, edge still sharp.

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.