A FINE BUILDER'S-STYLE MODEL OF THE S.S. ARABIC, BUILT FOR THE WHITE STAR LINE BY HARLAND & WOLFF LTD, BELFAST [1881]
modelled by C. Hooper, with laminated and carved wooden hull, fitted with plated propeller, portholes, boarding companionway and rudder, planked decks complete with detailed polished and painted fittings as appropriate, superstructure with open bridge over wheelhouse, stayed funnel with safety valve extension pipe and whistle, covered lifeboats in davits, four raked yellow masts with yards, standing and running rigging and much other fine detailing. Mounted on four metal columns on display base with builder's-style plate within glazed wooden case. Overall measurements -- 24½ x 69 x 17in. (62 x 175 x 43cm.)

Laid down and launched (in April 1881) as the White Star Line's second Asiatic but renamed whilst fitting out, the newly-styled Arabic was built - like all the White Star ships - by Harland & Wolff at Belfast. Along with her identical sister Coptic, she was designed for the company's San Francisco to Hong Kong run and had accommodation for 75 1st and 900 3rd class passengers. Registered at 4,368 tons gross (2,788 net), she measured 428 feet in length with a 42 foot beam and was powered by compound engines by Jack Rollo & Co. of Liverpool. With a maximum speed of 14 knots, she cleared Liverpool on her maiden voyage to New York on 10th September (1881) and, after three round trips, sailed for Hong Kong via Suez in February 1882 to take up her permanent duties in the Pacific. Briefly chartered for an Australian interlude in 1886, she returned to the North Atlantic for most of 1887 and into the following spring prior to resuming her Pacific sailings in May 1888. With new tonnage coming into the company's fleet, Arabic was put up for sale at the end of 1889 and purchased by Holland-America for £65,000 in February 1890. Refurbished and renamed Spaarndam, she thereafter ran on her new owners' main Rotterdam to New York route until withdrawn from service in February 1901 and broken up the same year.

This lot will be available for viewing at Imperial Road.

Condition Report
Fine condition throughout.

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.