1st Nov, 2022 10:00

Maritime and Scientific Models, Instruments & Art (Gloriana)

 
Lot 316
 

316

[M] A RARE SET OF COMBINED OPERATIONS (COPP) SBS DEPTH AND DISTANCE REELS, CIRCA 1943

A RARE SET OF COMBINED OPERATIONS (COPP) SBS DEPTH AND DISTANCE REELS, CIRCA 1943

comprising an insulating board and brass length reel and 12in. brass shore pin; a composite and brass depth line with lead plummet; brass and heavy canvas breast strap stencilled A.P. 5890

(4)

This equipment was originally developed to assist with the allied landings in North Africa in 1943. Special members of the SBS assigned to Combined Operations (COPP) were trained to swim at night and discreetly take samples of the beach terrain and, having attached a line to the copper pin in the beachhead, to take distance and depth soundings so landing craft could be deployed in the most favourable environments. It was such a success that the same process was undertaken before the D-Day landings in June 1944.

Sold for £310
Estimated at £300 - £500

(inc. buyer's premium of 24%)


Condition Report

Good 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.

 

A RARE SET OF COMBINED OPERATIONS (COPP) SBS DEPTH AND DISTANCE REELS, CIRCA 1943

comprising an insulating board and brass length reel and 12in. brass shore pin; a composite and brass depth line with lead plummet; brass and heavy canvas breast strap stencilled A.P. 5890

(4)

This equipment was originally developed to assist with the allied landings in North Africa in 1943. Special members of the SBS assigned to Combined Operations (COPP) were trained to swim at night and discreetly take samples of the beach terrain and, having attached a line to the copper pin in the beachhead, to take distance and depth soundings so landing craft could be deployed in the most favourable environments. It was such a success that the same process was undertaken before the D-Day landings in June 1944.

Auction: Maritime and Scientific Models, Instruments & Art (Gloriana), 1st Nov, 2022

Page turning catalogue here

Downloadable bid form here

Saleroom notice 

Order of Sale:

Mercantile (Sail & Yachting) 1-57B
Mercantile (Steam) 58-112
Naval (Sail) 115-202
Naval (Steam) 205-319
Navigational & Scientific Instruments 325-353

You will not be able to bid in person for this sale, however, there are a number of ways you can still participate:

  1. Absentee bid – you can place a bid through your account on this website or download a bid form here
  2. Online via one of the following platforms:
    UKAuctioneers: 3% surcharge or a flat-rate fee of £3.95. We will refund the flat-rate fee for successful bidders using the UK Auctioneers service
    Invaluable: 5% surcharge
    The Saleroom: 5% surcharge

We regret we are unable to offer telephone bidding for this sale

Shippers 

Pack & Send (Spitalfields branch) / spitalfields@packsend.co.uk / Tel: +44 (0)20 7078 9860

Part & Parcel / shipping@partandparceluk.com / Tel: +44 (0)1252 545611

Alban Shipping / info@albanshipping.co.uk / Tel: +44 (0) 1582 493099

Simon Jones Superfreight / info@superfreight.co.uk / +44 (0)20 7924 3933

Viewing

Viewing by appointment - call +44 (0)20 7806 5530 or email enquiries@charlesmillerltd.com to book a slot.

View all lots in this sale

File Upload

Drag and drop .jpg images here to upload, or click here to select images.