A DETAILED BUILDER'S MODEL FOR THE CARGO SHIPS TOTTENHAM, TWICKENHAM AND TEDDINGTON, BUILT BY THE CALEDON SHIPBUILDING CO. FOR THE BRITISH STEAMSHIP CO., 1940-41

the laminated and carved hull finished in red below the waterline, lavender grey above with plimsoll marks and bilge keels, the red painted decks with details, silvered fittings throughout including anchors and winches, bitts, ventilators, masts with derricks and winches, superstructure with lined boxwood decks, water tanks, covered holds, stayed funnel with ladder and safety valve extension pipe, safety pipes, four covered boats in davits and other fine detailing, contained within original glazed wooden case with bronzed builder's plate with white filled lettering (stained lower right) -- overall measurements: 20 x 64½ x 17½in. (51 x 164 x 45cm.)

This lot will be available for viewing at Imperial Road

Completed between March 1940 and June 1941, these ships were registered at 4,762 tons, were 417½ft long with a 56½ft beam. Tottenham had joined the 41-ship Convoy OB-327 departing Liverpool 28th May 1941. The convoy dispersed on the 4th June and Tottenham proceeded towards Suez. On 17th June she was spotted by a seaplane from the German commerce raider Atlantis which was steaming disguised as the Norwegian Tamesis. Ignoring a warning shot, Tottenham got a distress message away and opened fire. Atlantis's 3in. shells proved superior and Tottenham's crew scuttled the ship, which was carrying munitions and war materials, and took to the boats. Atlantis picked up one boat but refused to look for the second which was found eleven days later by the S.S. Mahronda which passed them to a PoW camp in Norway; Teddington was between London and Durban when, on 17th September 1941, she was cornered off Cromer by a German schnelboot which failed to sink her but left her without power. Put under tow, she grounded, caught fire and was bombed by the Lufewaffe which broke her back, whilst partially salvaged, she was finally removed with explosives in 1954. Twickenham was the only one of this trio to survive unscathed, and apart from changing her name to Jag Mata in 1958, she was broken up in 1963.

Condition Report

Fine overall condition; name plate tarnished

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.