A PAIR OF CARVED ALLIGATORS FROM H.M.S. ALLIGATOR (1821), POSSIBLY FROM THE STERN OR TAFF RAIL
carved in teak, each with curled tail and raised grinning head baring teeth and resting on a slotted base, each -- 39in. (99cm.) long
(2, A pair)

Alligator was a 28-gun 'Atholl' Class corvette. Fourteen were ordered and built, as usual, by various yards, but three - Alligator, Termagant and Samarang were built of teak by the East India Company under contract to the Royal Navy at their Cochin yard. Alligator was launched in March 1821 and arrived in Woolwich that October. After spells in the East Indies and Mediterranean, she was commissioned under Captain George Lambert for another stint in the East Indies and in March 1834 was present at the first hoisting of New Zealand's national flag firing the 21-gun salute. Latterly serving as a depot and troop ship, she was hulked in Hong Kong in 1846 to serve as a seamen's hospital until sold for breaking in 1865.

Condition Report
Both have marks and patina commensurate with age; One has damage to the top of the nose with small missing section and another piece loosely pinned in place, the body has several chips to the scales; the other has an old shrinkage crack above rear left leg; both have remnant patches of red paint, possibly part of the original colour scheme; Photos of all wear have been taken.

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.