Polly Cornthwaite
Senior Cataloguer
Lot 8TP
A Fine Keith Townsend 1:20 Scale Model Of The Twin Screw Steam Yacht 'Esperance', English, Modern, the model 21in x 41in x 7in (53cm x 104cm x 18cm)
the case 24 1/2in x 45in x 12in (62cm x 114.5cm x 30.5cm)
the case 24 1/2in x 45in x 12in (62cm x 114.5cm x 30.5cm)
Withdrawn
Amended
25 – 26 October 2022, 14:00 BST
London, Knightsbridge£3,000 - £5,000
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Rhyanon Demery
Head of Sale
A Fine Keith Townsend 1:20 Scale Model Of The Twin Screw Steam Yacht 'Esperance', English, Modern,
Model No. 001, the black painted hull with twin brass screws, deck with brass handrails, shaped tiller, helm, deck house with curtaining, navigational lamp, chimney, retractable mast, supported on two brass brackets, green slate base, within brass and Perspex display case, on mahogany baseboard, with metal plaque engraved with the name, date, and history of the vessel, with remote control, toolbox, and accompanying certificate and documents, built 2007,
the model 21in x 41in x 7in (53cm x 104cm x 18cm)
the case 24 1/2in x 45in x 12in (62cm x 114.5cm x 30.5cm)
the model 21in x 41in x 7in (53cm x 104cm x 18cm)
the case 24 1/2in x 45in x 12in (62cm x 114.5cm x 30.5cm)
Footnotes
The full size vessel 'Esperance' is thought to be the first twin screw steam yacht according to the Lloyds' Yacht Register, and is the oldest boat recorded on the Register ahead of 'Raven'(the scale model for which is also in this sale).
She was constructed on the Clyde by T.B. Seath & Co to serve the Furness industrialist H.W. Schneider. In popular culture is is known as the beloved houseboat of Captain Flint in Arthur Ransome's 1930 novel Swallows and Amazons, with the vessel actually being used in the BBC adaption.
Saleroom notices
The full size vessel of 'Esperance' is currently on display at the Windemere Jetty Museum. In 'Swallows and Amazons', Arthur Ransome describes the vessel as "a long narrow craft with a high raised cabin roof, and a row of glass windows along her side. Her bows were like the bows of an old-time clipper. Her stern was like that of a steamship".