Unique Nautical Lanterns, Dockyard Builder's Ship Models and Rare Selection of Optics in Boston Harbor Auctions May 3rd Ship Model & Nautical Antique Auction
Boston, Massachusetts (PRWEB) April 17, 2015 -- Boston Harbor Auctions is pleased to announce its next SHIP MODEL & NAUTICAL ANTIQUE AUCTION on Sunday, May 3rd, 10 am at the Lannan Ship Model Gallery located at 187 Purchase St. (rear of 99 High St. Tower). The auction features over 300 lots including forty ship models, maritime optics, lighting, navigational charts and artwork in addition to other nautical antiques.
MODELS
Highlighting the collection is a superb ship model of the whale ship Sunbeam, crafted by renowned Boston model maker Peter Henrik Ness (Lot 136, Estimate $20,000.00 -$30,000.00). A number of museums have Ness models on display, including the Smithsonian Institution in Washington, Boston’s Museum of Science, and the New Bedford Whaling Museum, and the late President Franklin D. Roosevelt housed one in his office. The accomplished Mr. Ness presented this particular model to his daughter Marguerite as a wedding gift in 1941, and the consignor acquired the model many years ago directly from Marguerite. The model is resplendent in detail, including a hull sheathed in copper and a mast rigged with endless cords, providing a true feel of the sea.
Other feature ship models include Dockyard Builder’s models such as the Scottish-built and Russian-owned 1921 freighter the S.S. Kamenetz Podolsk (Lot 100, Estimate $8,000.00 -$12,000.00), and an eight-foot half model of the 1930s English trawler the S.S. Clan Macfayden (Lot 92, Estimate $4,500.00 -$6,500.00). Dozens of cased models will also cross the block including JP Morgan’s steam yacht Corsair, the frigate Constitution, tugboat Brooklyn, Cup yachts and ocean liners.
OPTICAL INSTRUMENTS
An immense variety of quality optics on offer include two huge pairs of binoculars in highly polished aluminum. The first is an exceptional and rare tri-power binocular telescope (Lot 122, Estimate $20,000.00 -$30,000.00). The optics are remarkable as one would expect from the world renowned Leitz Company. This magnificent instrument is engraved "Ernst Leitz Wetzlar of Germany”, circa 1915. The bottom of the binoculars retains the original crank-up, adjustable tripod mount with a side-mounted locking level. The second is an outstanding set of Russian-made battleship binoculars complete with a geared pedestal (Lot 1, Estimate $12,000.00 -$18,000.00).
Another noteworthy optical instrument is a late nineteenth-century telescope presented to Edward Denison Morgan, 1899 America's Cup syndicate head of defending yacht Columbia (Lot 132, Estimate $1,000.00 -$2,000.00); considered by the notable yachting writer W.P. Stephens to be "The Greatest American Yachtsman”.
From the Captain’s bridge come many helms on stands, engine order telegraphs, binnacles, and more. Rare deep sea diving helmets and gear will be available including Morse and Schrader Mark Vs, and a Miller Dunn copper diving helmet kit complete with a pump. Rounding out the offerings of marine collectibles will be porthole tables, net floats, sextants, trophies, yacht china, nautical furniture and other treasures.
OTHER
Lighting collectors will find dozens of highly polished lanterns, passage lights, pairs of lighthouse and buoy beacons at the auction. A selection of searchlights will be available as well, including a six-foot-high polished aluminum spotlight from a Suez Canal supertanker (Lot 129, Estimate $4,000.00 -$6,000.00).
Charts and artwork include a number of original George Eldridge charts of local waters and a wonderful array of richly toned yacht blueprints created by John Alden of Boston. The collection also includes a dozen oil on canvas paintings depicting oceanic views and a range of seafaring vessels.
PREVIEW, CATALOG, & MORE
During "preview", respective bidders can view every item for sale in the auction. This practice is strongly suggested for those who intend on placing bids. Bidders may also leave registration information during preview, however, bidder paddles will be picked up the day of sale. Previews will take place on Thursday, April 30th Noon – 5pm, Friday, May 1st, Noon – 6pm, Saturday, May 2nd, Noon – 4pm, and Sunday, May 3rd, 830am – 930am at the Lannan Ship Model Gallery located at 187 Purchase St. (rear of 99 High St. Tower).
The Ship Model & Nautical Antique Auction catalog can be viewed and downloaded on the Boston Harbor Auction’s website, here: http://bostonharborauctions.com/forms/
For more information please visit the website, find us on Facebook and Pinterest, or call (617) 451 7447 or email info(at)bostonharborauctions(dot)com
ABOUT BOSTON HARBOR AUCTIONS
Boston Harbor Auctions has events several times a year at the Lannan Ship Model Gallery in Boston. In 1967 Joe Lannan began selling model boats in the basement of his Quincy home, and ever since, the Lannan Ship Model Gallery has been a family business. Now located in the Financial and Waterfront District of Boston, Massachusetts in a 6,000 square foot gallery which houses quality model boats and the finest nautical antiques and unique decorative wares.
Larry Lannan, Boston Harbor Auctions, +1 (617) 451-2650, [email protected]
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