A 1:64 scale builder’s model (Swan Hunter) of the 1906-built liner Mauretania, which measured 4m in length. It was carved from laminated wood, with gilt and painted fittings and finished in Cunard livery. It is thought that this model probably appeared in a pre-War exhibition about the famed ‘Blue Riband’, and had been on loan to the Science Museum since 1938, who later decided to sell it. This highly prized item sold for £167,400, a world record amount for a builder’s model.
Charles Miller Ltd is the United Kingdom’s only specialist auction house dedicated to the sale of marine, maritime, nautical and scientific antiques. The company normally holds public auctions at premises in West Kensington twice a year, as well as timed onlineonly ‘Liner China’ sales, and offer a full valuation service. The items that are auctioned include fine marine art, scientific instruments, ship models, nautical antiques, maritime collectibles and navigational instruments.
The auction house acquires a wide range of items all of which have a maritime theme, with many of the items having notable and interesting back stories. The items come to the company from all over the world, and from a range of people. Builders’ models are among the most impressive items which are auctioned, and often detail historic ships with historic provenance. Of particular note was the builder’s model of Mauretania, which came from her original builders Swan Hunter via the Science Museum, and which was sold by Charles Miller for a world record amount.
The sextant used by George Vancouver, a young officer on Cook’s second voyage of discovery.