November 7-8, 2018 Edged Weapons, Armor, & Militaria
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 11/7/2018
Garrard & Company of London produced this finely and exceptionally detailed dreadnought waterline diorama model in 1908. Notice the markings at the waterline at the port bow. Depicted secured to a harbor mooring buoy, there are many striking, precision elements to discover as you study the intricate craftsmanship involved. Carefully examine the exceptionally fine wire and component details in the single central mast, rigging, bridge, cranes and other superstructure, multiple batteries and armaments, coal/oil funnels (stacks), deck elements right down to the searchlights, railings, and turnbuckles; lifeboats, anchor assemblies, and gangways. Six twin turrets house two 10" guns each, with two turrets fore and aft, and two amidships facing opposite directions. Notice the preponderance of 4.7" guns, 22 in all in fine detail; along with a number of 3-pound and 1-pound naval guns. The model holds a total of 12 lifeboats, four of which are steam boats and two are on davits on the stern. There are four gangways all on davits, two forward and two aft, port and starboard. The anchor and chains set details are exquisite, three sets forward and two sets aft. The model depicts the torpedo netting in closed or stowed position on both the port and starboard sides. Listed in the Official Catalogue of the Royal United Service Museum, Whitehall, S.W. Fourth Edition, 1914, item number 6381. http://www.archive.org/details/officialcatalogu00royaiala.
The battleship itself has a rich history in terms of technical and geo-political significance. Ordered by the Brazilian Navy in 1906, built by the Armstrong Whitworth Company of England and completed in 1910; the ship was the most powerful armed warship of its time. It almost immediately became involved in a mutinous revolt, triggered a regional naval arms race, and was denied service in World War I by the British Navy. After the ship underwent a significant modernization in 1921, it was involved in quelling a Brazilian political and military rebellion in 1922. After further modernization, it served in Brazilian port defense during World War II, and was decommissioned in 1952.
A comprehensive history of the battleship itself is available at the following website as of August, 2018:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brazilian_battleship_Minas_Geraes#Second_World_War_and_later_career
A compilation of photographs chronicling the life of the Minas Geraes are available at the following website as of August, 2018: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Category:Minas_Geraes_(ship,_1910). The model is 33-12" in length and 12" in height, composed of 105 toz of numerous silver pieces. The presentation plaque once inset in the base is missing. There is no indication of any significant restoration, with only light wire sagging and minimal aging due to its lifelong case protection. Lacquered finish. The model is housed in a bespoke curved wooden framed glass case, stern glass panel professionally repaired. A radiused and raised silver plaque affixed to the wooden pedestal at the ship’s aft denotes the manufacturer: GARRARD & COMPY, Goldsmith to the Crown. HAYMARKET, LONDON. The Minas Geraes model is an exceptional opportunity to own a stunning piece of history and technical warfare innovation that ushered in the dreadnought class battleship at the turn of the last century. From the Ray Bentley collection.
This is not a standard shippable item and will require 3rd party shipping or pickup arrangements to be made.
Item Dimensions: 49-1/2" L x 19-1/2" W x 24" H