202: A NICE QUALITY 54-INCH SHIP MODEL NAMED VIMIERA

The finely crafted wood model of a sailing ship with applied lettering each side naming the vessel as VIMIERA is accompanied by a hardwood plaque that reads OWNED BY MR. DUNCAN DUNBAR. LONDON in gilt lettering.

A ship named Vimiera built for Duncan Dunbar (1804-1862) by prominent Sunderland ship builder Sir James Laing (1823-1901) entered the water of the river Wear at Sunderland on June 16, 1851. At 165 feet long, it was the largest vessel ever built on the Wear.

Numerous accounts of the ship's history make mention of a scale model that was commissioned by James Laing to be sent to London's Hyde Park Crystal Palace Exhibition in 1851. Tradition within the current owner's family holds that this is that scale model. But - it should be noted that the model up for bid has a carved wood British lion as its figurehead, whereas the 165 foot ship Vimiera launched in 1851 is described as having 'a graceful representation of Fame blowing a trumpet carved by Mr. Brooks of Maryport.' as its figurehead. And, a wood engraving in the Illustrated London Evening News announcing the ship's launch pictures the vessel with the figurehead of Fame blowing her horn as well. Further, the 1851 Great Exhibition: Official Catalogue: Class VIII, entry 315 (Laing J. Sunderland. - Model of the ship 'VIMERA,' 1020 tons, belonging to D. Dunbar and Sons, of London, built by J. Laing; model made by T. Hardy) describes a model in the exhibition as 'One side represents the ship in the finished state, and the fastening applied in securing her; the other side shows the disposition of the framing, and the various descriptions of knees used in connecting the beams to the sides of the ship. This side is so arranged as to open, and show the internal structure of the ship.'

An ancestor of the current owner, and cousin of James Laing, wrote Lloyd's of London seeking information on the Vimiera. Copies of two letters from him to Lloyd's, and another from Lloyd's to him, all from 1937, are included with this lot. In one, Mr. H. Hobson of Topeka, Kansas writes, 'Later in the Model Room of the Deptford Yards I saw a model of the Vimiera built, I believe, to scale. This model Sir James Laing, who was a cousin of mine, pointed out to me as having been exhibited at the Crystal Palace in 1851.'

Based on this and other information the consigning family believes this to be the exhibited model. The final decision is incumbent on the buyer.
Measures 22 x 54 x 10 inches.
Very good condition, noting minor losses, breaks, chips and wear as shown. Each of the masts has been repaired at the deck level.
$500 - $1,000