A RARE BUILDER'S MODEL FOR THE WHALER SHUSA, BUILT BY SMITH'...

Hammer

£3,600

A RARE BUILDER'S MODEL FOR THE WHALER SHUSA, BUILT BY SMITH'S DOCK CO. LTD. FOR THE SOUTH GEORGIA CO. LTD., 1929

the laminated and carved 30in. hull with white lined decks, detailed gold plated, wood and metal fittings as appropriate including harpoon gun on bow platform with gantry to wheelhouse, stayed funnel, two fitted boats in davits, radio shack with cage direction finder over, lamps, ventilators and other details, mounted on two gilt columns to display base with ivorine builder's plate within original glazed wooden case -- 22½ x 38 x 11in. (57 x 96.5 x 28cm.)

Launched in June and completed in July 1929 with a displacement of 251 tons, her registered occupation was that of 'whalecatcher'. In March 1940 Shusa was handed over to the Soviet Navy for use as a minesweeper and foundered under their colours when she disappeared in the Barents Sea, 20th November, 1942.

Fine original condition throughout.