Lot Essay
The makers have kindly confirmed that the gun was completed for Sir Malcolm Campbell in 1935
CAPTAIN SIR MALCOLM CAMPBELL, M.B.E., 1885-1949
Of Scottish extraction, the son of a wealthy London business man, Malcolm Campbell was born on March 11th 1885 at Chislehurst. Sent to France to learn the language, he spent most of the money given to him for his journey home on his first shot-gun, compelling him to return steerage and third class. He started his business career as a partner in a firm of Lloyds brokers. Following an abortive effort at flying, he then turned to motor racing. In 1912 he saw Maerterlinck's play 'The Blue Bird' and became so enamoured of the name that subsequently he gave it to all his racing and record-breaking cars and boats. After the 1914-18 War, during which he served in the Royal Flying Corps as a ferry pilot and instructor (being awarded the M.B.E. and a captaincy), he entered the motor trade, dealing not very successfully in new cars from premises in central London (Blue Bird Garage - newly acquired by Sir Terence Conran in the King's Road).
In 1926 he organized a fruitless expedition to the Cocos Islands in search of buried treasure. Following this venture he devoted himself to motor racing and breaking speed records. In this he achieved great success thanks to his flair for gaining sponsors and wide publicity. He was knighted in 1931 by King George V after taking the World Land Speed record. Later he also gained the World Water Speed record. In the 1935 General Election he contested the strong Labour seat in Deptford, but without success.
In the 1939-45 War he served in the army. Later, in failing health, he made a vain attempt at the Water Speed record in 1948. He died in the early hours of January 1st 1949.
CAPTAIN SIR MALCOLM CAMPBELL, M.B.E., 1885-1949
Of Scottish extraction, the son of a wealthy London business man, Malcolm Campbell was born on March 11th 1885 at Chislehurst. Sent to France to learn the language, he spent most of the money given to him for his journey home on his first shot-gun, compelling him to return steerage and third class. He started his business career as a partner in a firm of Lloyds brokers. Following an abortive effort at flying, he then turned to motor racing. In 1912 he saw Maerterlinck's play 'The Blue Bird' and became so enamoured of the name that subsequently he gave it to all his racing and record-breaking cars and boats. After the 1914-18 War, during which he served in the Royal Flying Corps as a ferry pilot and instructor (being awarded the M.B.E. and a captaincy), he entered the motor trade, dealing not very successfully in new cars from premises in central London (Blue Bird Garage - newly acquired by Sir Terence Conran in the King's Road).
In 1926 he organized a fruitless expedition to the Cocos Islands in search of buried treasure. Following this venture he devoted himself to motor racing and breaking speed records. In this he achieved great success thanks to his flair for gaining sponsors and wide publicity. He was knighted in 1931 by King George V after taking the World Land Speed record. Later he also gained the World Water Speed record. In the 1935 General Election he contested the strong Labour seat in Deptford, but without success.
In the 1939-45 War he served in the army. Later, in failing health, he made a vain attempt at the Water Speed record in 1948. He died in the early hours of January 1st 1949.