A detailed display model of the French Naval Paddle Frigate Le Sphinx (1830),

No VAT will be charged on the hammer price, but VA… Read more

Details

A detailed display model of the French Naval Paddle Frigate Le Sphinx (1830),
with masts, spars with foot ropes, standing and running rigging, anchors, catheads, bitts, capstan, gratings, companionways, belaying rails and pins, deck lights, stayed funnel with hooter, deck house, engine room lights, double helm, ten guns in carriages, three boats in davits and other details. The hull, copper plated to the waterline, is finished in black, white and natural wood and fitted with paddle boxes and wheels and quarter cabin windows and mounted on two turned brass columns -- 13 x 24½in. (33 x 62.3cm.) Glazed case
See illustration

Special notice

No VAT will be charged on the hammer price, but VAT at 17.5% will be added to the buyer's premium which is invoiced on a VAT inclusive basis. This lot, if not cleared by 5.00pm on Thursday 9 November 2000, will be removed and may be cleared after 9.00am on Friday 10 November 2000 from the warehouse of Cadogan Tate Fine Art Removals Limited. (See below.) Cadogan Tate Ltd., Fine Art Services Cadogan House, 2 Relay Road, London W12 7SJ. Telephone: 44 (0) 20 8735 3700. Facsimile: 44 (0) 20 8735 3701. Rates (Ephemera, Ship's Fittings, Models) A transfer and administration charge of £18.50 per lot will be payable and a storage charge of £3.20 per lot per day will then come into effect. These charges are payable to Cadogan Tate and are subject to VAT and an insurance surcharge.

Lot Essay

The Sphinx was the first steam warship to be built for the French Navy and took part in the capture of Algiers in 1830. It is also well known for towing the 'obelisk of Luxor' from Egypt to France for erection in the Place de la Concorde, Paris.

The bulky paddle boxes and the weight of the engines severely restricted the armament of the early paddle warships, resulting in the painted ports colour scheme being adopted to give the impression, at a distance, of a more powerful vessel.

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