£360
THE LAUNCHING CASKET FOR THE LEANDER CLASS LIGHT CRUISER, H.M.S. NEPTUNE, 1933
constructed in oak with carved dolphin corners, side panels with galleons, carved trident to front and the lid with carved crest, back inlaid and inscribed H.M.S. Neptune / launched at Portsmouth / by / Mrs D. Euan Wallace / 31 January 1933, the interior converted to a writing box and now containing historical data and emphemera including a cap tally for the Neptune and photograph of the box at the launch -- 9 x 14 x 11in. (23 x 35.5 x 28cm.)
A cruiser of 7,200 tons, Neptune formed part of the Mediterranean's famous 'Force K' in an operation in December 1941 to disrupt Rommel's supply convoys off Tripoli, Libya. In company with the cruisers Aurora, Penelope, and the destroyer Kandahar and others when Neptune, who was leading, ran into a freshly laid minefield, striking three mines in rapid succession. Whilst the other cruisers withdrew, Kanhahar attempted to take Neptune in tow but struck a mine herself, whilst Neptune fouled a fourth mine which blew her propellers and rudder off. She sank rapidly taking 764 souls with her, 150 of which were New Zealanders.
good overall, lacking original contents (hammer & chisel)
Fees apply to the hammer price:
Free Registration
32.4% inc VAT*
Flat Fee Registration
28.80% inc VAT*
