GAYDON KING (20TH CENTURY) Launch of the world's first all-w...

Estimate

£300 - £500

GAYDON KING (20TH CENTURY)

Launch of the world's first all-welded ship, 11th June 1918

Signed 'Gaydon King' (lower right) with presentation plaque with title to front

Oil on canvas

19½ x 29¼in. (49.5 x 74cm.) oak frame

The Worshipful Company of Shipwrights, presented in 1946 to the Worshipful Company of Shipwrights by Liveryman Major James Caldwell, JP, MInstCE, MINA, MICE.

This picture shows Ac1320 – one of many Across-channel Towing Cargo Barge’s built for the army towards the end of the Great War, and was also the first to be wire welded by soldiers at Richborough Military Port & Shipyard in Kent. Over two years 152 barges were built with a length of 39 meters and width of 5.05 meters and could carry a maximum load of 267 tons. They were highly seaworthy and very few accidents are recorded. They were explicitly designed to pass through French locks and bridges to carry munitions and other supplies to the front lines. Ac1320 is still extant and, as of 2012, was restored and available for sale.

Original condition