A locomotive nameplate, VIVIEN, with KING ARTHUR CLASS appen...

Estimate

£6,000 - £8,000

A locomotive nameplate, VIVIEN, with KING ARTHUR CLASS appendage below from the London & South Western Railway N15 Class 4-6-0 No 749 built at Eastleigh in September 1922 and named by the SR in 1925 after the mistress of Merlin, the sorcerer at King Arthur's court in Arthurian Legend. It retained its LSWR number in SR days, becoming BR 30749. Its BR sheds were Eastleigh and Basingstoke from where it was withdrawn in June 1956 and cut up at Eastleigh Works. Cast brass, length 31¼", with prominent bolt marks around the holes. The nameplate was owned by a gentleman named Vivien Orchard who worked for British Railways at Waterloo. His parents chose the name after seeing the engine at Surbiton on a London express. His father commented, "that name will do, whether its a boy or a girl". Following withdrawal of the engine, Vivien was presented with the nameplate by BR. He later acquired the second side and commented that he now knew he owned the side which he parents saw. STEAM NAMEPLATE SPECIAL: Buy a main line steam nameplate and we can deliver it to you promptly, free of charge. This offer applies to addresses in England, Scotland and Wales. Should you be successful in purchasing this lot, we are happy to accept items against nameplates purchased. Please phone the office to discuss.