by William Neale, Birmingham 1897, celebrating the visit to Europe of King Chulalongkorn of Siam, rounded rectangular form, the front enamelled with a scene of the steam yacht Maha Chakri, the reverse with an enamelled portrait of King Chulalongkorn, and engraved with facsimile signatures. 12cm by 7.5cm, 5.5 troy ounces
The Siamese royal yacht Maha Chakri & the Visit to Europe in 1897 Like his European counterparts in the second half of the nineteenth century, King Chulalongkorn of Siam (1868-1910) was enamoured with the idea of possessing his steam yacht, so much so that he ordered three in succession from various British shipyards. The third was named Maha Chakri (or, more correctly, Maha Chakrkri) and was designed and built by Ramage & Ferguson at Leith in 1892. An enormous twin-screw steel vessel sporting two masts and carrying a schooner rig, she was registered at 2,229 tons gross (1,232 net & 2,092 Thames) and measured 283 feet in length with a 40-foot beam. With her classic 'ram' bow and lofty superstructure, she resembled a ship-of-war than a pleasure yacht. She attracted considerable attention wherever she went, particularly when steaming at full speed, thanks to her powerful 6-cylinder triple-expansion engines. Eventually superseded by another yacht of the same name in 1918, the fate of the first Maha Chakri is unknown. King Chulalongkorn was both an innovator and a moderniser and was determined to learn from the experience of fellow monarchs and Heads of State. To this end, he visited Europe in the summer and autumn of 1897, during which the Maha Chakri anchored briefly in Spithead. After being formally greeted there by H.R.H., the Duke of York (later King George V), the Siamese King was conveyed to Osborne House, Isle of Wight, where he paid his respects to the elderly Queen Victoria. The cigarette case offered in this lot likely is one of a number commissioned at the King's expense and presented as mementoes to individuals who had rendered royal service during this historic European visit.
Sold for £16,000
by William Neale, Birmingham 1897, celebrating the visit to Europe of King Chulalongkorn of Siam, rounded rectangular form, the front enamelled with a scene of the steam yacht Maha Chakri, the reverse with an enamelled portrait of King Chulalongkorn, and engraved with facsimile signatures. 12cm by 7.5cm, 5.5 troy ounces
The Siamese royal yacht Maha Chakri & the Visit to Europe in 1897 Like his European counterparts in the second half of the nineteenth century, King Chulalongkorn of Siam (1868-1910) was enamoured with the idea of possessing his steam yacht, so much so that he ordered three in succession from various British shipyards. The third was named Maha Chakri (or, more correctly, Maha Chakrkri) and was designed and built by Ramage & Ferguson at Leith in 1892. An enormous twin-screw steel vessel sporting two masts and carrying a schooner rig, she was registered at 2,229 tons gross (1,232 net & 2,092 Thames) and measured 283 feet in length with a 40-foot beam. With her classic 'ram' bow and lofty superstructure, she resembled a ship-of-war than a pleasure yacht. She attracted considerable attention wherever she went, particularly when steaming at full speed, thanks to her powerful 6-cylinder triple-expansion engines. Eventually superseded by another yacht of the same name in 1918, the fate of the first Maha Chakri is unknown. King Chulalongkorn was both an innovator and a moderniser and was determined to learn from the experience of fellow monarchs and Heads of State. To this end, he visited Europe in the summer and autumn of 1897, during which the Maha Chakri anchored briefly in Spithead. After being formally greeted there by H.R.H., the Duke of York (later King George V), the Siamese King was conveyed to Osborne House, Isle of Wight, where he paid his respects to the elderly Queen Victoria. The cigarette case offered in this lot likely is one of a number commissioned at the King's expense and presented as mementoes to individuals who had rendered royal service during this historic European visit.
Auction: COUNTRY HOUSE SALE, 13th Nov, 2024
Our Two-Day Autumn Country House Sale showcases exceptional private collections of treen, watches, silver, and pictures, including a remarkable 300-lot single-owner collection of treen and related items. Highlights include a fine William IV silver-gilt spirit kettle, stand, and lamp by Paul Storr, London, 1832, estimated at £5,000-7,000, and a pair of early 20th-century diamond and enamel jockey brooches, estimated at £4,000-6,000. Additional highlights include a pair of Robert 'Mouseman' Thompson oak bookcases, c.1980, estimated at £3,000-5,000; an 18th-century or earlier gilt-bronze figure of Buddha, estimated at £2,000-3,000; and a gentleman’s steel Omega Speedmaster bracelet watch, estimated at £2,500-3,500.
Viewing
Monday 11th November 10am-4pm
Tuesday 12th November 10am-4pm