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LOT 2183
Original Timber Removed from HMS Victory in 1888 with Provenance Letter
LETTER DATED 5TH JUNE 1888 A.D.
6 1/8 - 10 1/2 in. (141 grams total, 15.6-26.5 cm).
Irregular fragment of timber, supplied with a handwritten provenance letter with wax seal; the letter states: 'Parish of Sidlow Bures Manor. Know all men, and if ladies particularly, by these presents, that of the fifth day of April 1888 the undersigned Poulteney Bigelow did in the company with an officer of H.M Service secure the accompanying piece of timber belonging to the ever famous frigate Victory, the same that fought at Trafalgar and received the precious life blood of the immortal Nelson on the 21st of October 1805. This piece of timber was cut out of the Hull of the Victory while undergoing repairs on the dry dock of Portsmouth. It is herewith presented to Miss Mabel Nicholson as a precious heirloom for distant generations of such as may love liberty and cherish the memory of valiant men. Witness the annexed signature seal, Poulteney Bigelow, Bures Manor, June 5 1888.' [2]
ProvenanceFrom the collection of a Sussex noble lady, by descent from 1888, directly from the gifting of the item, as stated in the letter.
FootnotesThe HMS Victory underwent various refits throughout her long service, but a significant one occurred in 1888, when she was converted for use as a training ship. This refit included modifications to her structure and interior to accommodate her new role, although she was primarily preserved as a historic vessel. The hull and internal structures were reinforced to address wear and tear from years of service. The HMS Victory is currently the oldest British naval vessel still in commission, with 248 years of service as of 2026.
CONDITIONTimeLine Auctions follows a vetting process to ensure the authenticity and legality of all items, reinforcing our commitment to integrity and responsible trading. Each antiquity, antique, and coin lot undergoes thorough examination by a vetting committee of at least ten external specialists, professional trade association members, scientists, and archaeologists: Our Vetting Process
AUCTIONS:
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LOT 2183
Original Timber Removed from HMS Victory in 1888 with Provenance Letter
Sold for (Inc. bp): £312
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Post Medieval Enamelled Bronze Bracelet
19th-20th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £33
Comprising a broad band with hinged panel pinned at one edge; running scroll design to median band between hatched bars; floral motif to panel. 118 grams, 63 mm
Ex German art market, 2000s. Acquired from an EU collector living in London. From the collection of a Surrey, UK, gentleman. -
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Large Renaissance Stone Statue of Standing Male
Northern Italy, 16th-17th century A.D.Estimate: £2,500 - 3,500 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £1,250
Modelled in the round wearing a long tunic and a palla draped over his left shoulder, leather sandals with straps on his exposed feet. 87 kg, 100 cm
Private collection, France. Private collection, London. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate number no.13083-246798.
The statue, certainly intended for ecclesiastical decoration, most likely represents one of the apostles or prophets, or an Evangelist. These are Mannerist statues, executed with great sculptural skill, intended to adorn the large tomb complexes of wealthy families housed in the Catholic cathedrals of Renaissance Europe. -
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Cylinder Seal Electrotype Group
Late 19th-early 20th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £143
Of academic interest, copper coated lead seal impressions taken from cylinder seals showing various scenes, including one with cuneiform text. 180 grams total, 28-39 mm
Possibly made by the British Museum. From a West Country, UK, private collection.
