15th Nov, 2024 10:00
Silver & Objects of Vertu
328
Royal Navy Interest.
A Victorian silver and enamel calling card vesta case, of rectangular form, with applied enamel plaque of a calling card, 'Commander Maurice A. Bourke, R. N. / H. M. S. Surprise', with integral striker and hinged cover, Sampson Mordan, London 1889, length 5.7cm, weight 40g/1.28ozt gross approx
Catalogue Notes: "Bourke was a naval officer who commanded HMS Surprise, for Prince Alfred, later Duke of Saxe-Coburg-Gotha in the 1880s. During this time, he was romantically linked to Princess Victoria of Prussia (1866-1929). In 1893, he was in command of HMS Camperdown which collided with HMS Victoria, near Tripoli, northern Lebanon, while on exercise with torpedoes and mines. It caused the ship to run aground and sank within 10 minutes and all 358 crew were killed. There was a court-martial but Bourke was cleared of any blame. HMS Victoria is said to be the world's only vertical shipwreck and is now a historic monument, protected in law." (www.rct.uk, 2024)
A studio photograph of Maurice Bourke, standing against a balustrade, in naval uniform and his cap nearby, is held by the Royal Collection Trust, inventory number 2930890.
Reference: www.rct.uk. (2024). Richard Ellis (1841-1924) - Captain Maurice Archibald Bourke (1853-1900). [online] Available at: https://www.rct.uk/collection/2930892/captain-maurice-archibald-bourke-1853-1900.
Sold for £750
Royal Navy Interest.
A Victorian silver and enamel calling card vesta case, of rectangular form, with applied enamel plaque of a calling card, 'Commander Maurice A. Bourke, R. N. / H. M. S. Surprise', with integral striker and hinged cover, Sampson Mordan, London 1889, length 5.7cm, weight 40g/1.28ozt gross approx
Catalogue Notes: "Bourke was a naval officer who commanded HMS Surprise, for Prince Alfred, later Duke of Saxe-Coburg-Gotha in the 1880s. During this time, he was romantically linked to Princess Victoria of Prussia (1866-1929). In 1893, he was in command of HMS Camperdown which collided with HMS Victoria, near Tripoli, northern Lebanon, while on exercise with torpedoes and mines. It caused the ship to run aground and sank within 10 minutes and all 358 crew were killed. There was a court-martial but Bourke was cleared of any blame. HMS Victoria is said to be the world's only vertical shipwreck and is now a historic monument, protected in law." (www.rct.uk, 2024)
A studio photograph of Maurice Bourke, standing against a balustrade, in naval uniform and his cap nearby, is held by the Royal Collection Trust, inventory number 2930890.
Reference: www.rct.uk. (2024). Richard Ellis (1841-1924) - Captain Maurice Archibald Bourke (1853-1900). [online] Available at: https://www.rct.uk/collection/2930892/captain-maurice-archibald-bourke-1853-1900.
Auction: Silver & Objects of Vertu, 15th Nov, 2024
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Condition reports
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