There is lots to interest those who like local history say auctioneers, 1818.
Two original dyeline prints, stamped with the shipbuilders name ‘Vickers Armstrong’ and showing the electrics and motor of the iconic Windermere Steamer, ‘Teal’, are expected to make between £150 and £200 despite their worn condition.
Valuer David Brookes, from 1818 Auctioneers, says the drawings would have guided a maintenance and repair programme and, as an exact record of her original workings, are an important part of her history.
Mr Brookes said: “The Teal was built by Vickers Armstrong at Barrow-in-Furness, transported in sections by rail and then reassembled at Lakeside. Records tell us she was launched on 4 July 1936 and 20 years later Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip were passengers. In July 2013 the Queen was back on board for a second time.
The vendor, who wishes to be anonymous, spotted the prints for sale on the website ‘Sell and Seek’ and paid under £50 for the pair. One print, 12.5” x 43” and dated 19 May 1936, shows the ‘General Arrangement of Twin Screw Motor Vessel, Paint Line’. A second print, 29” x 43” with a later date of 1 May 1938, shows the ‘Arrangement of Electrical Installation’.
The Teal continues to carry passengers up and down the Lake as part of the fleet operated by Windermere Lake Cruises.
A second item with a local link is a late 18th century oak longcase grandfather clock by William Shepherd of Millom, who was also a blacksmith and a farmer. Records show that he and his wife had 10 children and that one became a clockmaker inheriting his father’s tools. It is possible that father and son made the clock together. David Brookes believes the clock never left the area and he expects it to make between £200 and £300.
Also included in 1818 Auctioneers two day sale in August is an original typewritten A4 Screenplay for the 1988 film ‘Across the Lake’. The film starred Anthony Hopkins as Donald Campbell on his ill-fated attempt for the water speed record on Coniston Water in 1967.
David Brookes says it was given to the vendor by the producer’s assistant whilst the crew were staying at Bank Ground Farm, Coniston during filming. The 98 page script has an estimate of £70 to £100.
All items can be viewed online at https://www.1818auctioneers.co.uk/ or in the firm’s saleroom at Junction 36, just off the M6 on the Cumbria, Lancashire border.