A model of the racing schooner Aline, once owned by H.R.H Edward VII has been given an estimate of £20,000-£30,000 at a London auction.
 H.R.H Edward VII's Aline |
The maritime auction will be held on April 25, 2012 and will see the boat as top-lot. Built by Camper & Nicholson in 1860, the builder's model of the twin-mast ship was owned by Edward VII between 1882 and 1895, when he served as Prince of Wales.
Edward spent most of his life as Prince of Wales during the 63 year reign of his mother Queen Victoria I. He was the longest-serving heir apparent in British history.
When he finally ascended to the throne in 1901, for just nine years, he played an important role in the modernisation of the British Home Fleet of the Royal Navy. Aline was his own 216-ton racing schooner.
The model has been excellently restored and comes complete with historical notes and research as well as photographs of the model prior to conservation. Given the provenance of the item, Paul Fraser Collectibles expects this beautiful and impressive model to exceed its pre-sale estimate.
The Aline sale will be closely followed by a bone and baleen model of H.M.S Argo. An estimate of £10,000-£15,000 has been set for this majestic and complex model. Argo spent 36 hours under the French flag, before returning to the British fleet and distinguishing herself with several captures in the French Revolutionary Wars and the Napoleonic Wars.
For those interested in historic memorabilia from the same period, Paul Fraser Collectibles has a range of items for Napolean Bonaparte collectors including this handwritten and signed letter from the French leader.
