HMS WOODLARK'S
LIFE RING
IN PERIOD CASE
Ca 1898
Presented is an authentic Royal Navy life ring from the HMS
WOODLARK housed in a custom antique wood case that appears to be of "Turn of the Century" origin.
THE FIRST HMS WOODLARK: The Royal Navy's first WOODLARK was built
in 1871 as a combination steam and sail gunboat. She was rated at 10 knots speed, 755 tons displacement, and 170 feet
long with a 29 foot beam. She was sailed by a crew of 90. WOODLARK I was the Senior Officer's ship in
the Persian Gulf, and in 1885, she took part in the Burma campaign as part of the Irrawaddy Flotilla. In 1887, she was
sold in Bombay.
The first HMS WOODLARK above
THE SECOND HMS WOODLARK: This WOODLOCK was built by Thornycroft
in 1897 as a river gunboat of the Fowl Class. She was 145 1/2 feet long with a beam of 24 feet, a draft of
only 2 feet, and of 150 tons displacement. Her armament consisted of two 6 pounders, and 4 machine guns. Her 550
HP engine provided a speed of 13 kts. 25 men in her crew.
WOODLARK II saw service on the Yangtze River and was the second steam
ship to reach Chunking in May of 1900. The ship was originally intended for Kitchener's Nile campaign but were shipped to
Shanghai in pieces and re-assembled instead. She was instrumental in surveying the upper Yangtze and its navigable tributaries.
This Woodcock was reportedly sold to Hong Kong in 1928 or 1931 for scrap after being
replaced by an Insect Class river gunboat.
The picture above is reported to be of WOODLARK taken
Ca 1898 on the Yangtze River.
DIMENSIONS:
Case: 33" W x 33 1/2" H x 6 3/8" D
WEIGHT 46 pounds
Life Ring: Outside Diameter 29"
Width of ring 6"
Inside Diameter 17"
PROVENANCE: Purchased in England, February, 2006. We have two reasons
to believe that the life ring may come from the second of the two WOODLARKS. The first relates to the life rings shown in
the above photo which appear remarkably similar in size. And the second reason is that the custom case in which
it is housed appears to be old enough to be made in at the "Turn of the Century".
CONDITION: The life ring is in excellent condition and shows a
number of coats of white enamel and blue paint, and gilded lettering, and recently restored. The fancy Garrick bend in
the center and other ropework appears new. The case is hinged at the top and its front panel is designed to swing down to
open. It has the ususal dings and scrapes as might be expected from an old piece of furniture. It has three brass fittings
on the back to allow for hanging.
OUR UNCONDITIONAL GUARANTEE: If not completely satisfied
with your purchase it may be returned, if without damage, within five days of receipt in its original condition and packaging.
Returns must be insured for their full value. All that is required is a prior email authorization by us for the return. Unfortunately,
no refund can be made for the cost of shipping, packaging and handling unless we are at fault. TO READ OUR COMPANY POLICES IN DETAIL CLICK HERE
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loss arising out of their participation. Shipping can be arranged through LDG Delivery Service for the U.S. East Coast,
and certain cities in Michigan, and Indiana, and periodic trips to California. Contact L. Drew Gerard, for quotes. 561-212-7159,
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