The Sunderland model ship which could fetch £6,000 at auction - and the amazing history behind it

By Chris Cordner
Published 22nd Oct 2021, 04:55 BST
Updated 22nd Oct 2021, 09:25 BST
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A model ship which was made in Sunderland will go under the hammer – and could fetch a very impressive price.

Online bidders will be hoping to buy the model of the SS Chatwood which was built in 1929 at Austin and Sons.

But they will probably have to pay at least £4,000 to have a chance of owning the model which has gold-plated fittings and lots of intricate detail.

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The beautiful piece was created for WM France of Fenwick and Co and it was made in the era when models of boats were built by shipyards before the ship itself was constructed.

The model of the SS Chatwood which could fetch £4,000 to £6,000 at auction.The model of the SS Chatwood which could fetch £4,000 to £6,000 at auction.
The model of the SS Chatwood which could fetch £4,000 to £6,000 at auction.

The Chatwood joins 400 lots in the online auction run by London-based Charles Miller Ltd where every lot has a maritime link.

Estimates of between £4,000 and £6,000 have been put on the ‘SS Chatwood’ and auction house founder Charles Miller said: “This model was the pride and joy of a private collection in the south east and it was one of the best things in his collection. It had been with him for years.”

Originally, it would probably have taken pride of place in the boardroom of Fenwick and Co and Charles added: “It is part of an auction with many very original lots.”

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