Lot 835: A Collection of Vintage Real Photographic Postcards of Naval Vessel Launches by Sankey of Barrow-in-Furness
A collection of vintage real photographic postcards (RPPCs) documenting naval vessel launches and shipbuilding at the Vickers shipyard in Barrow-in-Furness, England, dating from the early to mid-20th century. The collection is published by Sankey (Edward Sankey and sons), a notable firm of commercial photographers active in Barrow-in-Furness. The subjects include the St. Vincent-class battleship HMS Vanguard (launched 1909) shown in a stern view and at its launch by Mrs McKenna; two views of the King George V-class battleship HMS Ajax (launched 1912) showing the hull entering the water with crowds present and the vessel afloat; the Japanese battleship H.I.J.M.S. Katori (launched 1905) captured immediately following its launch; and the Chilean O-class submarine Capitan O’Brien, with the postcard text documenting the launch on 3 October 1928 and bearing reference number 8540. The cards feature visible photographer marks for Sankey and Sankey Photo.
Condition report:
The postcards are in mixed condition. The card showing the stern view of HMS Vanguard has significant surface damage, including large areas of silvering and loss to the photographic emulsion across the upper section. The card documenting the launch of HMS Vanguard by Mrs McKenna shows a large dark stain or moisture damage to the lower left corner. The remaining four cards show typical age-related wear, including minor edge and corner bumping, light surface soiling, and minor foxing.
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