Lot 792

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Description:

Fine set of original ¼"=1 foot-scale builder's plans, 86" x 31 ½", printed on drafting linen, depicting the layout of high-pressure air lines installed in the Royal Navy submarines HMS K13 and K14. The schematic offers full side and top-down views of the class, presenting views of the steam engines, batteries, torpedo tubes, conning tower, funnels, internal compartments, and more. The high-pressure air system itself is color-coded, while the other components are monochrome. Several hand-written notes for the shipbuilders are inscribed in red ink. The diagram is marked as being prepared by the Fairfield Engine Works of Glasgow, builders of both submarines, and dated July 21, 1916. It shows signs of wear and some soiling, else very good. Most extraordinarily, the schematic was found stored in a vintage American bank envelope (present), bearing a black ink inscription stating that the plans were aboard HMS K13 when she sank during her sea trials on January 29, 1917. As she dove, seawater flooded the aft engine and torpedo rooms through improperly-sealed valves. 48 crew members either escaped or were rescued from unflooded compartments by cutting a hole in the pressure hull, but a further 32 men drowned, including Francis Goodhart, commander of the sub's sister ship K14. The envelope further explains that the plans were recovered as a souvenir by one of the ship's engineers. The lot further features an unsigned and undated, but period hand-written narrative, drafted on three 12mo. slips of paper in red pencil, giving additional background on the accident, in full: "I. Commander Goodhart of #14 who was on instruction visit on board #13 with Commander Kinghorn (V[ictoria] Cross holder for shelling Constantinople in old model submarine). Commander Goodhart followed Commander Kinghorn thru conning tower but was caught in superstructure and drowned. II. Engineer Commander and Engineer Manager both escaped thru after messroom door, causing water to flood compartment containing 18 sailors who were drowned. Both engineers were caught in casing around funnels and drowned bones found six weeks after upon raising of sub. III. Commander of #13 Kinghorn latter donned diving suit and descended to ship and signalled Morse code by hammer to encourage survivors that there was a possible chance of rescue". Also present is a typed document, 1p. 4to., reprinting much of the above narrative, with several additional details added. K13 was later salvaged and returned to service as HMS K22. A fine grouping memorializing an accident most indicative of the hazards faced by early submariners.

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November 14, 2018 10:00 AM EST
Chesapeake City, MD, US

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$5,000 $9,999 $500
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$20,000 $49,999 $2,500
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