Lot 841

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Description:

DUNKIRK EVACUATION - ENSIGN, COMPASS, MASTHEAD LIGHT AND OTHER RELICS OF THE "POLLY"
The "Little Ship" Polly was a 28 foot auxiliary cutter built in 1931, a sloop of wood construction with an auxiliary Hyland four cylinder engine. Called into service by her country, Polly made two trips to the shores of France and rescued 38 British soldiers from inevitable capture by the Germans. Attorney George Saunders was among the crew of four, his job being to attend to the stubborn inboard engine, and he kept a number of relics from the vessel. Included in this lot are seven items tied to the brave vessel's service: the Polly's British ensign, 35" x 18", inscribed along the hoist: "Dunkirk May-June 1940 'Polly'"; the Polly's masthead oil lamp, 11 3/4" tall with fresnel lens, the fuel well painted: "P" (Port), "S" (Starboard), and "P[OL]LY"; the vessel's 1940 compass: "Lionel Corporation 1940 N.Y. U.S. Navy BU Ships 4-Inch Boat Compass Mark 1 N 4372" in a custom made 12" x 7 1/2" x 7 1/2" wood case with a small battery-powered light and lidded compartment intended to hold a battery; the Polly's portable cabin sink, 8 1/2" x 8" x 9", with an official Admiralty "Demand for Repairs" affixed to the rear and naming the vessel, issued in Portsmouth, Feb. 26th 1942; copper and brass tray, 19" x 11 3/4" with simply engraved inscription: "'Operation Dynamo' Dunkirk May 27 June 4 1940 Presented to the crew of the 'Polly'"; Saunders' well-used peaked seaman's cap, with gold bullion, anchor and crown device at front; and a period mounted photograph, 11" x 9" overall labeled: "George Saunders and crewmen on their return from the second voyage to the beaches of Dunkirk in 1940". Included is a letter from Saunder's daughter, Skegness, Dec. 16, 1967. The lady correctly identifies the Polly's owner and mentions that her father volunteered for the mission. She further mentions that her father's "wartime memorabilia" had been displayed at the Skegness Life Boat Station for years before being returned to her upon her father's death. The lady also explicitly mentions the flag, lamp, compass, and photo, and states that the equipment had accompanied the vessel to Dunkirk. Also present is a copy of the City of Dunkirk memorial certificate given to Saunders, a Dunkirk veteran's medal, and further information from the Association of Dunkirk Little Ships. Provenance: George Saunders; The War Museum.

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March 18, 2016 10:30 AM EDT
Chesapeake City, MD, US

Alexander Historical Auctions LLC

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$100 $499 $20
$500 $999 $50
$1,000 $1,999 $100
$2,000 $4,999 $250
$5,000 $9,999 $500
$10,000 $19,999 $1,000
$20,000 $49,999 $2,500
$50,000 $99,999 $5,000
$100,000 + $10,000