Lot 1046

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Description:

DUNKIRK EVACUATION SHIP'S BRITISH FLAG AND FLAGSTAFF
A superb relic from the May 26 - June 4, 1940 evacuation of the B.E.F. from Dunkirk, a 35" x 15 1/2" British red ensign with white cotton reinforcement at left edge marked "M.E. & Co., 1939", with original hemp chord, strung to a 48" oak flagstaff, 1 1/2" dia., varnished, with raising pulley and cleat, a round wood ornament at top and a small brass plaque affixed thereat reading: "M.Y. RANIA DUNKIRK 1940". This historic relic is accompanied by extensive provenance, including period and modern photographs taken during the vessels restoration. The M/V Rania, a 45' wooden pleasure craft constructed by Rampart Boat Building Works in Southampton, was requisitioned by the Royal Navy just before her delivery to her first owner and immediately pressed into service. As part of the "mosquito navy", she undertook patrol duty, surveillance, transport, etc. until the evacuation of beleaguered troops from France became urgent. Under naval command, the vessel traveled to France, no doubt at her maximum speed of 9 1/2 knots (1), and evacuated British soldiers, though her exact service there is undocumented. The vessel, since named the Arkian, has been registered a National Historic Vessel and was restored by the Dunkirk Little Ship Restoration Trust. This relic, perhaps the most significant taken from the vessel, was undoubtedly offered in exchange for a substantial donation to a generous donor. From the personal collection of World War II and Civil War historian Michael Miner. Miner's thirty-year collection was built through an extensive system of contacts he developed with artifact hunters and diggers in Europe and the Far East, and he maintained careful records of the items he amassed.

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May 14, 2009 10:00 AM EDT
Stamford, CT, US

Alexander Historical Auctions LLC

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Bid Increments
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$1,000 $1,999 $100
$2,000 $4,999 $250
$5,000 $9,999 $500
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