Lot 306
RECOVERED FROM A SHIPWRECK:-
A George III mug with part fluting and bands of incised reeding around the upper body, gilt interior, the base inscribed "Recovered from the Oregon* sunk in the Atlantic" & "Constance Cunningham from her Godmother Sarah L. Brooks 1886" & "Robert from Conti 1958", marks work, London c.1805; 3.4" (8.5 cms) high; 4.9 oz
* The Oregon was a record breaking British passenger liner that won the Blue Riband for the Guion Line as the fastest liner on the Atlantic, in 1884. She was sold to the Cunard Line after a few voyages and continued to improve her passage times for her new owner. In 1885, Oregon was chartered to the Royal Navy as an auxiliary cruiser, and her success in this role resulted in the Admiralty subsidizing suitable ships for quick conversion in the event of a crises. She returned to Cunard service in November 1885 and four months later collided with a schooner while approaching New York. All persons on board were rescued before Oregon sank. Her wreck, 18 miles east of Long Island, remains a popular diving site.
