Lot 211
AN R38 DISASTER SOUVENIR MANTLE CLOCK.
A propellor blade segment with a clock inset, the plaque reading R 38. Aug 24 1921. 2.7/8" wide with 5.1/2" maximum depth x 11.5/8" long. The brass clock with 4" face, having Roman Numerals, in working order. The blade has been hollowed out, to accept a brass liner and cover to enable winding/access, etc.
The R38 an A class Airship, was made by Short Bros for Sea Patrol duties being commenced in February 1918. It was cancelled part way through production, before the USA ordered it for their Naval Department. (After 100 hrs of testing, etc.
for £300,000)
It was on her 4th Flight that the first of its kind disaster took place, with the loss of 44 lives. This was when during speed and manouvere trials, she imploded due to structural failures whilst over the Hull Estuary on the 24th August 1919. The only survivors where from the tail section, one American and 4 British crew members.
Watched by many people from the ground, who saw the collapse begin amidships.
