A commemorative full-length bronze of Lord Nelson (made in 1906, a year after the Trafalgar centenary) by Princess Louise Duchess of Argyll, £185,000 at Charles Miller.
A Nelson bronze held by the National Museum of the Royal Navy, Portsmouth was thought to be the only example cast.
However it recently emerged (ATG no 2616) that this second model was cast, requested by James Harradine of a Bermondsey firm that supplied the raw materials to foundry Henry Young & Co.
This second sculpture was kept by Harradine’s descendants and recently re-discovered in an attic and consigned to auction.
Estimated at £3000- 5000 at Charles Miller’s Maritime and Scientif ic Models, Instruments & Art auction on November 14, it sold at £185,000 (or £229,400 including buyer’s premium).
It was purchased by a US private collector after fierce phone bidding.
Charles Miller said: “The enduring interest in Nelson memorabilia has been proved beyond doubt with the fantastic price realised for this bronze. The existence of this statue was unknown until it was recently discovered, so this, plus its royal heritage and the miniscule number made, certainly would have added to its appeal.”
The auction was 90% sold by lot with the total hammer price reaching £408,000.
