The Gangway Door from the Royal Yacht Britannia - Launched 1893

The Gangway Door from the Royal Yacht Britannia, launched 1893 Retaining its original black paint finish with gilt stripe, combined with varnished teak rail and all of the original brass fittings, this gang door is fitted with a plaque recording its important provenance. The Royal Yacht Britannia was launched in 1893. Designed by George Lennox Watson as the personal racing yacht of the future King Edward VII. Britannia quickly became one of the most successful and celebrated racing yachts of her era, winning hundreds of races over more than four decades. After King Edward VII’s death in 1910, Britannia remained in royal ownership and was raced by King George V, who continued to add to her distinguished competitive career. By the 1930s Britannia had become a symbol of Britain’s golden age of yacht racing. King George V specified in his will that the Britannia was to be scuttled (sunk on purpose) after his death, and so following his death in 1936 his wishes were honoured, and the yacht was stripped of valuable fittings before being scuttled off the Isle of Wight rather than preserved. The sale of all fittings and fixtures was held on the 24h of June 1936 by Marvin and Sons of Cowes. After which she was launched for the last time between July 7 and 9 1936, where Admiralty officials towed her to deep water and sunk her. Provenance: H M King Edward VII (d.1910). By descent to H M King George V (d.1936). Acquired by William Berry, 1st Viscount Camrose (1879-1954) By descent to Seymour Berry, 2nd Viscount Camrose (1909-1995). Christie’s Hackwood Park auction, lot 125 20th April 1998. Property of a Gentleman.