A funnel from Dunkirk little ship that survived two world wars, restored as a lamp
Taken from a little ship named “count Dracular”
WW1
In its first life this solid brass funnel was from a boat belonging to the Admiral of the German imperial navy being use as a pinnace “Count Dracula” was A gift from Keiser Wilhelm II to Admiral Von Hipper it was used as the admiral's barge which he took to every ship he sailed in.
The Count was one of first small craft to be fitted with oil combustion engines
When the germans decide to scuttle (sink) their ships in order to hide their superior technology. This boat was salvaged by the Royal Navy at Scapa Flow as it became detached from the main ship.
The Navy later sold their spoils into private hands. Owned by Carl Greiner it was used as a private yacht. He was pleased with her turn of speed and superior build quality. It was not long before she entered into the next chapter of history.
WW2
In May 1940, by order of the War Department, Mr Greiner sent his son Alan to take her to Ramsgate, where she was handed over to the Royal Navy. The Admiralty had put a call out to all those with small boat and mechanical experience to make themselves available at Ramsgate and other coastal ports
They spent seventeen hours pulling troops from the beaches and water ferrying them to larger ships, lifting 702 British as well as 10 Belgian soldiers. She ended up quite well armed, having collected, with her troops, three Brens and one French Hotchkiss machine gun, which enabled them to have a shot or two at the Stuka dive bombers.
Restoration
The funnel is painted and retains her original World War Two red and black colour scheme having been mounted on a solid teak base made of salvaged timbers from the transom of the ‘Count’ herself.
The funnel is suspended above the base using a stainless-steel pillar. This has been custom made and designed to ensure the originality of the funnel is not diminished in any way and preserve it in the same condition as when it was removed from the vessel.
Lighting is provided by an LED downlight strip to provide a curtain wash of light over the base. Ten dimmable LED lamps provide the stunning and dramatic up light from the top of the funnel. While the power supply and control is provided using custom rope cabling and a floor dimmer.
The funnel is finished with a World War One Imperial Navy Eagle mounted to the top highlighting her origins.
The base shows the history of repairs carried out over the decades including both her numerous layers of paint and an old fibre glass repair. A brass plate bearing her name is mounted onto the transom step in the same style as her bow insignia. While the edge is trimmed with the Dunkirk Medal ribbon to commemorate and thank this Little Ship for the 722 lives she saved from the beaches in May 1940.
A truly unique and functional slice of history for your home or gallery. The ultimate talking piece as well as a sumptuous uplighter.
Sale details
If you are interested in this item please contact us for accurate shipping costs and we will ament the price based on where you live. It is also available for collection at our store in Worthing UK.
There are many more photos, historic notes and provenance details on this item what could not fit on this listing.
The purchaser will be provided with a digital copy of all of these.
Bygone Treasures
Contacting us
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Description
Coins
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