The GREAT BRITAIN iron steamship
Maker
Charles H Wood
Date1843
Object number00006807
NameScrimshaw shell
MediumNautilus shell
DimensionsOverall: 148 x 185 x 92 mm, 0.25 kg
ClassificationsDecorative and folk art
Credit LineANMM Collection
DescriptionThis nautilus shell features a carving of the ship SS GREAT BRITAIN by master engraver Charles H Wood (widely known as C H Wood).
The main inscription is in the centre of the shell and reads 'Description of the GREAT BRITAIN. This splendid vessel was launched at Bristol on the 19th day of July, 1843 and christened the GREAT BRITAIN, by his R.H. Prince Albert. She is one hundred feet longer than our largest line of battleship. Her length from figurehead to taffrail is 322 feet. Her extreme width is 50 feet 6 inches. She is near 4000 tons. Her four engines has the power of a 1000 horses. Her three boilers contain two hundred tons of water. Her pumps are capable of throwing 7000 gallons per minute. She has 24 fires rising from 70 to eighty tons of coal daily. Her cost of building & fitting up is estimated at from 90,000 to 100,000l. Drawn & engraved by C.H. Wood, with a pen knife, 1843'.
HistoryThe engraver Charles H Wood is said to have executed his first public carving as a presentation to Queen Victoria, "In January of the year 1845 Her Majesty presented to a mechanic named Charles Wood, residing in Harp Court, Farrington Street, London, a proof print of Hayter's celebrated picture of the coronation in a beautiful gilt frame, richly ornamented with leaves, in return for a nautilus shell on which were engraved arms of the GREAT BRITAIN and GREAT WESTERN Steamships, the Royal Arms and other devices, all executed with only one instrument, namely a pen-knife."
Although other shell were subsequently presented to the Lord mayors of London and York, it is unclear whether Wood's productions were solely intended for individual presentation or whether some were actually sold for profit.
In 1843, GREAT BRITAIN was first launched as an excellent vessel that revolutionised passenger travel by using new technology, including an iron hull, screw propeller and a massive steam engine. Scrimshaw art depicting GREAT BRITAIN were popular items of souvenirs at the time, especially with on-board passengers.
SignificanceTraditionally scrimshaw was carved on whale bone or teeth and produced onboard 19th century whaling vessels. However, this piece was designed in the style of whalers' scrimshaw as a presentation souvenir. Similar engravings on shells are known to have been sold by the artist in New York.
before 1950
