Nautilus shell

Nautilus shell. It is engraved within a border of leaves: ‘The Great Britain and Great Western. These magnificent steam ships were built at Bristol by the Great Western Steam Ship Compy. The Great Western was the first ship regularly laid down, launched, equipped and sent to sea for the purpose of establishing a steam line between England and America. The Great Britain was launched on the 19th July 1843 and christened by his Royal Highness Prince Albert. In size rigging and construction the Great Britain differs from every other steamer or vessel of any kind which has ever crossed the Atlantic. She is the largest ship in the world. She is built of iron and she is propelled by the screw instead of paddles. Her four engines have the power of 1000 horses.’ The inscription is flanked by the plume of feathers badge of the Prince of Wales with the motto: ‘ICH DIEN’ and the arms of the United States of America. The two ships are depicted on the side of the shell. Below the ‘Great Western: ‘Length 256 ft. Breadth 59 ft. Depth 23 ft. Tonnage 1700.’ Below the ‘Great Britain’: ‘Length 322 ft. Breadth 51 ft. Depth 32 ft. Tonnage 3590.’ On the side of the shell: ‘THE whole of the embellishment on the beautiful NAUTILUS shell have been executed with nothing more than a common pen knife and a facsimile of the one graciously accepted by her Majesty Queen Victoria Jany 1845. The little nautilus with purple pride / Expands its radiant wings and dances o’er the tide. Presented as a tribute of respect to W.E. Belot [?] C.H. WOOD.’ Also shown are the Royal Arms, with the mottos: ’HONI SOIT QUI MAL Y PENSE’ and ‘DIEU ET MON DROIT.’

Object number: OBJ0473
Date: after 1845
Artist: C. H. Wood
Dimensions: 508 mm x 405 mm