Happisburgh lifeboat model to sell at auction

The presentation model of the Huddersfield II is one of 272 nautical and maritime items up for auction

A model of an RNLI lifeboat which has been kept in the same family for nearly 140 years is being sold at auction.

The presentation model is based on the Huddersfield II, a lifeboat used by the Happisburgh RNLI in 1887.

The model is 20 inches (51cm) in size and is in "excellent condition" and is expected to sell for between £1,500 and £2,500.

Auctioneer Charles Miller said it was a "very decorative" object.

Lifeboat presentation models of this sort are presented to the chairman of the RNLI fundraising committee when the new lifeboat is officially launched.

The model was originally presented to J. Thomas Kilner and has stayed within the family ever since.

The presentation model was given to J. Thomas Kilner and has stayed in the Kilner family ever since

Alongside paintings, bells and other models it is one of 272 items in an action held on 14 November in London by auctioneers, Charles Miller Ltd.

The independent auctioneers specialise in marine, nautical, maritime and scientific antiques, historic collectables, paintings and works of art.

Charles Miller from Charles Miller Ltd, an independent auctioneers, said: "It was presented to a J. Thomas Kilner and a Kilner family member is selling it now... it's been part of the family for the last 140 years, which is a nice touch."

He has seen eight or nine of these models before, and has seen them previously sell for up to £3,000.

"It's a very decorative object in its own right, definitely a collector would go for it in its own right... I would like to think even the local museum," he said.

The Huddersfield II was in service for nearly 20 years

The Huddersfield II was used by the RNLI in Happisburgh in 1887 until 1906, replacing the original Huddersfield lifeboat which was in service for a total of 21 years.

The replica model has a carved and painted hull, an RNLI logo, finished with detailed fittings, sails, masts and is mounted in a wooden display case.

Alongside the model is a silver plate inscribed to J. Thomas Kilner Esq. including details of when it was presented to him in 1888.

The model is said to be near enough in the "exact" condition it would have been presented in.

Mr Miller said it was in such excellent condition you could tell it had not been sat on a windowsill as there was no sun damage.