| UK. Sotheby’s surprise with withdrawal of Churchill’s funeral barge from auction |
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| Thursday, 15 December 2005 | |
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Marian Martin The Havengore, which carried the body of Sir Winston Churchill, on the River Thames during the state funeral of January 30, 1965. was withdrawn from sale by Sotheby's today, after failing to reach its reserve. The hydrographic survey boat, which was commissioned, in 1954, from Toughs Boatyard, carried Churchill’s coffin on its aft deck, on a velvet cushion bearing the insignia of the Most Noble Order of the Garter. During the voyage, the Havengore flew the flag of The Lord Warden of the Cinque Ports and, as she passed, dockland cranes dipping their jibs in silent tribute. Sotheby’s has expected the Havengore to fetch at least £1 million at auction, after being advised – according to a Sotheby’s “Churchilliana” expert – that the 26.5 metre vessel was worth £750,000, without any added value from its illustrious history. Classic vessel experts were, however, not entirely in accord with that valuation and somewhat surprised when Sotheby’s withdrew the Havengore from sale, when bidding petered out at £780,000. |
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| Last Updated ( Thursday, 15 December 2005 ) |
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