World War I

the four earliest signals relating to the Second Battle of Heligoland Bight, the majority relating to the surrender of the German Fleet, detailing the rendezvous with SMS Konigsberg carrying Admiral Meurer and his escort of "3 Naval Officers and 4 members of the Workmen's and Soldiers Council" and the subsequent negotiations, providing orders for the movement of U-boats in flotillas and the terms of their surrender in Harwich, the disarmament of aeroplanes, the repatriation of sailors, and the movement and internment of the fleet at Scapa Flow with attendant regulations from fuel supplies to numbers of caretaker crew, 68 pages, blue ink or pencil, one typed and signed by Captain W.H.D. Boyle, each with circular red ink date stamp of the Captain's Office, oblong 8vo, 19 November 1917 to 26 November 1918

This lot is in generally very good condition, with only some areas of minor browning and very light discolouration to a few sheets. There are occasional creases, nicks and small tears to the extremities of the sheets and along previous folds, in line with both the age and the nature of the thin paper. The documents are housed in three folders, each within a separate plastic pocket.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

A first hand record of the end of the war at sea, providing a wealth of detail about the management of the surrender of the German fleet. HMS Repulse was a battlecruiser launched in early 1916. She served in the far east during World War II and was sunk by the Japanese north of Singapore.