White, John.

containing 29 full draughts (each with sheer or profile, half-breadth, and body plans) produced to varying levels of detail including deck arrangements and furnishing, mast positions, and decorative features, some with the vessel's name, scale, dimensions, dates, and other details (e.g. "The Rose | for the Poole Passage | J^{o Mantains | 30 Tons | 3/8 Scale", "Isaac Starbuck of gravesend on 1/2 Inch Scale"), also further incomplete or partial draughts, 8 detailed drawings of figureheads and ornamental stern decoration, and rough plans and diagrams, red and black ink and pencil, with mid-nineteenth century pencil notes by John Samuel White and other members of the family scattered throughout, including comments on some of the ships, 63 pages, plus blanks, large folio (300 x 480mm), c.1764-1810, contemporary half calf, covers heavily worn, loss at spine, hinges weak, some internal soiling and marginal tears, some adhesive tape repairs}

Condition is described in the main body of the catalogue, where appropriate
"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."

An exceptionally rare draught book with plans for a range of 18th century merchant vessels. These draughts will have been preparatory to the production of model ships, which were submitted for approval to the shipwright's prospective customer.

This volume of designs was produced by John White, an early member of a major British dynasty of shipwrights. His son moved from Kent to Cowes on the Isle of Wight and established a shipyard which grew throughout the nineteenth century and became a major producer of naval and merchant ships. Well over 2000 ships - from Destroyers to RNLI lifeboats - were built by White's of Cowes before the firm's closure in 1981.