Plank "King Edward VII" Clockwork Battleship Germany, circa 1905

Made for the English market, Plank painted this boat in two shades of green and cream white with gold piping on the hull. Upper deck superstructure centers twin funnels flanked by two masts, the fore one features a covered gun emplacement over a railed, topside enclosed bridge having five-panel front with cut rectangular windows which allows for a full view on three sides. Other features include two stairs to an upper deck that is mounted with six small guns. The deck lifts off to reveal the clockwork mechanism. Details include deck-mounted compass and six additional guns on the lower deck. Bow is fitted with a figurehead flanked by plaques marked "King Edward VII." Clockwork mechanism concealed in hull.



 

Length: 28 inches

Railing, lifeboats and davits missing; minor wear to hull.
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.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

The HMS King Edward VII was a pre-dreadnought battleship and the lead of the King Edward VII class of Royal Navy Ships. She was launched in 1903 and commissioned by the Royal Navy in 1905. She began her career in 1907 as part of the Channel Fleet and when World War I broke out was reassigned to the "Grand Fleet" where she served as the squadron flagship until her loss. The HMS King Edward was sunk on 6 January 1916 when she hit a German mine off the coast of Cape Wrath, Scotland.