Hand-Made Models Sold At Auction

Press, Volume CIII, Issue 30530, 27 August 1964, Page 6

Hand-Made Models Sold At Auction

“The Press” Special Service WELLINGTON, Aug. 26. A cut-away model of the United States nuclear submarine George Washington was among the collection of 300 hand-made models offered for sale at auction on behalf of Mr L. G. Donaldson.

The cutaway was once withdrawn from sale in the United States because it was sought by the Soviet Embassy. As well as ships, the collection includes aeroplanes, cars, knights in armour, coaches, and numerous other items. . The largest vessel is a 3ft model of the sailing ship Thermopylae, which took three months to make. The George Washington, about 2ft long, shows intricate below-decks details. When it was learned the model was sought by the Russians it was withdrawn from sale by order of the United States Navy. But the damage had been done, and after about six months it was released again. The. ships range from a Viking vessel, complete with oars, sails, and rowers, to the German battleship Bismarck. They include a hospital ship, tugs, aircraft carriers, the Queen Elizabeth, the Oriana, destroyers, cruisers, oil-tank-ers, freighters, and many others. Aeroplanes, in their dozens, include a hovercraft, biplanes and triplanes of the First World War, to helicopters, bombers and fighters of the Second World War, and modern jets.' About half the models were purchased when Mr Donaldson was in the United States, and were being sold because he is to return. ' . There are two Spartans, about Ift in height, in armed combat, medieval knights. Beefeaters from the Tower of London, arid a magnificent specimen of a Norman knight on his charger, complete with lance, sword and spear. Many of the items have movable parts.

Mr Donaldson said this was the second collection he has disposed of. The first, consisting of about 150 models, he gave away five years ago to friends and nephews. The present collection took five years to assemble. Will he be starting a third collection when he returns to the United States?

“Certainly, if my wife agrees—but there is the dust problem, which she doesn’t take to very much.” There were bargains to be had at the auction. Many models available in Wellington in kitset form went cheaply. The buyers were mostly men.