38800   Abyssinia                           Deck Plan

Extremely rare 19th Century Cunard deck plan for the Abyssinia and Algeria.  The Abyssinia was completed for Cunard in 1870 and left their service in 1889.  The Algeria was finished the same year and was sold in 1881.  The deck plan measures 4” x 2½”.  One side is a rendering of the ship, and the opposite side is the cabin accommodations.  Two of these plans are available.  What’s interesting is that the renderings on each deck plan is different -- one shows the ship with sails set, and the other shows the liner under steam.  Excellent condition and one of the earliest deck plans you’ll see for any company.  $295 each.

Super Stratton compact from the Ascania.  In great condition and never used.  Complete with the cardboard insert from Stratton.  Completed in 1925 as the fifth of Cunard's "A" Class ships that served Canada, the Ascania had a long a varied career.  This grand old Cunarder was finally retired in December, 1956.  $145.

SOLD!

Some of the best souvenirs on the old liners were specially targeted to smokers, including this brass ashtray with a fully enameled Cunard logo complete with the name RMS Aquitania in the center.  No loss or cracking to enamel.  In great condition.  $95.

Mint condition log cards.  I have a quantity of these from the 1930's available.  Various dates.  $15 ea.

SOLD!

Her "bible" if you will.  I am pleased to be able to offer this special edition of The Shipbuilder magazine for Aquitania for the first time.  I have had them for other great ships but never for Aquitania.  It was a treat just to browse through it!  Only the most important ships got their own special hard-backed edition of this magazine.  Covers all things Aquitania in great detail.  Have a specific question?  Need to know a technical detail?  Wish you had plans, side elevations, and specs?  There is nothing like the original.  It has a quality that a reprint just cannot touch.  The color plates alone are quite impressive.  If you are a model maker or researcher you need this book.  In excellent condition with some slight scuffing to covers.

49908         Aquitania                            Brochure

Judging from the ships, mentioned this brochure dates to 1914.  32 pages with one image per page.  Huge amount of information about the rooms and heavy concentration on the decorative style with a lot of information about which period rooms were copied from where.  Covers first, second, and third-class. Extensive talk of her lifeboats and water tight compartments in the light of Titanic being so recent in memory.  Very good condition with an old fold on the back cover and the owners name in pencil on the top.  Tied with a silk cord.  $245.

SOLD!

This is my favorite brochure for the Aquitania.  It runs 24 pages with many full-page photos for both first and second class.  Cunard did this brochure in several “versions,” each with similar interior layout but some slight differences in the photos shown.  They also used different cover art, usually by the famous Fred Hoertz.  This example is the best of the best, being both earlier in the 1920‘s and sporting the most interesting arrangement of views than other versions.  Among the spaces seen are the details of the grill room, the gym, the garden lounges, and many more.  These photos are crisp and would scan well.  Brochure is in near-mint condition and highly sought after for this much-loved ship.  John Maxtone-Graham calls her "Cunard's White Star liner."  I don't think that's strong enough.  You could call her "Cunard's Copy of Olympic." 

SOLD!

Cunard's ubiquitous celluloid cigarette box.  They produced these for all the ships in the post-war era, including the Georgic which was strictly on austerity service.  Their status as post-war souvenirs (or just prior to the war) makes me conclude that this example dates to the late 1940's.  Sold in the on-board gift shops, these only fit non-filtered smokes.  Good condition with some discoloration around the edges.  One of the earliest I've ever carried.  Everyone loves Aquitania; so I would buy it quickly.  $95.

Gilt and enamel lapel pin with hand-painted image of Aquitania at sea.  Oddly, despite her many years of service, I haven't come across many pins like this for her.  Measures about 1½" across.  In mint condition.  One of the best I've seen.  $185.

SOLD!

Is it just me, or are there fewer Cunard woven in silk cards available these days?  They just don't seem to turn up often.  This lovely example for Aquitania is unused and in excellent condition.   $145.

SOLD!

If you like loose-leaf tea, here's the spoon to measure it with.  From her on-board gift shop.  Measures 3" in length.  During the Queen Elizabeth's last years of service, it was noted by a reporter that the vast quantities of loose wet tea leaves being dumped in the kitchen sinks day after day was constantly clogging the plumbing so Cunard switched to tea bags.  Very good condition with no plate loss except where it rested on the back.  No damage to the enamel.  The best condition I have seen.  $85.

It's nice to find souvenirs for her that date to the pre-merger period, especially ones that are in such good condition.  Probably dates to the 1920's.  Excellent condition.  $125.

49765                    Berengaria                           Brochure

I love being able to say “near mint condition,” and that’s the best way to describe this desirable first-class brochure for Berengaria.  Dating to the early 1920’s, Cunard crowed: “It is an oft-repeated saying, and one not always justified in actual truth, that on certain ships one can hardly appreciate the fact that one is at sea.”  The brochure mentions that she was recently converted to oil fuel which occurred in 1921.  Runs 20 pages and sports either a full-page or half-page view on each page.  Not one I have offered before.  $225.

49222                Berengaria                            Deck Plan

Cunard’s postwar flagship until the Queen Mary entered service.  Measures about 36” x 31” when opened.  Some typical small tears at the folds and edges, but none are over 1”.  It would frame beautifully.  $225.

49655                 Bergengaria               Souvenir Powder Box

Until I picked up this box and the one from Georgic that is also here on LLR, I did not realize that butter-fly wing reverse-painted souvenirs were produced in the 1930’s.  I had only ever noticed those made in the 1950's.  This example for Berengaria is quite interesting because of their being almost no loss to the iridescence of the wings but also because it contains its original powder and puff!  Needless to say never seen another.  $195.

49388                  Berengaria                             Spoon

Souvenir enamel spoon as sold in the onboard gift shops of the famous Berengaria.  Dates to the 1920’s.  Stupendous Cunard logo surmounting the spoon.  Slight manufacturing flaw in the enamel which does not detract and is hardly noticeable.  I only mention it to be complete.  $165.

The Engineering issue produced for Cunard's display at the World's Columbian Exposition in Chicago of 1893 (the World's Fair held to celebrate Columbus's 400th anniversary of his famous voyage).  You all know how revered these Engineering issues are.  They are treasure troves of information and photos.  They did not disappoint when covering Cunard's famous new vessels.  Their huge engines for example, get full double-page spreads.  The interiors are not left out of this extensive record of these famous ships.  40 pages of text and photos are devoted to the vessels.  Then numerous plates follow with many double spreads, including the full set of deck plans.  Another 100 pages are devoted to the amazing and massive Exposition.  In very good condition with both the cover and spine being tight.  We never see these.  Even the re-prints are tough to find, and this is the original.  $450.

49444                  Campania                 Souvenir Plate

This plate proclaims “Peace & Happiness” just in time for the new year of 2013!  A Cunard Steamship souvenir plate from the 1890's.  Campania and Lucania represented in all manor of English Heraldry including the Tudor Rose, the thistle, and the official coat of arms of the UK, whose motto for the Order of the Garter is spelled out for us “Evil to him who evil thinks” -- all surmounted by the crown.  Measures about 8¼” in diameter.  No chips or cracks but crazed overall.  A nice plate which displays well.  $245.

Silver souvenir spoon dating to the 1920's and prior to the CWS merger.  In excellent condition with no issues with the enamel.  $70.

33511  Carmania (1905)                   Post Card

How would you like to have to clean this up?  The destruction on the bridge of Carmania after her famous engagement during World War I with the Cap Trafalgar, which was ironically painted to look like Carmania!  The Carmania "fought" with herself.  One wonders if they repaired the telegraphs or if they had to be replaced.  Great card!  Unused.  Bumped corners.  $30.

Sterling silver souvenir spoon.  Fully hallmarked.  Made in Birmingham in the late 1960's.  Mint condition.  $45.

The finest brochure ever produced for the "pretty sisters" Caronia and Carmania.  Sporting 30 pages, every photo takes up a full page!  Tied with a silk cord, the brochure almost certainly dates to the pre-WWI period.  Both first and second class are covered with such interesting views as the pursers desk, the music room, a suite, and the galley, to name a but a few.  In excellent condition with some slight browning to the edge of the covers.  A lovely embossed Cunard logo on the cover.  $195.

SOLD!

Cabin-class deck plan for Caronia.  Featuring nine photos of the ship's first-class spaces.  No date, but is from the time she was on the Liverpool-Belfast-Quebec service.  Measures about 29” x 19½”.  $40.

Impressive and well-made pre-war sterling silver and enamel souvenir spoon.  The "pretty sisters" also had great gift shop items.  Measures about 4” long and in near mint condition.  $125.

Perhaps because of post-war difficulties, the entry into service of Caronia was not marked by the typical Engineer or Shipbuilder one would have expected.  (The Queen Elizabeth did not have one either.)  This trade magazine called "Ships" is in English, French, and Spanish and is your only major source for all things Caronia.  I used my personal copy for extensive fact checking and as an interesting source for first-hand period information while writing my own Caronia book with Bill Miller.  It is all here -- specifications, technical details, engine room facts, deck plans, and, of course, a complete description of the passenger accommodation.  The Caronia section covers 51 pages and includes far too many rare and unseen photos and illustrations to list, including a number of her interiors in full color.  The rest of the magazine, which runs 157 pages (not counting 87 pages of advertisements!), is filled with a review of the British Maritime Industries and cover such topics as Shipbuilding in Britain, British Passenger Liner Services, Ship Furnishing and Equipment, Ship and Engine Design, and British Ship Repairing, to name but a few.  Like the Shipbuilder, the advertisements really take this issue up a notch.  This is Caronia’s "bible" and quite rare.  Some spine damage but the issue is tight and clean inside with no pages coming out.

49288   Caronia (1949)                      Brochure, 1962 Med Cruise

Cunard produced five styles of brochures for most of Caronia’s cruises -- hardback booklets, soft-cover glossy brochures in full-color with inserted deck plans and full passage rates, fold-over non-glossy brochures with rates, standard rack-size brochures with rates, and small travel-agency style “flyers.”  This is the glossy brochure for Caronia’s Spring Mediterranean Cruise of 1962 and includes its original inserted full deck plan.  13 full-color glossy photos of her interiors and exteriors.  In excellent condition and showcasing one of the best covers that Cunard ever put together for a Caronia brochure.  Buy it for the brochure but get the deck plan too!  $65.

49500   Caronia (1949)                     Brochure, 1964 World Cruise

This is the sought-after glossy brochure for the 1964 world circumnavigation.  95 days, 31,400 miles, and as usual, east bound.  17 full color glossy shots of Caronia and life onboard.  Some really great classic Cunard shots of food and table service.   Very good condition with paper from another ship brochure stuck to part of the travel agent stamp section.  $35.

49101   Caronia (1949)                     Brochure, 1957 World Cruise Foldover

This 34,000-mile "jaunt" lasted 108 days, just like the 1956 cruise before it, and as usual for Caronia, she went the “wrong way” around, sailing eastbound and losing time instead of gaining it on the voyage.  While not as bad as jet lag, losing time on eastbound ships is still a bit tiresome especially if you like night life.  In excellent condition and printed in April, 1956.  $25.

"The exquisite new Caronia deserts the transatlantic lanes for the winter to take you on her longest, most-thrilling voyage all the way around the world."  Full-color foldout with complete deck plans for the Caronia's first full World Cruise in 1951.  The brochure is dated 10-1950.  7 full-color images of the ship (and some for the ports) make this a must have for any Caronia fan.  These long cruises were her bread and butter, and today the brochures for them are quite collectable.  $40.

RESTOCKED!

Nice full-color brochure produced for Caronia.  Twelve images for her interiors and exteriors.  Measures 16" x 18" inches.  Very good condition.  I had 10 of these!  You guys cleaned me out and this is my last one.  $35.

Own a piece of the ship!  These fantastic Caronia cabin clocks (of which there were about 570 onboard) were all connected to the ship's master clock on the bridge.  Thus the captain could have all the clocks on the ship advanced or retarded at once as the vessel moved through the time zones around the world.  This clock was made by the Mercer Clock Company and is identical to those still found on the Queen Mary today.  Identical ones were used throughout the Cunard fleet.  Fortunately for us, some of the clocks from Caronia were saved when the ship was opened to buyers in 1974 and everything went up for sale.  This clock has been converted to run on a AAA battery and still works.  In excellent condition.  Here is another chance to use your memorabilia! 

(The inset shows a cabin clock in use in a remodeled suite on board Caronia.)

Dating to August of 1965, this style of plan is often seen for the Queens but rarely seen for Caronia.  Lots of interior photos.  In great condition.  $25.

Perhaps one of you out there can tell me why Cunard bothered to make so many temporary plans in the post-war period, even after the ship was in service.  Here's a temporary plan for first class in her transatlantic configuration, dated March, 1951.  In excellent condition save for a 3 inch tear on the back page.  From the Frank Braynard Collection.  $15.

Looking for the entire set of Caronia temporary deck plans?  I have found another cabin class plan so collect all three!  Like most of these plans this is dated October 1948, just prior to Caronia's entry into service.  Excellent condition.    $25. 

23451   Caronia (1949)                     Deck Plan

Color-coded cruise plan for the "Green Goddess."  Not dated, but dates prior to the 1965 refit.  Measures 37" x 24".  Excellent condition.  $10.

Exceedingly rare deck plan for the Caribia.  Almost nothing ever shows up for Caronia’s abortive attempt to be a flag-of-convenience cruise ship.  She only completed one cruise, and that was a disaster with massive amounts of guest complaints.  It appears that, to save money, Universal Cruise Line used the standard old Cunard deck plans for the ship and had them printed up with her new name and new deck names.  Very little else is changed.  When opened, measures about 37” x 24½”.  A single crease in one corner otherwise near mint condition with no tears or pin holes.  Grab it while you can because finding another will be tough!  $50.

Universal Cruise Line had neither the money nor the inclination to re-key all of the cabins on Caribia.  Thus the Cunard tags were removed from the original steel keys and replaced with large plastic blocks with the ship's name and the cabin number.  The fob is oversized to discourage anyone from accidentally taking the keys home with them!  M-86 was a beautiful, large interconnecting old first-class cabin on the port side.  This is a rare chance to own a key from the ship, not to mention the scarcity of anything dating from her time as Caribia.   Measures about 9½” long.  In great condition.

Dinner menu from Caronia’s coastal delivery cruise from the Clyde to Southampton Saturday, December 18, 1948.  On board were 415 guests, including most of the Cunard Board and their relatives and most famously H.R.H. the Duke of Edinburgh.  Given that rationing was still in effect in the UK, the selections on the menu are a bit sparse.  It is nearly impossible to find anything for her Coastal Cruise, and it represents Caronia at her best.  Probably the earliest menu you will ever see for her.  Was once folded and has a small 1” tear at the fold.  This same menu cover was also used on the maiden voyage.  $40.

The 1966 world cruise of Caronia was the next to last that the liner ever made.  Captain Law was in command of this great jaunt, which departed New York on Saturday, January 9, 1966.  Clara Macbeth, who famously lived onboard for many, many years, is predictably on the list.  The color glossy flyer for this same cruise is also included and gives us the route and details of some of the ports as well as the fares.  The flyer features 7 small color photos of the ship.  Both pieces in excellent condition with a spot or two on the cover of the list.  $35.

The last of Caronia’s legendary world cruises.  Captain Law in command.  Clara Macbeth, who famously lived onboard for many, many years, is predictably on the list.  The flyer for this cruise is also included and gives us the fares.  Both pieces in excellent condition with some writing on the cover to the list.  $45.

Amazing shot of Moran tugs at the stern of Caronia on one of the few times she was in NYC with ice in the Hudson.  I think this image is 1963.  Measures 8" x 10".  Stamp on the back indicates it is from the public relations department of Moran Towing.  Frank Braynard collection.  Very good condition with a slight tear at top of photo.  Does not affect image.  $30.

The images from the 12-pack set are harder to find than the standard photo postcard sets you often see for her.  I suspect this is the onboard librarian, and this is one of the few times I have seen the bookcases open.  $20. 

Useful Stratton lapel pin of the famous Green Goddess.  Oddly marked "imitation Stratton" on the back.  Near mint condition.  I have one just like it in my personal collection.  $65. 

38060   Cephalonia                      Passenger list

Passenger list for the Cunarder Cephalonia, dated June 17, 1899.  This was one of her final voyages for Cunard.  By September, she had completed her final voyage and was then used as a Boer War transport.  Great condition with some slight staining on the inside.  Captain W.H. Pierce in command.  $75.

38597   Etruria                       Passenger List

Passenger list for the Etruria, dated July 23, 1904, under the command of Captain Warr.  Aboard for this voyage from New York to Liverpool was James McCubbin, who would later lose his life in the Lusitania disaster.  Included is a list of proposed sailings as well as a list of Record Passages and Fastest Ocean Steaming -- all held by Cunarders, of course!  Excellent condition.  $60.

Cunard really loved these butterfly-wing souvenirs.  This one for Franconia, a beloved name in the Cunard fleet particularly for her round-the-world cruises.  In very good condition with a slight loss of iridescence around the edges.  $45.

Sterling silver souvenir spoon.  Fully hallmarked.  Made in Birmingham in the late 1960's.  Mint condition.  $45.

Ivernia souvenir plate in milk glass.  This plate is in good condition, considering it is now over 100 years old.  It has the typical “pitting” to the applied painting seen on almost all examples of this type of plate, but fortunately, it doesn’t affect the ship much.  Pre-WWI souvenirs for Cunard are getting tough to find.  $95.

One of the first accounts of the sinking published by a survivor.  Written in four parts and released in 1915 by Lusitania survivor Charles Lauriat, Part I gives Lauriat's first-hand account of the sinking as he wrote it home to his relatives on May 12, 1915.  Part II goes into more detail about the voyage.  Part III are extracts from the Frankfurter Zeitung, a German newspaper, giving the German perspective.  Part IV is the formal report of the sinking as issued by the Mersey Inquiry.

Lauriat's own bookstore sticker on the inside.  Former owner's book plate on inside front cover.  Excellent condition.  $95

Amazing and highly sought after 32-page brochure for Lusitania and Mauretania in a very Art Nouveau style.  Contains 24 photos, and the brochure is unusual in that it tells us on what voyages all the images were taken.  Considering this is a Cunard-produced brochure, it amazes me how many of the photos are misidentified as Mauretania when they are Lusitania and vice versa.

To quote the brochure:  "The hulls below draught line are divided into 175 water-tight compartments, which make [the ships] unsinkable.”  Hmmm....  I wonder what Cunard would have said about this the day after Lusitania sank....

One of the finest brochures Cunard ever produced for these two flyers!  In good condition with some tears to the cover on the spine and edges.  Contents is fine.  $195.     

Exceedingly rare second-class deck plans and rate schedule for 1913.  Lusitania and Mauretania, of course, take top billing, but rates and plans are also included for Caronia, Carmania, and the aged Campania.

One of the most interesting things about this brochure for me is that it gives you the opportunity to compare second class on Lusitania and Mauretania.  They were the same size and general layout but there are some interesting differences.  Also, considering the non-inflated value of money at the time, the summer rates for a crossing were quite expensive.  The brochure is dated January, 1913.  Also included is general passenger information, rail fares to various ports, and rates for connections on to places as far away as Calcutta, Manila, and New Zealand.  There is an ad for the Franconia and Laconia service from Boston.  Aquitania is listed on the back cover as “building.” Has been folded and has one small tape repair on the back cover and a quarter-inch tear on the front cover. 

The famous Lusitania medallion produced as a propaganda piece by the British.  These were originally sold for a shilling each back in 1916 with proceeds going to the Red Cross and St. Dunstan's Blinded Soldiers' and Sailors' Hostel.  In very good condition with a touch of rust.  Measures about 2" in diameter.  $45. 

Souvenir portrait paperweight as sold in her on-board gift shop.  Somewhere down in the sand off the Old Head of Kinsale there are probably paperweights like this one.  This example is in better shape that any at the wreck!   In good condition with some paint loss.  $85.

SOLD!

Cunard made some very cool post cards in the pre-World War I era.  They were called bas relief cards, and had an almost 3D effect because of their very heavy embossing.  The furniture and some of the features of the room stand out and give a nice effect.  This one shows us the lounge in all its glory.  Unused and in very good condition with slight bumping to the corners.  $95.

Hard-to-find color rendering card of the Verandah Cafe on board Lusitania and Mauretania.  It would have been a lovely room to have tea in on a calm summer crossing.  In the winter, not so much!  Unused and in very good condition.  $55.

SOLD!

Very rare card of Lusitania on the stocks.  She had one of the most graceful hulls of any liner.  Written on and posted on July 9, 1906, about a month after the launch.  In good condition with some discoloring on the front and dirt on the back.  $95.

Lovely card of Lusitania as she appeared on her trials.  Cunard logo and house flag at the top and the ship's statistics at the bottom.  Part of the Rival Photographic series.  Written on and posted.  In very good condition.  $50.

She was an absolute beauty!  Stunning real photo card of Lusitania getting ready for the first of her sea trials.  Look at the smoke belching form the first funnel!  Very clear image and would scan and blow up beautifully.  Two of these cards available.  One has the ship's statistics on the reverse.  The other is written on and posted to a sailor on the H.M.S. Hindustan on July 12, 1907.  $125 each.

Reverse glass painting of the ill-fated Lusitania.  Probably produced as a propaganda piece as it mentions her being torpedoed without warning.  In good condition.  Measuring about 9½” x 8”.  $125.

What was this little gem used for?  Measuring about 1½" high, perhaps it's a tooth pick holder.  This bone-china souvenir was made by Carlton China in Stoke on Trent with full marks on the base.  Particulars of the sinking on the back.  It is hard to tell for sure, but I believe the ship's image might be hand painted.  At least some portions are including the bow wave and her funnels.  Funnel No. 2 has a slight painter's flaw.  There is some slight wear to the gold rim as well.  Otherwise excellent condition and very rare.  $245. 

Difficult-to-find souvenir spoon as sold in the gift shop of Lusitania.  Sterling silver and made by Elkington.  Date coded to 1908.  (Please keep in mind that Elkington sterling date codes are different from those used for silver plate.)  The spoon is surmounted by an absolutely stunning 3-D Cunard logo with the ill-fated liner's name engraved into the bowl.  One of the best souvenir items you can get for any company.  Beautiful classic design.  These were only made, it seems, for the mainline pre-World War one ships.  Measures 5" in length.  Near-mint condition.  $395.

SOLD!

Letter written on board Lusitania.  Discusses things like the Irish women coming on board and selling lace to the passengers.  Not dated.  Finding letters written on board is getting tough to do.  Superb engraving of the ship at the top.  $245.

SOLD!

Unused piece of stationery from one of the most famous liners ever to sail.  Wonderful engraving of Lusitania at the top.  Mint condition.  $75.