Happisburgh RNLI lifeboat model to go under the hammer

The 20-inch presentation model is based on the Huddersfield II lifeboat used by Happisburgh RNLI in 1887 and is expected to sell at auction for between £1,500 and £2,500.

Lifeboat presentation models are presented to the chairman of the RNLI fundraising committee when a new lifeboat is officially launched.

A model of a RNLI Happisburgh Huddersfield II lifeboat (Image: Charles Miller Ltd)

The model was originally presented to J. Thomas Kilner in 1888 and it has been kept in his family for 135 years.

It is one of 272 items being auctioned off in London on November 14 by independent auctioneers Charles Miller Ltd.

READ MORE: Flood warning for north Norfolk as Storm Ciarán hits region with rain and 70mph winds

“It is in mint condition and it’s a very clean example with its original cases on,” Charles Miller from independent auctioneers Charles Miller Ltd, said.

“Back then there were an awful lot more lifeboat stations around the country and they all had fundraising committees to save for the next boat.

"The chairmen of those committees were presented with these models to say ‘thank you very much, well done’.

“They’re very decorative little models.”

Charles Miller (Image: Charles Miller)

He expects the model to be sold to a RNLI collector and has previously seen similar ones sell for up to £3,000.

The Huddersfield II was used by the RNLI in Happisburgh from 1887 until 1906. It replaced the original Huddersfield lifeboat which was in service for 21 years.

READ MORE: Row over plans to build 179 new homes around school in small Norfolk village

The model is accompanied by a silver plate inscribed to J. Thomas Kilner Esq. which reads: ‘Model of the Huddersfield lifeboat stationed at Happisburgh’.

It will be part of a maritime and scientific models, instruments and art auction.

The silver plate accompanying the model inscribed to J. Thomas Kilner Esq (Image: Charles Miller Ltd)