Exceptional Scale “Golden Jubilee 1887” Racing Pond Yacht, formerly property of Queen Victoria

Object Description

A monumental Victorian racing pond yacht, dated 1887, built to an exceptional and highly unusual scale.

Constructed with a galvanised hull and retaining its original removable lead ballast weights, the yacht has a significant weight, indicative of its intended performance on the water. These were not lightweight models, but carefully balanced racing vessels, their mass working in conjunction with keel and rig to provide stability and speed.

Rigged with aged cotton sails, the yacht carries a deeply evocative surface, its weathered paint and oxidised tones speaking to long use.

The scale alone sets it apart. This is not a domestic model but a serious racing yacht, conceived at a time when pond yachting was a highly competitive and technically driven pursuit, with large lakes across Britain hosting organised races.

Now presented on a bespoke wooden stand, it holds a strong sculptural presence—the tall rig catching light beautifully, the hull carrying the layered patina of time.

A rare and incredible piece from the golden age of Victorian model yachting.

Object History

Provenance: Engineered by Great Western Railway’s steam engine works in Swindon as one of a pair, produced as commemorative pieces linked to significant moments in the life of Queen Victoria. The Great Western Railway were renowned for their engineering excellence, notably constructing the first royal railway carriage, and their involvement reflects the period’s close ties between industry, craftsmanship and ceremonial display during the height of the Industrial Revolution.

Acquired in 2018 at the outset of the dispersal of a long-held private collection formed by Richard Howard, founder of the Beale Park Model Boat Museum, one of the most significant collections of historic model yachts in the World. The yachts were sold at that point to his friend and fellow world-renowned pond yacht expert Paul Drewett, from whom they were subsequently acquired.

Object Condition

Great. Patination to hull. Later rigging.

Object Details