1914 Improved Britannic Anchor WW1

Description:

This listing is for a full sized R Sykes and Sons Improved Britannic Anchor c1914. There are only 2 of these anchors known to exist. Even Museums only have scale models.

It is my understanding that R Sykes and sons got the contract for there latest design of anchor to be fitted to the hmhs Britannic. This anchor was called "the improved britannic anchor". The anchor is different from other stockless anchors because it has a ball joint that allows the shank to rotate 360 degrees. The Britannic was Titanics sister ship. The story i heard was that Hingleys (makers of titanics anchors)  lost out on the contract for Britannic to R Sykes and Sons. The new design made theirs out dated, so Hingleys bought R Sykes and Sons to stop the improved britannic anchor being produced.

This was what i have been able to find out. But as with most rarities, the information available is quite sparse. If it does tie to the Britannic, its worth 6 figures easily but i dont have the time or enthusiasm to keep looking. There are definitely only 2 that are known to exist. The other is owned by Ancorasuites. The anchor was originally from the seabed at Southampton. When the sea floor was carved to allow the big freight liner to dock, this was one of the recovered items.

The anchor will need some TLC, it has had paint and resin applied which is flakey. If bead blasted, it will come up lovely but please be aware it will need stripping and refinishing. It is different colours underneath and Black where i could paint it. Please see last pictures. There is no chain with the anchor. Collection only - i can arange local delivery. It will need a hiab to lift.