LLOYD H. THOMAS
Maine, 1910-1990
"Red Jacket" diorama. Depicts the famous clipper ship in the ice off Cape Horn on a passage from Australia to Liverpool in 1854, after an N. Currier print. Thomas created several dioramas in the 1930s of American clipper ships based on Currier & Ives prints. Signed and dated lower right "L.H. Thomas 39". Titled in lower margin.
Bas-relief wooden sails and hull and oil on panel, 18" x 24". Framed 19.5" x 25.75".
Notes:
The Red Jacket, the first ship of the White Star Line, was one of the largest and fastest clippers ever built, setting the speed record for an Atlantic crossing on her maiden voyage when she sailed from New York to Liverpool in 13 days, 1 hour, 25 minutes. She was designed by Samuel Hartt Pook, built by George Thomas in Rockland, Maine and launched in 1853. On her first voyage she was commanded by veteran packet ship captain Asa Eldridge of Yarmouth, Cape Cod, Massachusetts.

She sailed on the Australian immigrant trade route for several years, notably colliding with the British merchant ship Elizabeth Walker, which sank, but Red Jacket was able to rescue the crew. In 1872, Red Jacket became a lumber carrier from Quebec to London and in 1883 was sold to Blandy Brothers, a Portuguese shipping company, who used her as a coaling hulk. She dragged her anchors in a heavy gale and was driven ashore in 1885.

Several very small spots of oxidation, plus some areas where grain off the wood panel is showing through, otherwise no damages. The absence of a condition report does not imply an object is free of defects. All items may have normal signs of age and wear commensurate with their
age; these issues will likely not be mentioned in the condition report. Please contact Eldred's before the auction with any condition questions. Questions about condition will not be answered after purchase. Condition reports are provided as a courtesy, and we are not responsible for any errors or omissions. Important note on frames: Frames are not guaranteed to be in the same condition as they are in the item photograph. Due to handling and shipping, many frames, especially antique ones, are prone to losses. If you have questions about the condition of a frame, please contact us prior to the auction.