A presentation model of the Hasborough/Happisburgh Lifeboat, Huddersfield 1888

A presentation model of the Hasborough/Happisburgh Lifeboat, Huddersfield 1888. The 20-inch hull is carved and painted in blue and white with grab ropes attached to the red gunwales and has the RNLI logo painted on the bow and rudder. The detailed fittings include slatted bench side seats, footplates, thwarts, brass scuppers, a yoke tiller and both blue and white painted oars. The number 140 is painted within the life ring fixed to the bow. The mast and boom are unstepped and folded onto the seats with a furled sail and other details. A silver presentation plate is inscribed ‘Model of the “Huddersfield” Lifeboat, Stationed at Hasborough, under the management of the Royal National Lifeboat Institution, this model was presented by the Institution to J. Thomas Kilner Esq., 1888’. It is in the original glazed wooden case, with accompanying paperwork.

Provenance: Thomas Kilner and thence by descent.

Huddersfield No. 140 was donated by the town of Huddersfield and built by Forrest & Son. It was a self-righting lifeboat, length 34’ 1½” beam 7’ 6”, with two standing lugs, a jib and 10 oars. She went to Hasborough in 1887 and was withdrawn in 1906 unfit for sea service, but continued her service as a demonstration vessel until 1920.

Mr Kilner was the Honorary Secretary of the Huddersfield branch 1884-1894. Between him and his predecessor, Mr J. Harrison, voluntary contributions were sufficient to supply £700 towards this lifeboat. Considering the donations for 1872 were a mere £8, the accompanying paperwork is accurate in its description of him as ‘the Energetic Honorary Secretary’.