Lot 4092

Description

Naval boat plates, HMAS Arunta (1) with older and bearded aboriginal kneeling to left and pointing the bone, rope pattern border and ensigned by naval crown (approx 175x130mm), made of bronze, c1945 - 1952; another unidentified features clipper ship head on with circular rope pattern border (165mm), made of leaden bronze, 1918-63. With all or most paint missing, otherwise fine - very fine. (2)

Boat plates are a smaller version of ship's plates and are fitted to the bows, port and starboard, of the ship's boats. The Arunta, a tribal class destroyer, is named for the Arunta (or Arrerente) aboriginal tribe. This design using an older aboriginal was never officially approved but was worn by the ship and its boats. A modified version of this design but with a younger aboriginal replaced it in 1952.