Lot 535

Description

Large (65mm) pin backed presentation badge in gilt and enamels, presented to James Richmond, Marine Superintendent, Port Jackson Steamship Company, in commemoration of the launching of the paddle steamer 'Port Jackson' (later renamed 'Brighton') at Rutherglen, Scotland in December 1882. Very fine. Extract from the 'Illustrated London News' of 28 April 1883: 'Passenger Steam-Boat For Sydney Harbour. A handsome saloon paddle-steamer, named the Brighton, has been built of steel by Messrs. T.B. Seath and Co., of Rutherglen, Glasgow, to the order of Messrs. McIlwrath, McEacharn, and Co., of London, for the Port Jackson Steam-Ship Company of Sydney, New South Wales. This vessel is intended for the passenger trade of Port Jackson, between the Circular Quay, Sydney, and Manly Beach. Her construction was designed and superintended by Mr. James Richmond, of Sydney. The dimensions are-length, 22 ft., breadth, 23 ft., and depth, 18 ft., to the saloon-deck. She is fitted with compound diagonal oscillating engines, of 1000-horse power, made by Messrs. A Campbell and Son, engineers, Glasgow. The vessel being double-stemmed, the steering gear can be applied to either end at will, an important advantage where quick and efficacious control is required, when manoeuvring in a crowded harbour. She has accommodation for 1200 passengers, and has attained a speed of seventeen miles an hour. In model and design the Brighton bears a close resemblance to the famous Columba, of the Clyde. She will be serviceable to the thousands who, as pleasure seekers or residents at Sydney, are daily accustomed to perform the journey between that city and Manly Beach, which is justly regarded as the Brighton of New South Wales. The steam-boat Brighton will unquestionably prove a great acquisition to the comfort and enjoyment of the Sydney people; and she is a proof of the local enterprise which has called her into existence.' The paddle steamer 'Brighton' carrying 1,200 passengers on the Manly ferry run was a familiar sight on Sydney Harbour for over thirty years before being reduced to a lighter in 1916. With copies of newspaper articles relating to Mr. Richmond and the ship's history and a glazed and framed print of the 'Brighton'.