MARTIN ELLIOTT HAND SCULPTED CLIPPER SHIP MASTHEAD STATUE 1842 BERINGER WINERY

We are presenting for sale an original MARTIN ELLIOTT hand sculpted CLIPPER SHIP SAILING SHIP MASTHEAD named LADY. 

Lady stands 7 feet 3" tall and has a maximum diameter of 3 feet. She is constructed of redwood.

Extensive documentation will be sent to the buyer along with LADY.

Martin Elliott was commissioned in 1842 by a shipping company in Gloucester, Massachussetts to sculpt a masthead for one of their sailing ships.  That sailing ship sank going around the Horn of South America. 

The shipping compnay paid off Mr. Elliot and he decided to completely finish the sculpture. Originally the sculpture did not have a finished back since it was designed to be a masthead attached to a ship's prow. However, around 1850 at his studio in San Rafael, California the artist carved the back of the statue so that she had hair, as it appears today.

In 1875, Lady was obtained by Jacob and Frederick Beringer.  They had just invested in 215 acres of land in St. Helena, California and started Beringer Vineyards.  They built a 17 room Victorian Mansion called Rhine House modeled after their family's home on the Rhine River in Germany.  This is where Lady resided for many years hanging above the Grand Foyer.  

In 1970, prior to Beringer Vineyards being sold to the Nestle Corporation, my father purchased Lady where she resided in his home in Oakland, California until 1997.  She then made the trip to Waldport, Oregon and has resided there until present where she has enjoyed viewing from my living room the spectacular Pacific Ocean on the Oregon Coast.

While I hate losing her my son's college education take priority.  This is a truly amazing piece worthy of the finest homes.

CONDITION

For being over 150 years old LADY is in excellent shape some minor age cracks in the base on the center belly region, but structurally in perfect condtion and nothing beyond minor cosmetic damage.

 DOMESTIC SHIPPING

The piece will either be hand delivered to you location or shipped by common carrier.  It will be professionally crated and fully insured. 

Shipping outside the United States will be at the buyer's arrangement and obligation.

All items sold by us are unconditionally guaranteed to be as described.  If you have any problems please contact us immediately and we will work to resolve them.  Customer Service is our top priority.