Suite of eight 1/1200th scale wooden models of Cunard Line l - Lot 228

Suite of eight 1/1200th scale wooden models of Cunard Line liners by Bassett-Lowke, including RMS Antonia, Queen Mary (2), Mauretania, Ausonia, Queen Elizabeth (2) and Caronia. Circa 1960 Size of display case: H. 48 cm W. 33 cm D. 16.5 cm Provenance: Derek Head Collection The RMS Queen Mary and Queen Elizabeth are also represented in polychrome wood and in the gray livery of a warship. Captain Derek Head VRD, FRIBA, DL, RNR was born in Malta in 1925. He joined the RNVR in 1942 and was awarded the Volunteer Reserve Decoration at the end of the war. His naval service and familiarity with the reconnaissance models produced by Bassett-Lowke led to a collector's passion that lasted 60 years, during which time he acquired a copy of virtually every model produced by the company, as well as a few comparable models by other contemporary modellers. Recognized as a world authority, his seminal book "Bassett-Lowke Waterline Ship Models" (Golden Age Editions 1996) is still the leading reference on these charming models.