Objects of desire Starting gun


This is an authorised reproduction of L Francis Herreshoff’s original saluting cannon.These cannon are renowned for starting numerous America’s Cup races and international sailing events as well as being used by the US Navy for saluting and ceremonial purposes. They are handcrafted, carefully proportioned, exact replicas of the 9lb British Naval deck cannon down to the last detail. They fire a breech-loaded, 10-gauge black powder blank shell by striking the cascabel knob smartly with the hardwood mallet; then the empty shell is extracted by running the mallet handle down the bore. The carriage is solid teak and the cannon itself, weighing 19 lb and at 16in (41cm) in length, is made from bronze. There are other mountings available including on a winch or a rail. All black powder cannon are supplied with necessary tools for measuring the charge and loading (ramrod and powder shovel). A cherrywood display case is also available: cost, $1650 (c£1,000)


http://rbgcannons.com


Nelson’s chair Leica X1 camera


The Leica name is legendary for exacting engineering and brilliant lenses that capture subjects like no other camera. This X1 is a new compact model which aims to bridge the gap between pocket digitals and fully-specified DSLRs. It’s a beautiful piece of kit, with simple ergonomic controls and feels reassuringly weighty in the hand. It even comes with a top-mounting viewfinder. To be honest, with its shutter time lapse of three seconds or so it’s not for reportage, but as a compact it’s brilliant. Price is £1,395.


www.leica.com 26 CLASSIC BOAT JULY 2011


Admiral Nelson had a pair of cushioned chairs like this in the great cabin of HMS Victory which were a thoroughly comfortable seat at sea. He would sit with his secretary John Scott and deal with the day’s correspondence, apparently writing on a board across the arms. At least one of the chairs had pockets either side for in and out ‘letter trays’. This faithful reproduction of the original chair is from David Linley and features hand-stitched leather padding with lines of brass studding. With a beech frame on utile hardwood legs it is built to last, like the original which is still in Portsmouth Naval Museum. Costing £1,950 it’s 59cm (2ft) wide available in black, as here, or tan.


www.davidlinley.com


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