Description:

A VICTORIAN CAST BRONZE MODEL OF "CLEOPATRA'S NEEDLE," JOSEPH WHITLEY, LEEDS, ENGLAND, 1881, the scale model of the red Aswan granite obelisk ordered by the Pharoah Thutmose circa 1450 BC with hieroglyphic inscriptions on all four sides, mounted on stepped patinated bronze base, inscribed "JOSEPH WHITLEY, FOUNDER, LEEDS, 1881" and stamped on base: "JOSEPH WHITLEY, LEEDS 1881." Height: 43" Width: 8" Depth: 8" NOTE: In commemoration of Lord Nelson's victory at the Battle of the Nile and Sir Ralph Abercromby's at the Battle of Alexandria in 1801, the Ruler of Egypt and Sudan Muhammed Ali Pasha presented one of two obelisks ordered by the Pharoah Thutmose around 1450 BC to the government of The United Kingdom in 1819. Cut out of blocks of red Aswan granite and installed in the city of Heliopolis, the obelisks bear later hieroglyphic inscriptions commemorating the military victories of Ramesses II. In 12 BC the pair were "rediscovered" amongst the ruins of Heliopolis and by orders of the Roman Emperor Augustus were transported to Alexandria and reinstalled in the Caesareum. The gift of the obelisk, however, did not include funds for it's transport to England. It was not until 1877 with the underwriting of Sir William James Erasmus Wilson that the 69 foot tall obelisk began it's journey to London, where it was installed along the Victoria Embankment in the City of Westminster on September 12, 1878 atop a stepped Egyptian Revival style bronze base. Included within two time capsules secreted away in the new base was a model copy of the obelisk itself cast by the Joseph Whitley's foundry in Leeds. It is believed that an additional 16 similar copies were made by Whitley over the ensuing years, most of which appear to have been presented to English Societies between 1878 and 1884 as a personal gift of Joseph Whitley. The twin to London's obelisk is installed in New York's Central Park, where both are referred to as "Cleopatra's Needle."

  • Condition: In overall very good vintage condition with minor rubbing to the patination along edges and minor surface scratching to the obelisk and base, faint traces of gilding to tip of obelisk. Simpson Galleries strongly encourages in-person inspection of items by the bidder. Statements by Simpson Galleries regarding the condition of objects are for guidance only and should not be relied upon as statements of fact and do not constitute a representation, warranty, or assumption of liability by Simpson Galleries. All lots offered are sold "AS IS."

Accepted Forms of Payment:

Discover, MasterCard, Money Order / Cashiers Check, Personal Check, Visa, Wire Transfer

Shipping

**SIMPSON GALLERIES, DOES NOT PROVIDE SHIPPING SERVICES OR SIMPSON GALLERIES, DOES NOT PROVIDE SHIPPING SERVICES OR SHIPPING QUOTES. WE CAN REFER SUCCESSFUL BIDDERS TO A NATIONAL/INTERNATIONAL SHIPPER** Shipping may be secured through one of these two shippers or your prefered shipper. The UPS Store 5233 Bellaire Blvd. Bellaire, TX 77401 (713) 667-5116 Email: [email protected] or ACTS Crating & Transportation Services (713) 869-2269 Email: [email protected]

February 25, 2017 1:00 PM CST
Houston, TX, US

Simpson Galleries, LLC

You agree to pay a buyer's premium of 24.5% and any applicable taxes and shipping.

View full terms and conditions

Bid Increments
From: To: Increments:
$0 $499 $25
$500 $999 $50
$1,000 $1,999 $100
$2,000 $4,999 $250
$5,000 $9,999 $500
$10,000 $19,999 $1,000
$20,000 $49,999 $2,500
$50,000 $99,999 $5,000
$100,000 $199,999 $10,000
$200,000 + $25,000