Gold-Plated Bronze Commemorative Plaque: Canot de Sauvetage 'Pourquoi pas III'
Commemorative Plaque / Maritime Trophy · Yellow gold plating; appears as a rich, warm yellow tone over a cast metal base.
Purity: Likely 24K gold plating (vermeil or electroplated) over a base metal (bronze or brass); not solid gold.
Type
Commemorative Plaque / Maritime Trophy
Purity
Likely 24K gold plating (vermeil or electroplated) over a base metal (bronze or brass); not solid gold.
Gold Type
Yellow gold plating; appears as a rich, warm yellow tone over a cast metal base.
Weight
500 - 800 grams (combined weight of metal casting and wooden base estimated).
Description
A high-relief maritime commemorative sculpture mounted on a dark wood base. It depicts the 'Pourquoi pas III', a famous French all-weather lifeboat from the Saint-Malo station. The piece features a striking mirror-polished hull that captures and reflects light, contrasted against the detailed, textured superstructure depicting the vessel's windows, radar masts, and railings.
Key Features
3D relief casting of a specific historical rescue vessel; contrast between high-polish and matte gold surfaces; engraved identification plaque.
Color & Finish
High-polish mirror finish on the hull with a contrasting sandblasted/textured matte finish on the cabin and deck areas.
Hallmarks & Stamps
No purity hallmarks visible; inscription on the plaque identifies the subject as 'Canot de Sauvetage tous temps 'Pourquoi pas III' SNS 005 Saint-Malo'.
Dimensions Estimate
Approximately 25cm (length) x 12cm (width) for the wooden base; ship casting approx 20cm long.
Gemstones & Inlays
None; the item relies on texture-contrast metalwork for visual detail.
Clasp & Closure
Not applicable; wall-mounted or desktop trophy configuration.
Chain & Links
Not applicable; solid relief casting.
Craftsmanship Details
Lost-wax casting method likely used for the relief; professionally electroplated and hand-polished to achieve the dual-texture finish.
Authentication Indicators
The inscription provides provenance; the color variation at the edges suggests electroplated gold over a denser base metal rather than solid gold.
Origin & Maker
Saint-Malo, France; likely commissioned for the Societe Nationale de Sauvetage en Mer (SNSM).
Era & Period
Contemporary Maritime (Post-1990); based on the service dates of the SNS 005 lifeboat.
Age Estimate
Likely produced between 1990 and 2010 based on the vessel's operational history.
Cultural Significance
Represents the bravery of the French sea rescue volunteers; acts as a symbol of maritime heritage and lifesaving pride in the Brittany region.
Condition Notes
Very Good; some minor surface scratches on the high-polish hull and light dust accumulation in the textured crevices.
Value Estimate
Market value 150 - 300 EUR; value is based on maritime collectibility and artistic merit rather than intrinsic gold weight.
Care & Maintenance
Avoid abrasive cleaners which will strip the gold plating; use a soft microfiber cloth and mild soapy water for cleaning.
Similar Items
Cast bronze maritime trophies, silver-plated ship models, and commemorative naval medals.
Interesting Facts
The 'Pourquoi pas III' is an SNSM lifeboat; the name is a tribute to Jean-Baptiste Charcot’s famous polar exploration ship.