***THIS ITEM HAS NOW BEEN SOLD***
Oak Dresser From SS TRANSVAAL CASTLE
Officer's Quarters
Enduring John Brown Construction

A 3/4 forward view of the handsome dresser. Photo and copyright Peter Knego 2006.

Solid Clydebank Wooden Construction
Classic Joinery and Craftsmanship
37.5 Inches Tall
30 Inches Wide
21.5 Inches Deep
$500

At least one region of the ship was left unchanged from when she was built in 1961 by John Brown and Company of Clydebank as the TRANSVAAL CASTLE all the way until her beaching in India as BIG BOAT. The officer's quarters had almost all original wood furnishings (although some well-worn Carnival fixtures did show up here and there after various refits displaced them from the passenger spaces).

This beautiful dresser has a rich oak veneer, a formica top trimmed in stainless steel and original steel handles. The joinery is that magical tongue in groove that went back to early 20th century British tradition. There is a writing leaf that pulls out. Unfortunately, it has some writing on it which can be removed with some effort and the right cleaner. Also note, the sticker on the top drawer just needs a few shots of orange oil and will come right off. It has not damaged the varnish. I have not been able to polish up the veneer as nicely as I would like, but the condition is excellent, even if my photos leave something to be desired. This is the only one of these I will be selling and a rare chance to own a piece of the lovely old TRANSVAAL.

The chief safety officer's cabin when the ship was laid up at Freeport as SS THE BIG RED BOAT III. The dresser next to the bed is similar to the one offered here, but has slightly different handles. Photo and copyright Peter Knego 2002.

A slightly different angle. Photo and copyright Peter Knego 2006.

The formica top. Photo and copyright Peter Knego 2006.

A closeup of the joinery. Photo and copyright Peter Knego 2006.