| | Thumbnail | | Creator | Date | Title / Author / Date / Location | Price | | | Description |
| 1108 |  | Details | Steam Tug Agency | 1856 |
| Rate Sheet and Invoice for Maltese Steam Tug Dragon |
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Steam Tug Agency |
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| 1856 |
| LOC:0 |
| $260.00 | Steam-Tug-Agency | Rate-Sheet-and-Invoice-for-Maltese-Steam-Tug-Dragon | Fascinating piece of mid-nineteenth century Maltese maritime history. Tugboat rate sheet with manuscript invoice for towing services performed by the steam tug "Dragon". The Dragon was a 40 horsepower paddle-wheel steam tug operating out of the port of Valetta, Malta, then a part of the British Empire.
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…. "the arrival of steam propulsion opened a new chapter in the history of Maltese maritime trade. The port of Valletta became an important bunkering station and this position was further strengthened with the opening of the Suez Canal in 1869.<br>
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The ‘Dragon’ was one of the earliest steam tugboats operating in the Grand Harbour and Marsamxett. She
arrived at Malta from Newcastle early in December 1855 and on arrival she was immediately placed in service under the command of Captain William Donkin. A circular distributed to the commercial community by the owners of the ‘Dragon’ makes interesting reading. ( First International Merchant Bank 2002 Annual Report. <a href="https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=6&ved=0ahUKEwjY7uSp9s_NAhXC5CYKHW1kCl4QFgguMAU&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.fimbank.com%2Ffile.aspx%3Ff%3D654&usg=AFQjCNFNxUU_FaX6kLpA-GcOiolsVGSm6g&sig2=K9DkC_MLyepdArQHbbV5WQ&cad=rja " target="_blank">Internet</a>
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<em>"NOTICE TO SHIPMASTERS
<br></br>
The steam Tug "Dragon" tows vessels in and out and about the ports of Valetta at the following rates: …<br>
…<br>
… The signal to be used by vessels coming from seaward or in port requiring the tug's services will be to hoist the national ensign at the fore topgallant or royal mast head. Special services subject to agreement with John C. Swift, ship-chandler Malta or Capt. William Donkin on board."</em> |