*British, WW1, Large Brass Ship’s Porthole No. 9, salvaged from the torpedoed SS Kyarra, with Certificate of Authenticity*
A very large and impressive original ship’s porthole (portlight / deadlight) recovered from the wreck of SS Kyarra, identified as Porthole No. 9 and accompanied by its original Certificate of Authentication. This is a substantial, professional-grade marine fitting of early 20th-century manufacture, combining a heavy brass opening light with a steel outer hull-mounting flange, engineered for long-distance passenger and wartime service.
The porthole retains its thick green-tinted glass lens, set within a solid brass bezel, and is fitted with a robust double-knuckle brass hinge allowing the opening light to swing fully clear. Closure is by three large brass screw dogs, all present and functional, with wear consistent with prolonged service at sea. Stamped markings are visible to components, including “PORTER’S PATENT” and “L. H. HALLEY – DUMBARTON”, identifying the respected Scottish marine engineering firm responsible for manufacture. The number “9” is stamped to components, corresponding exactly with the designation stated on the accompanying certificate.
When opened, the port reveals surviving sections of the original red marine bedding compound used to seal the brass portlight into the steel hull. This is not decorative paint, but a traditional oil-based, red lead/iron-oxide jointing compound, applied thickly during installation to create a watertight seal between dissimilar metals. Its retention is a strong indicator of authenticity and an untouched marine fitting, and it has deliberately not been removed.
The brass surfaces have been carefully cleaned post-salvage, but not over-polished, preserving an honest surface with age patina, light verdigris, and service wear. Importantly, the circular marks visible on the glass — left by large soldier limpets during the porthole’s long period on the seabed — have been intentionally retained. This sensitive, conservation-led approach respects the object’s original condition and provides tangible evidence of its decades underwater, adding atmosphere and historical integrity rather than erasing it through over-restoration.
Measurements (approx.). Overall diameter: 59 cm; Brass opening / inner ring diameter: 47.9 cm; Glass diameter: 40.5 cm
Historical Note:
SS Kyarra was a twin-masted, schooner-rigged steamship built in 1903 by W. Denny & Brothers of Dumbarton for the Australian United Steam Navigation Company. Designed to a high standard, she served as a passenger and cargo liner on the Australia–United Kingdom route. Following the outbreak of the First World War, Kyarra was requisitioned by the British Government in 1914 and converted first into a hospital ship, later serving as a troop transport, carrying Australian and Imperial forces.
On 26 May 1918, while sailing west along the south coast of England near Anvil Point, Swanage, Kyarra was attacked by the German submarine UB-57, commanded by Oberleutnant Johannes Lohs. Despite attempts to manoeuvre, a torpedo struck the vessel on the port side, just forward of the boilers. The damage proved fatal; Kyarra sank in approximately 20 minutes, with the loss of six crew members. The wreck now lies in British waters and is one of the most historically significant First World War merchant ship losses off the Dorset coast.
This porthole is a direct, tangible survivor from that event — a major structural fitting that once formed part of the ship’s fabric and now stands as a powerful relic of wartime maritime history.
*Condition*
An authentic recovered example showing expected age, service, and seabed wear. The brass and steel retain strong original character with surface oxidation, verdigris, and handling marks consistent with long service and recovery from the wreck. The glass shows light scratches, edge wear, and visible circular limpet marks deliberately retained as part of a conservation-led restoration. Hinges and dogs are intact and articulate correctly. Original Certificate of Authentication included. Please see photographs as part of the condition report.
RQMEOOXIEO_9744223095
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