HMS Stag, a distinguished member of the Royal Navy’s fleet, emerged as a formidable two-funnel destroyer following her commissioning under the 1896 – 1897 Naval Estimates. Launched in 1899, she proudly bore the name as the sixth ship of her lineage. Initially deployed to the Mediterranean, her duties expanded during World War I to include vital roles in the North Sea and Irish Sea operations.

Ordered from Thornycroft by the British Admiralty in September 1897, Stag was part of a strategic initiative to bolster the Navy’s capabilities. She represented an advancement over previous models, featuring enhanced power, increased beam, and a reconfigured superstructure. Thornycroft’s meticulous design incorporated three water-tube boilers, supplying steam to powerful quadruple-expansion steam engines, propelling Stag to an impressive speed of 30 knots.

Measuring 210 feet in length overall and crewed by 63 officers and men, Stag was armed with a formidable array of weaponry, including a QF 12-pounder gun and torpedo tubes, ensuring her readiness for naval engagements. Her notable achievements included reaching speeds exceeding 30 knots during sea trials and demonstrating exceptional performance in various maneuvers.

Throughout her service, Stag witnessed several changes in command and operational assignments, reflecting the dynamic nature of naval warfare. From her early days in the Mediterranean to her later deployments in the North Sea and Irish Sea, she remained a stalwart defender of British interests.

Despite her illustrious service record, Stag’s active duty eventually came to an end. In 1919, she was decommissioned and laid up at the Nore, marking the conclusion of an era.

Two years later, in 1921, she was sold to Thomoas W. Ward for breaking at Grays, Essex, on the Thames Estuary, bringing a dignified close to her storied naval career.

THE PRINT
This edition print recorded on fine art stock via a large format mimeograph and generally referred to as Giclée prints of premium quality. The paper is white 100% a-cellulose with a distinct textured surface and the premium matt inkjet coating more than meets the highest industry standards vis-à-vis density, colour gamut, colour graduation and image sharpness, while preserving the extraordinary touch and feel of genuine art paper.

The editions depicted on Iconic Reserve are not representative of scale and solely for the purpose of suggestive display and not supplied framed.

STERLING SILVER 925
The edition comes with a Sterling Silver anchor (with a minimum millesimal fineness of 925) which is not pierced through the print but is available on request.