Spinning Porthole from Regal Empress Ex Olympia

This is the first time we, or any of our regulars for that matter, have seen this type of porthole before. When I learnt that the Regal E was finally off to the breakers, one of the 1st things that sprung to mind was, “I wonder what the portholes are like?” Why? because Stephens & Sons built Her, and they always used the finest portholes and fittings of the time. The ‘Aureol’ for example, another Stephens ship,  was the first time we came across large oval portholes on a Passenger Ship, those were clearly stamped Rainhill of Utley so I assume these portholes were, also.
The design means the porthole frame and glass can rotate on its axis, allowing the porthole to open, letting cool air into the cabin, without the whole opening part of the porthole coming into the cabin or room.

I found 4 of these portholes in the Childrens Playroom and negotiated a deal to buy them. By the time returned home I had been notified that there were 20 or more portholes the same onboard so I bought all of them because I like them so much. Unfortunately the photograph I took onboard Her at the breakers did not come out very well but it I can send it to you if you like.

The S/S Olympia, the first and last newbuild ocean liner built for Greek Line. She was also the largest ocean liner built for Greek interests at the time. She was built in 1953 by Alexander Stephen & Sons, Glasgow, Scotland, UK. She was designed to operate regular transatlantic voyages from Piraeus to New York

Dimensions:36cm glass 51cm overall

38kgs