Mary Sparks
 Official Number
3910

The Mary Sparks was built by Peile, Scott & Co. at Workington, launched in August 1845. She was 545 tons and was to be commanded by Capt.Joseph Bushby, of Liverpool, who was later to command the Clymene.

From the Manchester Guardian, 31st January 1851, Front page advertisement :

"Packet ship for Hong Kong and Canton, to sail 15th February...the clipper-built ship Mary Sparks, A1 twelve years, 544 tons register, George Graham, Commander, lying in the London Docks. This ship is a regular trader, well known for her uniformly fast passages, and the master is thoroughly acquainted with the China Seas. "
From 1866 the Mary Sparks was registered at Dundee and was described as a barque.
 
Name
Year Built
Gross Tons
Length (feet)
Breadth (feet)
Depth (feet)
Masts
Figurehead
Stern
Lloyd's Classn.
Mary Sparks
1845
545
 122
 29
 20
3
 
 
12 years A1 

Sources :

  1. Launch report in the Cumberland Pacquet, Tuesday, 19th August 1845, page 3.
  2. 1857 Mercantile Navy List gives port of registry as Workington, official number and signal letters HWGP, tonnage 496.
  3. Mystic Seaport Library Ship Register Search has shipping register details for most years from 1866 to 1873.
  4. American Lloyd's Register of American and Foreign Shipping, 1870 - owner named as Creighton, master as Hutchinson.
  5. Not listed as registered at Workington or Dundee in the 1865 Clayton's Register of Shipping.
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