The Brigantine Sceptre was built in 1886 by David Smith. She had an estimated length of 115'. The sceptre was owned by Zwicker & Company Ltd. of Lunenburg and was first sailed by Captains King and Dexter. In 1902, Captain Henry Burke became master. Of the 121 voyages to the West Indies, 47 were made by Burke.

On September 5th, 1909, the vessel set out for the West Indies. As she proceeded Southward a zone of bad weather was encountered. For days the Sceptre battled a vicious hurricane. Seas struck the ship, sweeping the mast and sails from the deck. For four days she lay in this condition until the storm subsided sufficiently so that a small sail could be rigged. The determined Captain returned the Sceptre to her home port of Lunenburg. The Sceptre was not able to sail again until February 3rd, 1910, but only three years elapsed before she met her end. During a voyage to Puerto Rico on September 13, 1911, she sank when the steamship Roslend crashed into her. Fortunately, the entire crew was saved.

Thus ended the career of the Sceptre - the fastest sailing ship of its kind and undoubtedly the forerunner of the Bluenose.

She sailed between Lunenburg and southern parts for twenty-seven years, survived many hurricanes and was dismasted three times, once under each of her Captains. She held the blue ribbon for making the fastest round-trip to the West Indies. Sailing from Lunenburg, she proceeded to Puerto Rico, discharged cargo and took on ballast. From there she sailed to Turk's Island, discharged ballast, loaded a cargo of salt and sailed for home, arriving there twenty-six days after sailing - a truly magnificent feat never equaled by any other.

The Sceptre sailed over 540,000 miles with Captain burke at the helm on over 228,000 of these.