Antique 1909 English Royal Navy Silverplate Commemorative Serving Tray

$795.00

"Si vis pacem, para bellum"

"If you wish for peace, prepare for war."

Royal Navy Motto

The history of the United Kingdom is the history of the Royal Navy. As an island nation, the sea has always been a vital factor: the means of people arriving from overseas, a barrier to invaders, a highway for trade and the basis for a once-global empire.

One of the greatest navies in world history, the Royal Navy has been a symbol of the might of Great Britain for over two hundred years. The Royal Navy itself has a history and naval tradition that stretches back over six centuries, making it one of the oldest institutions currently in existence. It has been the inspiration for countless novels and the image of the Royal Navy is virtually synonymous with the 18th century "Age of Sail".

Without question, one of the most captivating historic trays we've ever found, this magnificent Antique Silverplate Commemorative Serving Tray from the silver markets of England, is a significant piece carrying with it the noble history of the mighty Royal Navy.

No stranger to presentation, this majestic, generously-sized tray has practical side handles and is exquisitely detailed with a decoratively pierced, undulating border. Produced by the bespoke artisans and silversmiths of the esteemed Goldsmiths & Silversmiths Company of London, the tray is engraved with an historic dedication that reads:

Lieutenant C.H. Philips, Royal Navy

From

Captain And Officers

H.M.S. "Argyll"

First Cruiser Squadron

31st March, 1909.

Stately in nature and a lasting memento with historic provenance, allow this storied antique tray to be at your service for your every notable affair.

Strictly one-of-a-kind and subject to prior sale. In very good antique condition with only discreet signs of age and use as shown in the alternate images. 27.5" x 15.5".

Learn More About the H.M.S. Argyll

The HMS Argyll was one of six armored warships built for the Royal Navy in the first decade of the twentieth century. The hard-working ship was assigned to the "1st Cruiser Squadron", a formation of warships that defended the waters of the English Channel. In 1909, she was transferred to the "5th Cruiser Squadron" of the Atlantic Fleet - protecting British interests in the heavily traveled Atlantic Ocean.

The Argyll was built in Scotland by the Scotts Shipbuilding & Engineering Company. Construction began in 1902 and she was launched in 1904, being named to commemorate the Scottish county of Argyllshire. In 1915, after a decade of proud service, the HMS Argyll ran aground at night during a storm off the coast of Scotland. The crew and all the ship's valuables were rescued, but damage to the Argyll was too extensive and the ship was demolished at sea.

*History of HMS Argyll adapted from and courtesy of Scottishshipwrecks.com and Wikipedia.