John 5:24
"Home is the Sailor, Home From The Sea.... And The Hunter, Home From The Hill"
fouled anchor jolly roger

Permission Granted To Come Aboard...
..And Welcome To The Pirate's Lair!

Click Here and Return to The Pirate's Lair Home Page www.thepirateslair.com

pirates lair treasure chest

Only at The Pirate's Lair will you find Genuine Authentic Government-issued Vintage Nautical Dinnerware produced with a Special Rank Insignia (or topmark), as the Personal China for Warrant Officers, Junior Grade Officers (Ensign or Lieutenant Junior Grade LtJG), Wardroom Officers (Lieutenant LT, Lieutenant Commander LCDR, Commander CDR), Senior Officers, Navy Captains, 2 star Rear Admirals, 3 star Vice Admirals, 4 star Full or Fleet Admirals, and the military and civilian leadership of the Department of the Navy spanning era's from the Spanish-American War, Great White Fleet, WW1, WW2, Korea and Vietnam!

naval china saucer and cup with anchor Call 540-659-6209 for Further Information or
Click HERE for the Gangplank back to The Pirate's Lair Main Page www.thepirateslair.com.


What better unique one-of-a-kind Navy retirement gift, military promotion gift, moving on gift, fathers day gift, mothers day gift or unique wedding gift than a set of authentic U.S. Navy-issued personal china by Navy Rank used by sailors and seamen of times gone by!

 
USN Ladies engraved "Fouled Anchor and USN" Bracelet
WW2 Navy Silverplate - Rare Naval Trenchart - Small and Medium Size
 

Click Photo for More Info and Photos!
 
Nautical Navy Trench Art "Kings Design" Pattern - First produced ca 1890 - 50 to 95 years old - Perfect Gift for the Pirate's Wench!
Pirate's Springtime Nautical Wedding Gift Special!>
 
$75.
 
Click Here To Order
 
USN Ladies engraved "First Love" Bracelet
WW2 Navy Silverplate - Rare Naval Trenchart - Small Size
 

Click Photo for More Info and Photos!
 
Nautical Silverplate Naval Trench Art "First Love" Pattern produced in 1937 70+ years old - Perfect Nautical Gift for the Navy Wife or Sweetheart - a "First Love"!
Pirate's Winter and Springtime Nautical Gift Special!
 
$75.
 
Click Here To Order
 
USN Ladies engraved "Rose & Leaf" Bracelet
WW2 Navy Silverplate - Rare Naval Trenchart - Small Size
 

Click Photo for More Info and Photos!
 
Nautical Silverplate Military Trench Art "Rose and Leaf" Pattern - First Produced 1937 70+ years old - Perfect Nautical Gift for the Navy Wife!
Pirate's Springtime Nautical Gift Special!
 
$75.
 
Click Here To Order
 
USN Ladies engraved "Avalon Pattern" Bracelet
WW2 Navy Silverplate - Rare Naval Trenchart - Small Size
 

Click Photo for More Info and Photos!
 
Nautical Silverplate Navy Trench Art "Avalon" Pattern - First Produced 1940 65+ years old - Perfect Nautical Gift for the Navy Wife!
Pirate's Springtime Nautical Gift Special!
 
$75.
 
Click Here To Order
 
USN Heavy Duty Nautical Key Chain for Men or Women
WW2 Navy Silverplate - USN & Fouled Anchor - Clip on Belt Loop or Handbag Strap.
 

Click Photo for More Info and Photos!
 
Nautical Silverplate Naval Trench Art WW2 Nautical Key Chain - "Kings Design" Pattern - Perfect Nautical Gift for the Navy Husband or Wife!
Pirate's Father's Day Nautical Gift Special!
 
$75.
 
Click Here To Order


Pirate's Lair Glossy 4 Panel Brochure in PDF
Click the above link to download and view The Pirate's Lair Brochure!



 
1944 Shenango China Advertisement
US Navy China by Officer Rank Insignia Topmark
 

Click Photo!
 
Hard Published Evidence of Naval Rank Insignia's used on US Navy China during WWII
Shows USN-Warrant Officer, Squareknot-Junior Officer, Fouled Anchor-Wardroom Officer, Burgee Pennant-Captain, 2 Star, 3 Star and 4 Star-Admirals  
Priceless!



 
Navy Rank - Click Military Rank For Pricing and Availability
 
Examples of U.S. Navy Insignia Pattern found on both Naval China, Silverware and Hollow Ware
 
Limited Production by Tepco RARE Click Here
 
demitasse cup - Anchor + USN - $125.
 
For Warrant Officer Click Here
 
demitasse cup - USN - $125.
 
for Junior Grade Officer (Ensign and Lieutenant Junior Grade (LtJG) Click Here
 
demitasse cup - Navy Square Knot - $125.
 
For Wardroom Officer (Lieutenant (LT), Lieutenant Commander (LCDR), Commander (CDR) Click Here
 
demitasse cup - Blue Fouled Anchor (most popular) - $25. Click Here For Complete Listing and Prices
 
For Navy Captain Click Here
 
demitasse cup - Streaming Pennant with 4 Stars - $125.
 
For Rear Admiral, 2 Star Admiral, Upper Click Here
 
bouillon cup - Flag with 2 Stars - $125.
 
For Vice Admiral, 3 Star Admiral Click Here
 
large watch standing mug - Flag with 3 Stars - $99.
 
For Full or Fleet Admiral, 4 Star Admiral Click Here
 
demitasse cup - Flag with 4 Stars - $150.
 
For Department of the Navy Click Here
 
demitasse cup - Department of the Navy Seal - $50.
 
Limited Production in 1960's Vietnam Era for Senior Navy Officers!
 
demitasse cup - Eagle + USN - RARE Topmark!!

The Pirate's Lair is the ONLY single worldwide leading authority and resource offering the most complete selection of unique beautifully crafted VERY RARE WW1, WW2, Korea and Vietnam-era vintage U.S. Navy-issued "Personal China" by Naval Officer Rank:

  • Wardroom Officer - Limited Production, "USN beneath a Fouled Anchor"

  • Warrant Officer, "USN in shape of diamond"

  • Junior Grade Officer (Ensign/LtJG), "Navy Square Knot"

  • Wardroom Officer (Lt, LCdr and Cdr), "Fouled Anchor"

  • Navy Captain, "Burgee or Streaming Pennant with 4 stars"

  • Rear Admiral Upper, "Square Flag with 2 Stars"

  • Vice Admiral, "Square Flag with 3 Stars"

  • Fleet or Full Admiral, "Square Flag with 4 Stars"

  • Department of the Navy, "U.S. Navy Seal"

  • The perfect gift idea for that special sailor be it a military Navy retirement gift for Naval Officer, military Navy promotion gift for a Navy Officer, or even as a Graduation Gift for a Midshipman about to start his or her Naval Career as a Junior Grade Officer. Appropriate as a fathers day or mothers day present, for a brother or sister in the Navy, husband or wife who wants to give a unique and personalized present as a "Welcome Home Gift". Where nowadays and at any cost can you even find hand glazed and hand stenciled fine nautical china tableware?

    The Pirate's Lair has an extensive inventory of available U.S. Navy military surplus nautical dinnerware which can even be purchased online via our shopping cart, or you can email or call us at 540-659-6209!

    The below Information and Ordering Table provides a complete list of available U.S. Navy Rank Specific plates, dishes, bowls, cups and saucers for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

     
    WARDROOM OFFICER Limited Production 1960's - Fouled Anchor with USN
     
    Click thumbnail to view photo
     
    Size
     
    Price Each
     
    Information and to Order
     
    Wardroom Navy Officer
    Dinner Plate: Fouled Anchor - USN
     

     
    10"
     
    $99.
     
    Click for More Info and to Order
     
    Navy Wardroom Officer
    Salad Plate: Fouled Anchor - USN
     
     
    6"
     
    $99.
     
    Click for More Info and to Order
     
    Navy Wardroom Officer
    Soup Bowl: Fouled Anchor - USN
     

     
    9"
     
    $99.
     
    Click for More Info and to Order
     
    Navy Wardroom Officer
    Cereal Bowl or Salad Bowl: Fouled Anchor - USN
     

     
    6"
     
    $99.
     
    Click for More Info and to Order
     
    Navy Wardroom Officer
    Bouillon Cup, Two Handled: Fouled Anchor - USN
     

     
    Very Rare!
     
    $109.
     
    Click for More Info and to Order
     
    Wardroom Officer
    Coffee Cup, Tea Cup: Fouled Anchor - USN
     

     
     
    $89.
     
    Click for More Info and to Order
     
    Wardroom Officer
    Demitasse Coffee Cup: Fouled Anchor - USN
     

     
     
    $125.
     
    Click for More Info and to Order


     
    WARRANT OFFICER - USN in Diamond Design
     
    Click thumbnail to view photo
     
    Size
     
    Price Each
     
    Information and to Order
     
    Warrant Officer
    Dinner Plate: USN
     

     
    10"
     
    $99.
     
    Click for More Info and to Order
     
    Warrant Officer
    Salad Plate: USN
     

     
    6"
     
    $89.
     
    Click for More Info and to Order
     
    Warrant Officer
    Soup Bowl: USN
     

     
    9"
     
    $99.
     
    Click for More Info and to Order
     
    Warrant Officer
    Cereal Bowl: USN
     

     
    6"
     
    $99.
     
    Click for More Info and to Order
     
    Warrant Officer
    Footed Egg Cup: USN
     

     
     
    $89.
     
    Click for More Info and to Order
     
    Warrant Officer
    Coffee Saucer: USN
     

     
     
    $39.
     
    Click for More Info and to Order
     
    Warrant Officer
    Demitasse Coffee Cup: USN
     

     
     
    $59.
     
    Click for More Info and to Order
     
    Warrant Officer
    Demitasse Saucer: USN
     

     
     
    $29.
     
    Click for More Info and to Order
     
    Warrant Officer
    Handless Watch Standing Mug: USN
     

     
     
    $59.
     
    Click for More Info and to Order
     
    Warrant Officer
    RARE! Large Serving Bowl: USN
     

     
    10"
     
    $375.
     
    Click for More Info and to Order


     
    JUNIOR GRADE OFFICER
    Ensign or LtJG
    Square Knot

     
    Click thumbnail to view photo
     
    Size
     
    Price Each
     
    Information and to Order
     
    Junior Grade Officer
    Dinner Plate: Square Knot
     

     
    10"
     
    $99.
     
    Click for More Info and to Order
     
    Junior Grade Officer
    Salad Plate: Square Knot
     

     
    6"
     
    $89.
     
    Click for More Info and to Order
     
    Junior Grade Officer
    Soup Bowl: Square Knot
     

     
    9"
     
    $99.
     
    Click for More Info and to Order
     
    Junior Grade Officer
    Cereal Bowl: Square Knot
     

     
    6"
     
    $89.
     
    Click for More Info and to Order
     
    Junior Grade Officer
    Saucer, Coffee: Square Knot
     

     
     
    $39.
     
    Click for More Info and to Order
     
    Junior Grade Officer
    Demitasse Coffee Cup: Square Knot
     

     
     
    $125.
     
    Click for More Info and to Order
     
    Junior Grade Officer
    Demitasse Coffee Saucer: Square Knot
     

     
     
    $39.
     
    Click for More Info and to Order
     
    Junior Grade Officer
    Large Serving Bowl: Square Knot
     

     
    10"
     
    $375.
     
    Click for More Info and to Order


     
    NAVY CAPTAIN - Burgee Pennant with 4 Stars
     
    Click thumbnail to view photo
     
    Size
     
    Price Each
     
    Information and to Order
     
    Navy Captain
    Dinner Plate: Pennant w/ 4 Stars
     

     
    10"
     
    $119.
     
    Click for More Info and to Order
     
    Navy Captain
    Salad plate: Pennant w/ 4 Stars
     
     
    6"
     
    $99.
     
    Click for More Info and to Order
     
    Navy Captain
    Soup Bowl: Pennant w/ 4 Stars
     

     
    9"
     
    $119.
     
    Click for More Info and to Order
     
    Navy Captain
    Cereal Bowl: Pennant w/ 4 Stars
     

     
    6"
     
    $99.
     
    Click for More Info and to Order
     
    Navy Captain
    Celery Dish: Pennant w/ 4 Stars
     

     
    8" Oblong
     
    $159.
     
    Click for More Info and to Order
     
    Navy Captain
    Watch Standing Mug: Pennant w/ 4 Stars
     

     
     
    $89.
     
    Click for More Info and to Order
     
    Navy Captain
    Footed Egg Cup: Pennant w/ 4 Stars
     

     
     
    $99.
     
    Click for More Info and to Order
     
    Navy Captain
    Coffee Cup: Pennant w/ 4 Stars
     

     
    Handle is hidden behind cup!
     
    $89.
     
    Click for More Info and to Order
     
    Navy Captain
    Bouillon Cup: Pennant w/ 4 Stars
     

     
     
    $109.
     
    Click for More Info and to Order
     
    Navy Captain
    Coffee or Tea Saucer: Pennant w/ 4 Stars
     

     
     
    $59.
     
    Click for More Info and to Order
     
    Navy Captain
    Demitasse Cup: Pennant w/ 4 Stars
     

     
     
    $125.
     
    Click for More Info and to Order
     
    Navy Captain
    Demitasse Saucer: Pennant w/ 4 Stars
     

     
     
    $59.
     
    Click for More Info and to Order
     
    Navy Captain
    Large Serving Bowl (Shenango): Pennant w/ 4 Stars
     

     
    10"
     
    $375.
     
    Click for More Info and to Order
     
    Navy Captain
    Serving Bowl (Tepco) Pennant w/ 4 Stars
     

     
    10"
     
    $325.
     
    Click for More Info and to Order


     
    REAR ADMIRAL - 2 Stars
     
    Click thumbnail to view photo
     
    Size
     
    Price Each
     
    Information and to Order
     
    Rear Admiral - 2 Stars
    Dinner Plate
     

     
    9.5"
     
    $159.
     
    Click for More Info and to Order
     
    Rear Admiral - 2 Stars
    6.75" Salad or Bread Plate
     

     
    6.5"
     
    $119.
     
    Click for More Info and to Order
     
    Rear Admiral - 2 Stars
    6.25" Roll and Butter Plate
     

     
    6.25"
     
    $119.
     
    Click for More Info and to Order
     
    Rear Admiral - 2 Stars
    Coffee Cup or Tea Cup
    handle hidden behind cup
     

     
     
    $129.
     
    Click for More Info and to Order
     
    Rear Admiral - 2 Stars
    RARE! 2 Handle Bouillon Cup
     

     
     
    $129.
     
    Click for More Info and to Order
     
    Rear Admiral - 2 Stars
    Full Size Saucer
     

     
     
    $79.
     
    Click for More Info and to Order
     
    Rear Admiral - 2 Stars
    Demitasse Saucer
     

     
     
    $79.
     
    Call To Order


     
    VICE ADMIRAL - 3 Stars
     
    Click thumbnail to view photo
     
    Size
     
    Price Each
     
    Information and to Order
     
    Vice Admiral - 3 Stars
    WWII Salad Plate
     

     
    6.5"
     
    $119.
     
    Click for More Info and to Order
     
    Vice Admiral - 3 Stars
    WWII Egg Cup or Watchstanding Mug (foot-less)
     

     
     
    $99.
     
    Click for More Info and to Order


     
    FULL ADMIRAL or FLEET ADMIRAL - 4 Stars
     
    Click thumbnail to view photo
     
    Size
     
    Price Each
     
    Information and to Order
     
    Fleet Admiral or Full Admiral- 4 Stars
    WWII RARE! Celery Dish
     

     
    8"
     
    $179.
     
    Click for More Info and to Order
     
    4 Star Admiral, Fleet Admiral or Full Admiral
    WWII RARE! Demitasse Cup
     

     
     
    $179.
     
    Click for More Info and to Order


     
    Department of The Navy - Navy Seal
     
    Click thumbnail to view photo
     
    Size
     
    Price Each
     
    Information and to Order
     
    Department of Navy
    China 5 Piece Placesetting: Gold Navy Seal
     

     
    5 Pieces - 1 10" Dinner Plate, 9.5" 1 Soup Bowl, 1 Coffee Cup, 1 Saucer and 1 Cereal Bowl OR Salad/Bread Plate
     
    $129.
     
    Click Here to Order
     
    Department of Navy
    China Dinner Plate: Gold Navy Seal
     

     
    10"
     
    $39.
     
    Click Here to Order
     
    Department of Navy
    China Salad Plate: Gold Navy Seal
     

     
    6"
     
    $29.
     
    Click Here to Order
     
    Department of Navy
    China Soup Bowl: Gold Navy Seal
     

     
    9"
     
    $39.
     
    Click Here to Order
     
    Department of Navy
    China Cereal Bowl: Gold Navy Seal
     

     
    6"
     
    $29.
     
    Click To Order
     
    Department of Navy
    China Berry Bowl, Side Bowl or Condiment Bowl: Gold Navy Seal
     

     
    4.75"
     
    $59.
     
    Click to Order
     
    Department of Navy
    Celery Dish, Relish Dish or Condiment: Gold Navy Seal
     

     
    8" Oblong
     
    $149
     
    Click To Order
     
    Department of Navy
    China Coffee Cup, Formal and Informal: Gold Navy Seal
     

     
     
    $39.
     
    Click Here to Order
     
    Department of Navy
    China Bouillon Cup - Double Handle: Gold Navy Seal
     

     
     
    $89.
     
    Click To Order
     
    Department of Navy
    China Saucer: Gold Navy Seal
     

     
     
    $29.
     
    Click To Order
     
    Department of Navy
    China Coffee Cup and Saucer Set: Gold Navy Seal
     

     
     
    $55.
     
    Click To Order
     
    Department of Navy
    Demitasse Coffee Cup: Gold Navy Seal
     

     
     
    $49.
     
    Click To Order
     
    Department of Navy
    Demitasse Saucer: Gold Navy Seal
     

     
     
    $29.
     
    Click To Order
     
    Department of Navy
    Demitasse Cup and Saucer Set: Gold Navy Seal
     

     
     
    $55.
     
    Click To Order
     
    Department of Navy
    China Double Ended Egg Cup and Wine Goblet: Gold Navy Seal
     

     
     
    $119.
     
    Click To Order
     
    Department of Navy
    China Single Ended Footed Egg Cup and Watchstanding Mug : Gold Navy Seal
     

     
     
    $99.
     
    Click To Order


      Antique Vintage U.S. Navy China Dinnerware and Silverware Are the Perfect Nautical Gift Ideas for Men or for Women!

    • Father's Day or Mother's Day for the Naval Officer!
    • Birthday Present with "Personal China" by Officer Rank
    • Nautical Wedding Gift or Nautical Reception for the Naval Officer!
    • Anniversary Gift for the Retired U.S. Navy Captain
    • Navy Retirement for Enlisted, Chief Petty Officer, or Naval Officer
    • USNA or USMMA Graduation Gift Idea for the newly Commissioned Midshipman
    • Promotion Gift! What a PERFECT Gift for a Navy Chief or Navy Officer!!!
    • Naval Wardrooms and Officers Mess as everyday Naval Dinnerware aboard ship!!
    • Formal or Casual Nautical Dining Service for a Waterfront Home
    • Stylish Nautical Theme dinnerware for the Captain of a Yacht or Sailboat Galley
    • Nautical Home Furnishing Gift for the nautical minded family!
    • Pirate Dinner Parties and other Special Fun Occasions!
    • Special 4th of July, Memorial Day and Veteran's Day Dinners
    • Exclusive and Unique Seafood Restaurants and Seaside Cafes
    • Perfect Retirement Gift for a Navy Warrant Officer
    • Perfect Promotion Gift for a Navy Petty Officer or Chief Petty Officer
    • Perfect Promotion Gift for a Navy an Ensign or Lieutenant Junior Grade officer
    • Perfect Moving On Gift for a Navy Lieutenant
    • Perfect Birthday Gift for a Navy Lieutenant Commander
    • Perfect Fathers Day Gift for a Navy Commander
    • Perfect Wardroom Military Welcome Home Gift for a Navy Captain
    • Perfect Mothers Day Gift for a Navy 2 Star Admiral, Vice Admiral
    • Perfect Promotion Gift for a Navy 3 Star Admiral, Rear Admiral
    • Perfect Moving On Gift for a Navy 4 Star Admiral, Full, Fleet Admiral or CNO

    From the late 1800's to the early 1960's this durable hand glazed and hand stenciled personal dinnerware was issued by the U.S. Navy for its Chief Petty Officers, Junior Grade and Senior Grade Flag Officers, as well as for the Department of the Navy through leading manufacturers such as Homer Laughlin China Co , Tepco**, Walker*, Caribe, Jackson*, Oneida China Co, Buffalo*, Sterling*, Syracuse*, Mayer*, and Shenango* which offered a complete breakfast, lunch, and dinner personal tableware collection of plates, dishes, bowls, mugs, cups, saucers and fine dining accessory pieces.

    U.S. Navy-issued China was used for both everyday dining as well as the more formal military "dining-in" ceremonies, and is a handsome vintage and antique nautical dinnerware, incredibly unique as part of our American Military heritage. Best of all it can be used everyday and is the perfect promotion or retirement gift for any active or retired Chief Petty Officer, Warrant Officer, Junior Grade Officer, Captain or Admiral!
    It is available for sale now ... and it can be yours by contacting The Pirate's Lair!

    Of Special Note: This 60+ year old vintage Navy china tableware was hand crafted, hand glazed, hand dipped, hand stenciled, and they just don't make it like they used to! The perfect nautical gift idea for women

    While rare, some pottery workers even etched personal affectations and notes onto the chinaware! Inscribed on the bottom of some plates and dishes we have found a V for Victory, VE for Victory Europe, VJ for Victory Japan, and "prayers to you" notes to the sailors who would be eating from these china pieces while at sea! Along with the geographic location of where the clay was mined, consistency of the clay slip, the type of kiln and pottery firing techniques used at the time, all result in slight character defects and flaws make this type of chinaware even more valuable and sought after than what can be found in the mass-produced markets of today.

    Naval chinaware is a handsome industrial-grade antique china dinnerware durable enough to be used as everyday dinnerware yet elegant enough for formal military Navy dining-in occasions! It has a beautiful snow white finish, almost a transluscent glaze, highlighted with rich dark blue stripes and Naval insignia (or "top marks"), such as the traditional Navy fouled anchor, Captain's pennant, Admiral's flag with stars, and the nautical theme square-knot.

    Brief History of U.S. Navy China Tableware

    From the late 1800's through mid 1900's the United States Navy commissioned various makers of fine china such as Homer Laughlin, Tepco, Buffalo, Sterling, Mayer, Jackson, Walker, Syracuse, and Shenango to produce complete "soup to nuts" tableware for the U.S. Navy's Officer Corps. This "Navy China" was used extensively during WW1, WW2, Korea and Vietnam in officer wardrooms, galleys and mess halls aboard all sizes and class of ship, submarine, and shore facility.

    The U.S. Navy has traditionally taken good care of its Officer Corps! For sailing the high seas at any time can be a hard and treacherous undertaking as the ocean can be cruel and unforgiving, leaving little margin for error. However going to war aboard a ship, whether large or small, can be a particularly hazardous venture. In recognition of their service, the US Navy provided a certain level of comfort for its sailors, while also preserving traditional military decorum and separation of rank.

    This fine Navy China was also used as the official and formal dinnerware of Captains, Admirals, Department and Secretary of the Navy civilian leadership. Most of the Naval China currently available was produced during WW1 and WW2 for use aboard our aircraft carriers, battleships, cruisers, destroyers, submarines and large support vessels. When these various Navy warships were sent into decommission at the end of WW1 and WW2 many of the officers took home with them the very plates, bowls, cups and dishes which they themselves used while aboard their warship. This Naval China "memorabilia" ultimately found its way into attics and cellars safely stored away in boxes and chests until they were re-found, typically in an estate sale. Imagine having a piece of this valuable American history which in all likelihood saw combat action somewhere on the seven seas, and now to be used and celebrated in your home!

    Historically, most of the major providers of fine china produced exclusive lines of dinnerware for transcontinental railroads, airlines, passenger ships, major corporations, famous restaurants and hotels, as well as for the United States Navy. This type of fine yet durable china was known in the trade as "restaurantware". Restaurantware in and of itself can be highly collectible as antique china, especially if the producer no longer exists! However Naval China used in the galleys aboard ships by our sailors during times of war is part of our national heritage which makes this type of restaurantware most highly prized. Additionally, restaurantware in general, and certainly Naval China in particular, was made to last for many years, able withstand heavy and harsh industrial use which would normally destroy the glaze and dull the luster of lesser quality and much lighter china that was typically sold to the general public.

    Naval China was made to be used by sailors and cooks working in rough and rolling seas in all types of weather. This Naval dinnerware needed to be heavy and durable to withstand the harsh cleansers and environment they were to be used in. This makes them perfect for long and continued home, recreational or industrial use!

    A fun anecdotal note is that when underway aboard a U.S. Navy warship one would find when sitting down to dine that the tablecloth would be slightly damp with sea water! This was a sailor's tradition handed down over the ages from seafarer to seafarer. However as in most traditions at sea it had a practical side as its basis! The "damping of the tablecloth" was to help ensure that the plates, dishes, bowls and cups along with the silverware was kept from "sliding" around the table as the ship pitched and rolled with the waves. The sea salt also helped prevent spilled food and drink from staining the tablecloth! Between the heavy weight of the tableware and the damp tablecloth the seamen could only then be able to eat while underway in moderate to even in heavy seas! This "dampening of the tablecloth" was even practiced at US Navy Shore Installations so as to uphold and continue this unique Naval tradition.

    Additionally, the U.S. Navy commissioned various makers of fine linens to produce these exquisite and beautifully designed heavy damask tablecloths and napkins that were made to be heavily used while at sea. The Pirate's Lair now has available these wonderful vintage white damask U.S. Navy tablecloths and antique napkins. They are beautifully embroidered and patterned in a nautical theme with white-on-white designs of eagles, fouled anchors, stars and coiled rope! Click HERE to review these wonderful antique tablecloth and napkin complements to your Naval China and Silverware.

    Besides the Naval China, during this same period the Department of the Navy also contracted with leading makers of fine silverware and holloware to produce complete and complimentary placesettings of beautifully designed and engraved silverplated forks, knives, spoons, serving bowls and trays, coffee and tea pots, water pitchers and carving utensils. At The Pirate's Lair we have an extensive line Navy Silverware from the late 1800's to mid 1900's for your review and consideration by clicking here for U.S. Navy Silverware and Naval Flatware, which is the perfect complement to your Naval China!

    What the various designs found on the Naval china really signify! Staying within the U.S. Navy's strict officer caste system the Department of the Navy had complete sets of fine china made specifically for the mess hall and officer wardrooms of each officer grade level: a fouled anchor with letters USN for Chief Petty Officers a square knot for Junior Officers, letters USN for Warranty Officers, a streaming pennant with 4 stars for Captains, square flag with 1, 2, 3 or 4 stars for Admirals, and the Navy Seal for the Department of the Navy's civilian and military leadership. Each officer grade was then given this special restaurantware "top mark" or design insignia which was imprinted and made part of the glaze on each piece of china dinnerware.

    As an interesting side note, the specific insignia (or top mark), used on the Navy China for each Officer Rank was also used on all of the Naval Silverware and Silverplate eating and serving utensils. Imagine having a complete set of fine nautical themed china dinnerware and silverware matching place settings! Or having each place setting at your table as a different Officer Rank which is available at The Pirate's Lair!

    Unfortunately, the U.S. Navy discontinued the time honored tradition of issuing this beautiful antique china in the mid-1960's after the manufacturer's supplies ran out, and it was never replaced, which further makes this fine china a great investment! Currently only small quantities of this fine china can be found. The Pirate's Lair scours the world to obtain the best pieces to be found and makes them available to you.

    Ironically, today individual ship commanders and officers of the U.S. Navy now purchase this antique Navy china from The Pirate's Lair for use aboard present-day warships! Sailors today can now use and enjoy the same dinnerware and silverware used by their Naval bretheren of long ago!



    Link to The Pirate's Lair!
    To link to this page copy the code below and add to your website or favorite forum.




    The Pirate's Lair
    78 Canterbury Drive
    Stafford, Virginia 22554
    Phone: 540-659-6209
    Click Here and Return to The Pirate's Lair Home Page www.thepirateslair.com
    "Service Disabled Veteran Owned Small Business"
    Or
    Email thepirateswench@thepirateslair.com
    thepirateswench@thepirateslair.com

    buy wwii liberty ship hatch coves here purchase antique chests and pirate treasure chests here

    Or Click HERE to return to The Pirate's Lair Gangplank and Home Page!


    Copyright(c) 2005 All Rights Reserved Unauthorized downloading, copying or use of any html code, text or images found on this or on any other pages within the www.pirateslair.com website will be prosecuted.

    Music Credits: Beyond The Sea by Frank Sinatra



































    THE TEXT BELOW IS RESERVED FOR ROBOTS AND SPIDERS ONLY....
    The Pirate's Lair offers for sale authentic U.S. Navy Military Surplus Vintage WW2 Military China and Dinnerware as well as antique tableware.
    It is available for Chief Petty Officers CPO, Warranty Officers, Junior Grade Officers such as Ensigns and Lieutenant Junior Grade LtJG, Navy Captains, Rear Admirals, Vice Admirals, Fleet or Full Admirals as well as the CNO and Department of the Navy civilian leadership.

    The Pirate's Lair is an expert authority on authentic nautical dinnerware US Navy-issued Personal China and Tableware produced for the Ensign, Lieutenant, Commander, Captain and Admiral with special rank insignia for both Naval Enlisted, Junior and Senior Officers, Chief of Naval Operations and Secretary of the Navy.
    Both a chief petty officer and a petty officer would enjoy their own rank and insignia on dinnerware. The Midshipman commissioned as an Ensign or promotion to Lieutenant Junior Grade LtJG officer would be appropriate. A Lieutenant LT, Lieutenant Commander LCDR, and Warrant Officer also have their own personal china.
    The Navy's senior officers such as the Navy Captain, 2 Star Rear Admiral, 3 Star Vice Admiral, 4 Star Fleet or Full Admiral and CNO Chief of Naval Operations also have both personal rank insignia on both China and Silverware.
    The civilian leadership in the Department of the Navy use the Navy Seal with Eagle clutching a fouled anchor, letters USN, handsome nautical Square Knot as rank insignia or a topmark
    The flying pennant or burgee with 4 stars is used by a Captain as a Military Welcome Home Gift from Iraq. Flag rank is reserved for a flag officer and typically has 1, 2, 3 or 4 stars on a square flag. The goat locker is used for the CPO Mess!
    These are all perfectly good and appropriate navy gift ideas and military surplus as a military gift manufactured by homer laughlin, tepco, caribe, sterling, buffalo, jackson, walker, oneida, shenango.
    Whether it is on the enlisted mess decks, mess hall, galley, goat locker, officers mess, or officers wardroom this personal china is appropriate.

    U.S. Navy china as military surplus also known as naval china has a fouled anchor design which makes it perfect as nautical china with a distinctive nautical theme
    If a nautical decor or as nautical gift ideas is what you seek, either as a gift idea for men or a gift ideas for women, the Pirates Lair is the place to be.

    If you are a military welcome home or retirement gift or as a promotion gift needing nautical dinnerware or nautical tableware this distinctive and unique restaurantware is perfect.
    All Navy chinaware is also known as hotel china with an anchor on a demitasse cup by vitrified china manufacturers such as homer laughlin, tepco, sterling, buffalo, jackson, walker, oneida, and shenango.
    This are antique china and vintage china makers for the officers mess and officers wardroom

    What a great nautical wedding gift or nautical wedding reception idea for the chief petty officer goat locker, junior grade officer such as an ensign (En) or lieutenant junior grade (Ltjg), commander (Cmdr), warrant officer (wo), navy captain (Capt), rear admiral (2 Star Admiral), vice admiral (3 Star Admiral), full or fleet admiral (4 Star Admiral), or cno.
    The Pirat's Lair offers unique nautical china gift ideas for men, and gift ideas for women as well. The navy china (naval china) had an anchor design which gives this antique china a distincctive nautical theme.
    The military used this nautical china dinnerware and tableware aboard all of its warships during WW1, WW2, Korea and Vietnam. This type of Navy China was also known as restaurantware, chinaware, or hotel china.
    The beautiful nautical theme of this navy china included a fouled anchor on each bowl, dish, dinner plate, salad plate, and bread plate. There was also a complete setting which included a coffee cup, egg cup, soup bowl, bouillon, cereal bowl, and berry bowl.
    Surprisingly enough this complete dinnerware set also inlcuded a demitasse cup and demi saucer made by homer laughlin, tepco, sterling, buffalo, jackson, walker, oneida, and shenango china company.
    Most ranks had their own set of Navy China making it the most unique nautical gift idea for a petty officer, officer, warrant officer, captain, or admiral. This antique china and vintage china was used in the officers mess, galley, wardroom, mess hall, and vitrified china.