Above photo illustrates the serving of the daily rum ration (grog) aboard the battleship HMS Renown, ca 1908. Note the large Royal Navy Mess Pails some of the enlisted sailors standing in line are holding. These sailors are getting the rum ration for their particular division or mess. This was a very formal daily event with amounts tallied and written down for each and every enlisted sailor and officer.

Note the large wooden rum barrel at the end of the rum line being carefully doled out and watched over by a Chief Petty Officer! If one looks closely at the side of some Mess Pails you will see what appears to be an oval shape. This oval shape was a badge which had a Mess Number imprinted on it to identify which mess was being given rations and how much depending upon the number of members authorized for that mess.
Click Here for Photo Historical Analysis and Identification of 19th & 20th Century Royal Navy Mess Plates and Mess Bowls.

Click Here for Photo Identification, History & Availability of 19th/20th Century Royal Navy Grog Measures and Rum Cups including the full array of Mixing Rubs and Casks, Copper Pumps, and Ceramic Wicker Covered Demijohns used in the Storage, Mixing, and Dispensing of British Royal Navy Rum and Grog.

Click Here for Photo Identification, History & Availability of 18th/19th Century Royal Navy Cutlasses, Boarding Axes and Boarding Pikes including the full array of patterns used from the French-Indian Wars, American Revolution, Trafalgar, War of 1812 till the last authorized cutlass in 1901.

Above photo illustrates a collection of 1850-1900 Royal Navy Mess Plates in the "young head" pattern since they have either the busts of King Edward VII or his mother Queen Victoria shown in their youth along with various naval scenes as part of the design (see below for more about the Royal Navy Mess).

The mess plates with Queen Victorias bust have been found in two versions, one earlier version is called the "Young Head" as thee is a crown upon her forehead leaving her hair open, and the later version is called the "Old Head" since she is shown wearing a scarf or veil covering her head and hair. There are some "young head" Royal Navy Mess Plates which do not use the Royal Crown as the centerpiece, but are shown with a crossed British Naval Flag and Ensign along with Naval Badge or Crown as its centerpiece, (see below).

Photo to the left shows one of two 100 year old British Royal Navy Mess Pails that the Pirate's Lair has been able to obtain! The Mess Pails or Mess Buckets shown in the rum line do not appear to have been painted. These Mess Buckets were used to hold foods for each mess as well as the daily allotment of "grog", and used to dispense the food to the mess.

Photo to the left shows the members of the "Stoker's Mess" aboard a WWI Royal Navy Dreadnought; Stokers were in charge of making sure that the engine furnaces has enough coal to keep up the steam. Note the cups, bowls, and other eating implements as well as the large shovels used to shovel coal into the steam furnaces.

Historical Note: Prior to 1907 the British Navy mandated that all of the officers and sailors were required to purchase their own mess equipment consisting of plates, cups, bowls, pots, flatware, etc etc. Sailors were either assigned or voluntarilly joined specific messes based upon their function aboard the ship, watch schedules, and/or personal preferences.

Examples would be all gunners on the 1st watch would put together a mess for all of their meals; or married sailors from London would put together a mess for all of their meals.

Joining a mess was a serious matter and in many cases showed the sailor's stature and status aboard the ship, if not his occupation. It was similar to joining a fraternity, and not to be taken lightly! The point is that prior to 1907 there could be a countless number of messes aboard any given British Royal Navy ship, and all the members of each mess were required to purchase and maintain their own dinnerware only to be used only by that particular mess.

So as to provide some semblance of naval order and continuity the British Navy standardized on certain overall patterns that could be slightly modified to identify the mess they were meant for. An example of this identifying pattern consisted of depicting the young busts of King Edward VII and Queen Victoria in a cartouche surrounded by naval scenes of sailors (jack tars) carousing around with a trophy of arms and flags along the border.

Even though the overall pattern was pre-approved and standardized upon it also allowed for each mess to have their own unique mess number so as to avoid confusion between the many messes.

Note the Grog Cups or Rum Pail in Main Photo and in Cropped Insert - Prior to 1907 each "Navy Mess" aboard a Royal Navy ship had to purchase its own Mess Plates, Mess Bowls and Cups with each item having a Mess Number for identification. Royal Navy Channel Fleet 1907

This unique mess number was to avoid confusion and theft. Each mess was required to either stamp, engrave, or have this mess number imprinted on and made part of any mess equipment which they intended to use.

Click Here for Photo Historical Identification and Research Analysis of the 1830s-1930s Royal Navy Mess Plate and Mess Bowl Designs and Patterns!

The Bovey Tracey Pottery Company (1843-1894), later the Bovey Pottery Company (1894-1936), and Pounty & Company (along with other pottery manufacturer's), met this Royal Navy requirement by producing plates, bowls, cups and serving pieces in a flow blue transfer print which contained a standard Royal Navy approved design and when anyone purchased these items only the specific mess number which was then hand glazed onto the china before firing.

The image to the left illustrates the inscription "Honi soit qui mal y pense" (old french) as found on a Royal Navy Mess Plate which is a Chivlaric English motto of the "Order of the Garter" which means: "Shame be to him who thinks evil of it", or more strictly: "Let he who thinks ill there be shamed", or as it is sometimes re-interpreted "Evil be to him who evil thinks".

We have been able to obtain British Royal Navy Mess Plates with the highest number so far being Mess No 58. Obviously being a member of the lowest mess number (such as Mess No 1) was typically an honor since these were the very first messes which were established right after the ship was put into commission and crew assigned. High mess numbers would also be attributed to changing technologies aboard the ship. An example would be that the sail rigger's mess would have a lower mess number than say the coal stoker's mess; sail giving way to engines. Slowly over time the rigger's mess would would have less and less members (and stature) while the coal stokers and enginemen would have more and more members.

All shown patterns and pieces plus matching cups and saucers are available for sale here on The Pirates Lair - See Below!

Photo to the left shows a very large and heavy British Royal Navy Senior Officer's Wardroom meat platter with the Royal Navy insignia in gold.

Photo to the right shows a closeup of the insignia and topmark used on all British Royal Navy dinnerware from about 1937 onward. This topmark consists of a fouled anchor within a badge surrounded by the inscription "SIgill OFFI MAG ADMIR MAG BR &C", which means "The Seal of the Office of the Lord High Admiral of Great Britain, etc", with the British Royal Crown sitting above the badge.

There are also two types of crowns, one for the reigning King and another for the reigning Queen. This particular insignia uses the crown of Queen Elizabeth II as part of the Naval Badge.

The above dinner plate to the left was originally found in Tasmania, Australia and illustrates a simple British Admiralty Naval Badge in green glaze. It has been noted by historians that this simple plate with a green and sometimes blue Royal Navy badge was used in the Chief Petty Officers Mess ca 1920s-1930s and discontinued just at the outbreak of WWII.

The photo to the left shows a detailed image of the approved Naval Badge proofed in the 1600s and still in use today! Consists of a Royal Crown with a base of precious jewels and stones with the top depicting sails with pennants in position 2 and 4, with the rear of a ship in position 3, and what appears to be laurels in positions 1 and 5.

However this particular specimen of Naval Badge was modified as the original badge consisted of half of a rear of a ship in positions 1 and 5 instead of the laurels as shown on this specimen.

The supposed legend behind the British Naval Badge is that it represents the diminuitive British Royal Navy when it went up against a much superior invading Spanish Armada in 1588. The rear view of the ships represent the much larger Spanish ships and fleet, while the single sails represent the smaller British ships sailing between them.

At least on British Royal Navy dinnerware one will find either the Naval Badge as shown above or the particular reigning Monarchs Royal Crown when the dinnerware was made.

Photo to the left shows a covered serving dish with the Royal Navy topmark in blue ca 1960's and was used for the ratings, petty officers, and chief petty officers. It is conjectured that the gold topmark was reserved for the warrant, junior, wardroom and senior officers mess.
Photo to the right shows a tea or coffee set in a very distinctive scalloped pattern which the Royal Navy used in the 1970's.

RARE and Available! 1840-1875 Victorian Era British Royal Navy Mess Plate No 1 Fantastically Detailed Mess Plate with Naval Sailing Ships, Lighthouses, Anchors, Flags, and other Nautical Scenes. Of particular note in the Centerpiece are floral depictions of interwined roses, thistles and shamrocks representing the floral insignia of England, Scotland and Ireland! Some crazing Backstamped Fletcher & Miller, Butcher St, Portsea! has faint stress hairline, does not detract.	Click Photo!	9"	$995. Sold!	Call To Order 540 659 6209
1837-1901 British Royal Navy Victorian Mess Plate No 1 Queen Victoria "Young Head" Pattern, Royal Crown Centerpiece	Click Photo!	9"	$395.	Call To Order 540 659 6209
1901-1907 British Royal Navy Victorian Mess Plate No 1 King Edward VII "Young Head" Pattern, Royal Crown Centerpiece	Click Photo!	9"	$395. Each	Call To Order 540 659 6209
1837-1901 British Royal Navy Victorian Mess Plate No 1 Queen Victoria "Young Head" Pattern, Crossed Flags Centerpiece	Click Photo!	9"	$495. Sold!	Call To Order 540 659 6209
1837-1901 British Royal Navy Victorian Mess Plate No 2 Queen Victoria "Young Head" Pattern, Crossed Flags Centerpiece	Click Photo!	9"	$495.	Call To Order 540 659 6209
1837-1901 British Royal Navy Victorian Mess Plate No 2 Queen Victoria "Young Head" Pattern, Crossed Flags Centerpiece (Crack Repaired)	Click Photo!	9"	$345. Each	Call To Order 540 659 6209
1837-1901 British Royal Navy Victorian Mess Plate No 2 Queen Victoria "Young Head" Pattern, Royal Crown Centerpiece	Click Photo!	9"	$395. Each	Call To Order 540 659 6209
1901-1907 British Royal Navy Victorian Mess Plate No 2 King Edward VII "Young Head" Pattern, Royal Crown Centerpiece	Click Photo!	9"	$395. Each	Call To Order 540 659 6209
1850-1870 British Royal Navy Victorian Mess Plate No 2 Ships and Flowers Pattern, Anchor Centerpiece. Inscription reads: "honi soit qui mal y pense". This is Old French and the motto of the English chivalric "Order of the Garter", which translated means: "Shame be to him who thinks evil of it", or more strictly: "Let he who thinks ill there be shamed", or as it is sometimes re-interpreted "Evil be to him who evil thinks"	Click Photo!	9"	$895. Sold!	Call To Order 540 659 6209
1837-1901 British Royal Navy Victorian Mess Plate No 3 Queen Victoria "Young Head" Pattern, Crossed Flags Centerpiece.	Click Photo!	9"	$495. Each	Call To Order 540 659 6209
1837-1901 British Royal Navy Victorian Mess Plate No 3 Queen Victoria "Young Head" Pattern, Crossed Flags Centerpiece. 3 Small Edge Chips.	Click Photo!	9"	$375. Each	Call To Order 540 659 6209
1837-1901 British Royal Navy Victorian Mess Plate No 3 Queen Victoria "Young Head" Pattern, Crossed Flags Centerpiece. 3 Small Edge Chips.	Click Photo!	9"	$395. Each	Call To Order 540 659 6209
1850-1901 British Royal Navy Victorian Mess Plate No 3 Queen Victoria "Young Head" Pattern, Royal Crown Centerpiece by Pounting & Co	Click Photo!	9"	$395. Sold!	Call To Order 540 659 6209
1837-1901 British Royal Navy Victorian Mess Plate No 4 Queen Victoria "Young Head" Pattern, Crossed Flags Centerpiece	Click Photo!	9"	$495. Sold!	Call To Order 540 659 6209
RARE and Available! 1840-1875 Victorian Era British Royal Navy Mess Plate No 9 Fantastically Detailed Mess Plate with Naval Sailing Ships, Lighthouses, Anchors, Flags, and other Nautical Scenes. Of particular note in the Centerpiece are floral depictions of interwined roses, thistles and shamrocks representing the floral insignia of England, Scotland and Ireland! Perfect Museum Quality Investment Grade Condition. Backstamped Fletcher & Miller, Butcher St, Portsea!	Click Photo!	9"	$995. Sold!	Call To Order 540 659 6209
1837-1901 British Royal Navy Victorian Mess Plate No 7 Queen Victoria "Young Head" Pattern, Royal Crown Centerpiece	Click Photo!	9"	$395. Sold!	Call To Order 540 659 6209
1837-1901 British Royal Navy Victorian Mess Plate No 8 Queen Victoria "Young Head" Pattern, Royal Crown Centerpiece	Click Photo!	9"	$495. Sold!	Call To Order 540 659 6209
1840-1860 British Royal Navy Victorian Mess Plate No 8 Queen Victoria era, RARE Pattern! Scottish Thistle, Irish Shamrock, English Rose w/ Entwined Twisted Rope. Cross Flags, Crown, Anchor Are Part of the Garter or Badge. With Honi Soit Qui Mal Y Pense Which was the Royal Chivalric Maxim translated to "Shame be to him who thinks evil of it". Very RARE Piece.	Click Photo!	9"	$1295.	Call To Order 540 659 6209
1865 British Royal Navy Victorian Era Mess Plate No 10 Beautifully Detailed Rope and Chain Blue Transfer with Royal Crown and Badge Centerpiece. Cracked and Crazing.	Click Photo!	9"	$995. Sold!	Call To Order 540 659 6209
RARE! 1840-1875 Victorian Era British Royal Navy Mess Plate No 16 Fantastically Detailed Mess Plate with Naval Sailing Ships, Lighthouses, Anchors, Flags, and other Nautical Scenes. Valued at $1500.USD Some crazing. Of particular note in the Centerpiece are floral depictions of interwined roses, thistles and shamrocks representing the floral insignia of England, Scotland and Ireland! Backstamped Fletcher & Miller, Butcher St, Portsea!	Click Photo!	9"	$1195. Sold!	Call To Order 540 659 6209
1837-1901 British Royal Navy Victorian Mess Plate No 18 Queen Victoria "Young Head" Pattern, Royal Crown Centerpiece	Click Photo!	9"	$495. Sold!	Call To Order 540 659 6209
1880s-1901 British Royal Navy Victorian Mess Plate No 20 King Edward VII "Young Head" Pattern, Royal Crown Centerpiece	Click Photo!	9"	$395.	Call To Order 540 659 6209
RARE! 1840-1875 Victorian Era British Royal Navy Mess Plate No 20 Fantastically Detailed Mess Plate with Naval Sailing Ships, Lighthouses, Anchors, Flags, and other Nautical Scenes. Of particular note in the Centerpiece are floral depictions of interwined roses, thistles and shamrocks representing the floral insignia of England, Scotland and Ireland! Some crazing, edge chips but does not detract, small hairline. Backstamped Fletcher & Miller, Butcher St, Portsea!	Click Photo!	9"	$1195.	Call To Order 540 659 6209
RARE! 1837-1870s Victorian Era British Royal Navy Mess Plate No 22 Queen Victoria "Young Head" Pattern, Royal Crown Centerpiece	Click Photo!	9"	$495. Sold!	Call To Order 540 659 6209
1880s-1901 British Royal Navy Victorian Mess Plate No 23 King Edward VII "Young Head" Pattern, Royal Crown Centerpiece	Click Photo!	9"	$395. Sold!	Call To Order 540 659 6209
1840-1860 British Royal Navy Victorian Mess Plate No 27 Queen Victoria era, RARE Pattern! Scottish Thistle, Irish Shamrock, English Rose w/ Entwined Twisted Rope. Cross Flags, Crown, Anchor Are Part of the Garter or Badge. With Honi Soit Qui Mal Y Pense Which was the Royal Chivalric Maxim translated to "Shame be to him who thinks evil of it". Very RARE Piece. This Plate was Underwater Salvage Found in the Bahamas!	Click Photo!	9"	$1295.	Call To Order 540 659 6209
1840-1860 British Royal Navy Victorian Mess Plate No 29 Queen Victoria era, RARE Pattern! Scottish Thistle, Irish Shamrock, English Rose w/ Entwined Twisted Rope. Cross Flags, Crown, Anchor Are Part of the Garter or Badge. With Honi Soit Qui Mal Y Pense Which was the Royal Chivalric Maxim translated to "Shame be to him who thinks evil of it". Very RARE Piece. This Plate was is in PERFECT Museum Quality Investor Grade Condition!	Click Photo!	9"	$1495. Sold!	Call To Order 540 659 6209
1901-1905 British Royal Navy Victorian Mess Plate No 36 King Edward VII "Young Head" Pattern, Royal Crown Centerpiece. Bovey Co Ltd backstamped	Click Photo!	9"	$395. Sold!	Call To Order 540 659 6209
1901-1905 British Royal Navy Victorian Mess Plate No 39 King Edward VII "Young Head" Pattern, Royal Crown Centerpiece	Click Photo!	9"	$495. Sold!	Call To Order 540 659 6209
1901-1905 British Royal Navy Victorian Mess Plate No 48 King Edward VII "Young Head" Pattern, Royal Crown Centerpiece	Click Photo!	9"	$395. Sold!	Call To Order 540 659 6209
1837-1901 British Royal Navy Victorian Mess Plate No 50 Queen Victoria "Old Head" Pattern, Royal Crown Centerpiece.	Click Photo!	9"	$395. Sold!	Call To Order 540 659 6209
1820s-1850 British Royal Navy Victorian Basin or Mess Bowl No 05 Museum Quality Condition! Produced possibly by Bovey Tracey Pottery Co. but it could have been any number of producers, and due to the unique nature of the stencilling it is thought that this mess bowl is early 1830s before Bovey Tracey Pottery was incorporated. Due to the unique nature of this mess bowl we have dedicated a separate web page for a more detailed review.	lick Photo!	6.5"	Not For Sale Historical Purposes Only	Call To Order 540 659 6209
1867-1890 British Royal Navy Victorian Basin or Mess Bowl No 18 Museum Quality Condition! Produced by WT Copeland & Sons, Stoke On Kent. Plain Bowl with Blue Rim and Blue Encircled 18 which was found by a diver in the British Royal Navy port of Portland Harbor among 1,000's of shattered pottery pieces presumably dumped overboard at some distant past. This dumping was possibly right after 1907 when the British Royal Navy went from individual messes to the general mess and mess number identification was no longer required.	Click Photo!	6.5"	$125.	Call To Order 540 659 6209
1901-1905 British Royal Navy Victorian Mess Basin or Bowl No 19 King Edward VII "Young Head" Pattern, Royal Crown Centerpiece	Click Photo!	7"	$725. Sold!	Call To Order 540 659 6209
1837-1901 British Royal Navy Victorian Mess Basin or Bowl No 24 Queen Victoria Young Head Pattern, Royal Crown Centerpiece	Click Photo!	7"	$725. Sold!	Call To Order 540 659 6209
1867-1890 British Royal Navy Victorian Basin or Mess Bowl No 29 Museum Quality Condition! Produced by WT Copeland & Sons, Stoke On Kent. Plain Bowl with Blue Rim and Blue Encircled 18 which was found by a diver in the British Royal Navy port of Devon, Portsmouth Harbor presumably dumped overboard at some distant past. The discarding of this bowl was possibly right after 1907 when the British Royal Navy went from individual messes to the general mess and mess number identification was no longer required. Or perhaps the ship they were on obtained a new pattern of mess bowls to replace this particular pattern.	Click Photo!	6.5"	$725.	Call To Order 540 659 6209
1937-1901 British Royal Navy Victorian Mess Basin or Bowl No 54 Queen Victoria "Young Head" Pattern, Royal Crown Centerpiece.	Click Photo!	7"	$725.	Call To Order 540 659 6209
1901-1910 British Royal Navy Victorian Mess Bowl No 58 King Edward VII "Young Head" Pattern, Royal Crown Centerpiece	Click Photo!	7"	$725. Sold!	Call To Order 540 659 6209
1905-1916 British Royal Navy Mess Basin or Bowl A Mess Bowl, or Mess Basin as the British called it, produced by Aynsley China Co and used in the General or Centralized Mess aboard ship (post "berthing" mess period) for British sailors or ratings ca 1907 as it only has the British Royal Navy's Fouled Anchor as an insignia vs. a designated Mess No. This simple fouled anchor insiginia was discontinued and stopped being issued by the Royal Navy in 1926. Additionally, the story is that this Mess Bowl came from Royal Naval ship HMS Arethusa which fought in the Jutland War, pre-cursor to WWI. February 1916 she hit a mine just off Felixstowe and she ran aground on Cutler Shoal where she was abandoned and allowed to break up. Apparently after a large storm this bowl was washed up on the beach from where the Arethusa had sunk. The Mess Bowl certainly has salt water and marine staining to at least substantiate that it was submerged for a lengthy time in the past.	Click Photo!	8"	Not For Sale, Displayed For Historical Purposes Only	Call To Order 540 659 6209
1907-1912 British Royal Navy Mess Soup Bowl A Mess Bowl produced by Mintons of England and used in the Royal Navy's just implemented General or Centralized Mess aboard ship (post "berthing" mess period) for British sailors or ratings ca 1907 as the bowl only has the British Royal Navy's Fouled Anchor as an insignia vs. a designated Mess No. This simple fouled anchor insiginia was inaugurated on/about 1905 and discontinued and stopped being issued by the Royal Navy in 1926. Additionally, Minton the manufacturer of this piece used the shown backstamp between 1873 to 1912 which greatly helps to date this bowl. This marine salvaged Mess Bowl though intact has significant crazing and marine staining from being immersed in salt water for a 100 years or more. Note that this soup bowl is a companion piece to a deep mess bowl also shown and part of the collection here at The Pirates Lair.	Click Photo!	9"	Not For Sale, Displayed For Historical Purposes Only	Call To Order 540 659 6209
Unkown Date British Royal Navy Barracks, Portsmouth, No 77 Plain blue rim pattern with Royal Crown Centerpiece above a circle with "R.N. Barracks, Portsmouth" and the numeral "77." being possibly Mess No 77. There is a fair amount of crazing and slight staining under the glaze indicating age.	Click Photo!	10"	Sold	Call To Order 540 659 6209
British Royal Navy Chief Petty Officers Mess Dinner Plate, ca 1910 or 1916 Beautiful white glazed plate with the Royal Navy's Admiralty Badge consisting of the Naval Crown in Blue, indicating it was used in the Chief Petty Officers Mess..	Click Photo!	10"	Not For Sale Historical Purposes	Call To Order 540 659 6209
British Royal Navy Poss. Chief Petty Officers Dinner Plate, ca 1910 or 1916 Beautiful plate with white glazed body and the Royal Navy's Admiralty Badge consisting of the Naval Crown in Green which denotes use in the Chief Petty Officers Mess.	Click Photo!	10"	Sold	Call To Order 540 659 6209
British Royal Navy Admiralty Cup, ca 1985 - 2000 Beautiful white glazed cup with the Royal Navy's Admiralty Badge consisting of the Naval Crown in Gold.	Click Photo!	3"	Sold	Call To Order 540 659 6209
British Royal Navy Large Mess Pail or Mess Bucket, Late 1800's to Early 1900's (see photo at top of page) Used to collect food, drinks, or the grog rum ration from the galley for each mess aboard ship, 13w" x 10d" x 12h".	Click Photo!	13w" x 10d" x 12h"	$695. Sold!	Call To Order 540 659 6209
British Royal Navy Large Mess Pail, Mess Bucket or "Rum Fanny" from Late 1800's to Early 1900's (see photo at top of page) Used to collect food, drinks or grog and rum ration from the galley for each mess aboard ship, 13w" x 10d" x 12h".	Click Photo!	13w" x 10d" x 12h"	$595. Sold!	Call To Order 540 659 6209
British Royal Navy Imperial Rum Large Porcelain Rum Demijohn Encased in Protective Wicker. #1 Museum Quality Condition. Handcrafted. These wicker-protected porcelain or ceramic demijohns were used store British Royal Navy Rum (108.6-proof) from the very early 1900s thru the 1960s. This particular demijohn is ca WWI-WWII and later since the wicker strips used during this period is a bit thinner than that found on early demijohns. The rum was mixed with water and lime juice to create what is known as "Navy Grog" and served daily to the enlisted ratings.	Click Photo!	13-1/2" high X 8.5" wide, 1 Imperial Gallon, or 4.54 Liter Capacity	$275. Sold!	Call To Order 540 659 6209
British Royal Navy Imperial Rum Large Porcelain Rum Demijohn Encased in Protective Wicker. #2 Museum Quality Condition. Handcrafted. These wicker-protected porcelain or ceramic demijohns were used store British Royal Navy Rum (108.6-proof) from the very early 1900s thru the 1960s. This particular demijohn is ca WWII and later since the wicker strips used during this period is a bit thinner than that found on early demijohns. The rum was mixed with water and lime juice to create what is known as "Navy Grog" and served daily to the enlisted ratings.	Click Photo!	13-1/2" high X 8.5" wide, 1 Imperial Gallon, or 4.54 Liter Capacity	$275. Sold!	Call To Order 540 659 6209
British Royal Navy Imperial Rum Large Porcelain Rum Demijohn Encased in Protective Wicker with Red Mark. #3 Museum Quality Condition. Handcrafted. These wicker-protected porcelain or ceramic demijohns were used store British Royal Navy Rum (108.6-proof) from the very early 1900s thru the 1960s. This particular demijohn is ca WWI to WWII (1900s-1960s) and later since the wicker strips used during this period is a bit thinner than that found on early demijohns. The rum was mixed with water and lime juice to create what is known as "Navy Grog" and served daily to the enlisted ratings.	Click Photo!	13-1/2" high X 8.5" wide, 1 Imperial Gallon, or 4.54 Liter Capacity	$275. Sold!	Call To Order 540 659 6209
British Royal Navy Imperial Rum Large Porcelain Rum Demijohn Without the Wicker and Showing the Stencil Initials SRD (Supply Reserve Depot). #4 Excellent Quality Condition, found in a Brocante near Dunkerque Handcrafted. This porcelain or ceramic demijohn was used store British Royal Navy Rum (108.6-proof) from the very early 1900s thru the 1960s. This particular demijohn is ca WWI to WWII (1900s-1960s). The rum was mixed with water and lime juice to create what is known as "Navy Grog" and served daily to the enlisted ratings.	Click Photo!	13-1/2" high X 8.5" wide, 1 Imperial Gallon, or 4.54 Liter Capacity	$275. Sold!	Call To Order 540 659 6209
British Royal Navy Imperial Rum or Spirit Porcelain Demijon Without Wicker. #5 Excellent Quality Condition. This porcelain or ceramic demijon was used to store British Royal Navy Rum (108.6-proof) from the very early 1900s thru the 1970s. This particular demijon has a rare manufacturers imprint stamped into the porcelain: "Pearson & Co Chesterfield" a major manufacturer of pottery in the UK. The spirit or rum was mixed with water and lime juice to create what is known as "Navy Grog" and served daily to the enlisted ratings.	Click Photo!	13-1/2" high X 8.5" wide, 1 Imperial Gallon, or 4.54 Liter Capacity. This jar can be easily cleaned out to be put back into service, and then have raw rum poured back in with a new cork for storing and to simulate the tradition from days of old and a bygone era!	$275.	Call To Order 540 659 6209
British Royal Navy Imperial Rum or Spirit Porcelain Demijon W/ Wicker Remnants. #6 RARE! Excellent Condition. This porcelain or ceramic demijon was used to store British Royal Navy Rum (108.6-proof) from the very early 1900s thru the 1970s. This particular demijon has the lower part of the wicker missing while the upper half is tight and secure, allowing the collector to examine the porcelain jar. Also, there was still some rum left in this demijohn when it arrived here at The Pirates Lair and the scent of alcohol was strong!	Click Photo!	13-1/2" high X 8.5" wide, 1 Imperial Gallon, or 4.54 Liter Capacity. This jar can be easily cleaned out to be put back into service, and then have raw rum poured back in with a new cork for storing and to simulate the tradition from days of old and a bygone era!	$275.	Call To Order 540 659 6209
British Royal Navy Imperial Rum or Spirit Porcelain Jar or Demijohn W/ Old Style Wicker. #7 RARE! Still has Remnants of the Wax Seal on the Opening!!! Excellent Condition, Wicker is Nice and Tight. This porcelain or ceramic demijon was used to store British Royal Navy Rum (108.6-proof) from the very early 1900s thru the 1970s.	Click Photo!	13-1/2" high X 8.5" wide, 1 Imperial Gallon, or 4.54 Liter Capacity. This jar can be easily cleaned out to be put back into service, and then have raw rum poured back in with a new cork for storing and to simulate the tradition from days of old and a bygone era!	$295.	Call To Order 540 659 6209
Authentic British Royal Navy 8 Piece Rum Cup or Grog Cup Set Arsenal stamped indicating Government Property In-Service with Measure Marks. 19th and early20th Century Provenance - COMPLETE 8 PIECE COLLECTION: 1 Gallon, `1/2 Gallon, 1 Quart, 1 Pint, 1/2 Pint, 1 1/2 Gil, 1 Gil and 1/2 Gil!	Click Photo!	8 Measures - Complete Set!	$3995.	Call To Order 540 659 6209
Authentic 19th Century British Royal Navy 1 Gallon Rum Cup or Grog Cup Arsenal stamped with the Broad Arrow or "crows feet" indicating Government Property In-Service, Victorian abbreviated italic measure mark. An interesting post-production field inventory stamp along the rim "No II Galley".	Click Photo!	1 Imperial Gallon	Not For Sale	Call To Order 540 659 6209
Authentic 20th Century British Royal Navy 1 Imperial Gallon Rum Cup or Grog Cup Cipher clearly stamped along with a 6 below the crown and arsenal marked with a 1 over 53 indicating place of manufacture, and the part number 53169 stamped on the bottom, front of cup is simply stamped "GALLON".	Click Photo!	1 Imperial Gallon	$795.	Call To Order 540 659 6209
Authentic 20th Century British Royal Navy 1/2 Imperial Gallon Rum Cup or Grog Cup Cipher indeciperable due to solder, clearly arsenal marked with a K over 52 indicating place of manufacture, and the part number 53170 stamped on the bottom, front of cup is simply stamped "1/2 GALLON".	Click Photo!	1/2 Imperial Gallon	$695.	Call To Order 540 659 6209
Dated 1917 WWI British Royal Navy King George Era 1 Quart Rum Cup or Grog Measure, #16 Early 20th Century 1917 WWI Construction and Use in the King George V era 1 Quart British Royal Navy Rum Cup or Navy Rum, Grog or Copper Measure as the British Call It, early 20th Century Contruction - Front Clearly Marked 1 QUART with a Royal Crown over GR above the number 17. This Signifies it was Produced in the Reign of King George V in 1917! Riveted Handle, Inside Tinned Some remaining.	Click Photo!	1 Quart Measure, #16	$695.	Call To Order 540 659 6209
Very early-mid 19th Century British Royal Navy Victorian Era 1 Quart Rum Cup or Grog Measure, #15 This 1 Quart Grog Copper Measure is very early-mid 19th century and manufactured to Royal Navy specifications and is tinned on the inside. Over the Years the Weights and Measures Along with the Royal Victorian Cipher Have Been Largely Polished Off Over Time. There has been a repair to this measure along the rear seam where the handle is secured onto the cup. Very RARE Two part handcrafted cup construction ensures early manufacture clearly showing side and bottom seams which were hammer welded!	Click Photo!	1 Quart Measure, #15	$495.	Call To Order 540 659 6209
mid 19th Century 1850s-1890s British Royal Navy Queen Victorian Era 1 Quart Rum Cup or Grog Measure, #14 RARE Size and Provenance! Mid 19th Century Queen Victoria's Reign 1 Quart British Royal Navy Rum Cup or Navy Rum, Grog or Copper Measure as the British Call It. Mid 19th Century Contruction - Front Clearly Marked 1 QT in Old Style Abbreviated Italics, a Broad Arrow Indicating Government Property, with a Royal Cipher of a Crown over VR above the number 6 in a Square, with the Number 17 below it. There is also the letter F below the Stamp and Currently of Unknown Significance. Riveted Handle, No Inside Tinning Remaining.	Click Photo!	1 Quart Measure, #14	$795.	Call To Order 540 659 6209
Authentic 19th Century British Royal Navy Victorian 1 Quart Rum Cup or Grog Measure This 1 Quart Grog Measure is properly stamped "Crown over VR6, Broad Arrow, Qt" and manufactured to Royal Navy specifications and is tinned on the inside.	Click Photo!	1 Quart Measure	Not For Sale	Historical Purposes
19th Century British Royal Navy Victorian era 1 Pint Rum Cup or Grog Measure Clearly stamped with Royal Navy Broad Arrow proofing it as Government Property and in service and Crown over VR6 indicating it was made during Queen Victoria's reign, 1837-1901 and proofed by Inspector #6 in Birmingham, England.	Click Photo!	1 Pint Measure	$495. Sold!	Call To Order 540 659 6209
19th Century British Royal Navy Victorian Era 1/2 Pint Rum Measure or Grog Cup Clearly stamped with 1/2 Pt and the Royal Navy Broad Arrow proofing it for service with a Crown over VR6 indicating it was made during Queen Victoria's reign, 1837-1901 and proofed by Inspector #6	Click Photo!	1/2 Pint Measure	Not For Sale.	Call To Order 540 659 6209
Authentic 19th Century British Royal Navy Victorian 1/2 Pint Rum Cup or Grog Cup #04 Partially Stamped with the numeral 2 just below the rim, possible remnants of the Royal Navy Broad Arrow proofing it for government property and service. It is possible that the numeral 2 was the bottom part of 1/2 for half pint, or the bottom half of the now missing crown cipher indicating that it was made at location 2. Tinned on the inside, handle has been dented over time but rivets are in perfect condtion.	Click Photo!	1/2 Pint Measure, #04	$395. Sold!	Call To Order 540 659 6209
Authentic 20th Century British Royal Navy Georgian GRV Era 1/2 Pint Rum Cup or Grog Cup #1 Clearly Stamped along the rim with the Royal Cipher (crown over GR), Arsenal Marked (L over 51), and bottom stamped post-production with an inventory (53173). Excellent detail and in RARE Museum Quality Usable Condition with the INSIDE TINNING INTACT!	Click Photo!	1/2 Pint Measure, #01	$395. Sold!	Call To Order 540 659 6209
Authentic 20th Century British Royal Navy Georgian GRV Era 1/2 Pint Rum Cup or Grog Cup #02 Clearly Stamped along the rim with the Royal Cipher (crown over GR above numeral 6 and, Arsenal Date Marked (L over 51 September 1951. Bottom stamped post-production with an inventory number 53173. Excellent clear detail and in RARE Museum Quality Usable Condition with the inside tinning intact!	Click Photo!	1/2 Pint Measure, #02	$395. Sold!	Call To Order 540 659 6209
Authentic Mid 20th C British Royal Navy Elizabethan Era 1956 1/2 Pint Rum or Grog Cup, #17 For Sale and Available - RARE MUSEUM QUALITY USABLE CONDITION! Clearly Marked Half Pint Rum Cup or Grog Measure - Authentic Mid 20th Century Dated 1956 with Queen Elizabeths Royal Cipher Clear and Visible Royal Cipher "Crown over ER" above the numeral "6" Signifying Birmingham W&M Office. The Arsenal Mark of "5 over 56" signifying May 1956 production. It is als Bottome Stamped with the Inventory "53173" along with the Mfgr. "PS1956". Rare to Find an Elizabethean Cipher on these Copper Measures. Excellent detail and in RARE usable condition with the inside tinning intact!	Click Photo!	1/2 Pint Measure, #17	$495.	Call To Order 540 659 6209
Authentic mid 19th Century British Royal Navy Victorian Era 1/2 Pint Rum Cup or Grog Cup #11 For Sale and Available - RARE MUSEUM QUALITY USABLE CONDITION! Clearly Marked Half Pint Rum Cup or Grog Measure - Authentic Mid 19th 1850s-1890s Century Queen Victoria Royal Navy Rum Cup or Navy Grog Measure as the British Call It. Clear and Visible 1/2 Pt in the Italicized Abbreviated Format. A Royal Cipher "Crown over VR above the numeral 6" signifying the Royal Reign and Cipher of Victoria Regina with the "6" identifying the Birmingham Weights and Measures Office that did the Inspection. There is also a Broad Arrow below the Cipher Signifying British Government Property.	Click Photo!	1/2 Pint Measure, #11	$495. Sold!	Call To Order 540 659 6209
Authentic Dated July 1915 WWI British Royal Navy King George V Era 1/2 Pint Rum Cup or Grog Cup #10 Authentic Date Coded WWI July 1915 King George V Royal Navy Rum Cup or Navy Grog Measure as the British Call It. Handle Has Been Field Bent and Flattened to For Ease of Use!! Clear and Visible 1/2 Pt in the Block Text Format. A Royal Cipher "Crown over GR above the numeral 6" signifying the Royal Reign and Cipher of Geroge Rex with the "6" identifying the Birmingham Weights and Measures Office that did the Inspection. Next to the Cipher is the Date Code, a G above the Numeral 15 Signifying a Production Date of July 1915.	Click Photo!	1/2 Pint Measure, #10	$395.	Call To Order 540 659 6209
Authentic 19th Century British Royal Navy Victorian Era 1/2 Pint Rum Cup or Grog Cup #13 Authentic Mid to late 19th 1850s-1890s Century Queen Victoria Royal Navy Rum Cup or Navy Grog Measure as the British Call It. Polishing has Removed All of the Measure Markings However a Remnant of the Cipher is left Appearing to be a number "2" above ? and a letter "C". Manufactured in the Royal Navy Regulations. Handle Has Been Field Bent and Flattened to For Ease of Use!!	Click Photo!	1/2 Pint Measure, #13	$295.	Call To Order 540 659 6209
Authentic 20th Century British Royal Navy 1 1/2 Gill Rum Cup or Grog Cup #01 Measure size clearly stamped on the front. Inside Tinning still intact. Arsenal Weights & Measure marked on the bottom : inventory control number: 53175, Mfgr: G&C, production date: 1953.	Click Photo!	1 1/2 Gill Measure, #01	$295. Sold!	Call To Order 540 659 6209
Authentic 20th Century British Royal Navy 1 1/2 Gill Rum Cup or Grog Cup #02 Measure size clearly stamped on the front. Inside Tinning still intact. Arsenal Weights & Measure marked on the bottom with inventory control number: 53175.	Click Photo!	1 1/2 Gill Measure, #02	$295.	Call To Order 540 659 6209
Authentic 20th Century British Royal Navy 1 1/2 Gill Rum Cup or Grog Cup #03 Measure size clearly stamped on the front. Inside Tinning still intact. Arsenal Weights & Measure marked on the bottom with inventory control number: 53175.	Click Photo!	1 1/2 Gill Measure, #03	$295.	Call To Order 540 659 6209
Authentic 20th Century British Royal Navy 1 1/2 Gill Rum Cup or Grog Cup #05 Measure size clearly stamped on the front. Inside Tinning still intact. Arsenal Weights & Measure marked on the bottom with inventory control number: 53175.	Click Photo!	1 1/2 Gill Measure, #05	$295.	Call To Order 540 659 6209
Authentic 19th Century British Royal Navy Victorian Era 1/2 Gill Rum Cup or Grog Measure This 1/2 Gill Grog Measure is period 19th or early 20th century manufactured to Royal Navy specifications and is tinned on the inside with Broad Arrow Stamp indicating Government In Service Property and the Remnants of "1/2 Gill" Stamp	Click Photo!	Half Gill or 1/2 Gill Measure	$295.	Call 540 659 6209 To Purchase
Authentic 19th Century British Royal Navy Victorian Era 1/2 Gill Rum Cup or Grog Measure This 1/2 gill Grog Measure is manufactured to Royal Navy specifications, tinned on the inside, handles riveted to the body, Queen Victoria Royal Cipher marked with a "Crown over VR6", a "Broad Arrow" stamp indicating Government In Service Property, the letter "D" stamped near the cipher, and stamped "1/2 gill".	Click Photo!	Half gill or 1/2 gill Measure	$325. Sold!	Call 540 659 6209 To Purchase
Authentic 19th Century British Royal Navy Victorian Era 1/2 or Half Pint Lipped Measure, Rum Cup or Grog Measure Victorian Era Marked Half Pint Copper Lipped Measure used by the British Royal Navy to Measure and Dispense the Rum and Grog to the Enlisted Sailors in the Time Honored Tradition. Marked with Queen Victoria Cipher "Crown over VR6" Indicating Use From the Mid to late 19th Century (1837-1900). Also has the Broad Arrow or "Crows Foot" Stamp Indicating Government Property In Service. All Copper, Riveted Handle, Inside Tinned.	Click Photo!	Half Pint or 1/2 Pint Lipped Measure #01	$395. Sold!	Call 540 659 6209 To Purchase
Authentic 19th C British Royal Navy 1/2 or Half Pint Lipped Measure, Rum or Grog Cup Marked 1/2 Pint Copper Lipped Measure used by the British Royal Navy to Measure and Dispense the Rum and Grog to the Enlisted Sailors in the Time Honored Tradition. Has the Lead Weight & Measure Stamp on the edge of the lip. Also has the Broad Arrow or "Crows Foot" Stamp Indicating Government Property In Service. All Copper, Riveted Handle, Inside Tinned.	Click Photo!	Half Pint or 1/2 Pint Lipped Measure #02	$395. Sold!	Call 540 659 6209 To Purchase
Queen Victoria Cipher Stamped (VR) 19th C British Royal Navy 1/2 or One Half Pint Lipped Copper Measure, Rum or Grog Cup Beautifully Polished! Marked "1/2 PINT" Copper Lipped Measure used by the British Royal Navy to Measure and Dispense the Rum and Grog to the Enlisted Sailors in the Time Honored Tradition. Has the Lead Weight & Measure Stamp on the edge of the lip marked "VR" for Queen Victoria's Royal Cipher along with an "F". Also has the Broad Arrow or "Crows Foot" Stamp Indicating Government Property In Service. Has an in-service soldered flat bottom, most likely put on for added weight and stability on rolling decks. All Copper, Riveted Handle, Inside Tinned.	Click Photo!	Half Pint or 1/2 Pint Lipped Measure #03	$395.	Call 540 659 6209 To Purchase
RARE!!! Authentic 20th C British Royal Navy Pint Copper Funnel Marked w/ Inventory Numbeer 52488. British Royal Navy Marked Polished One Pint Copper Funnel w/ Stamped Inventory Control Number 52488, Used in Dispensing the Raw Rum and Mixed Grog to the Enlisted Sailors in the Time Honored Tradition. Tinned Interior is 100% there, and Still Retains the Clip for Hanging! One Pint Funnel #02	Click Photo!	One Pint Funnel #02	$375.	Call 540 659 6209 To Purchase
British Royal Navy Large Covered Serving Dish, 1956 Has the blue badge or topmark signifying it was used in the officer's wardroom mess.	Click Photo!	14"x5"	$195. Sold!	Call To Order 540 659 6209
British Royal Navy Large Meat Platter Has the gold badge or topmark signifying it was used in the senior officer's mess.	Click Photo!	18"x12"	$895. Sold!	Call To Order 540 659 6209
British Royal Navy Compote or Candy Dish Has the blue badge or topmark, manufacturer backstamped and dated 1954. Great nautical presentation for candies, pastries, fruit, or perhaps even as a "receiving plate"! Perfect gift for an active duty or veteran who was in the Royal Navy.	Click Photo!	9.85" wide x 2.5" high	$225.	Call To Order 540 659 6209
British Royal Navy Dinner Plate The blue badge or topmark signifying it was used in the wardroom officer's mess. By Crown Ducal, dated 1966. Has the Royal Navy Arrow Anchor Hallmark on bottom.	Click Photo!	9.25"	$95.	Call To Order 540 659 6209
British Royal Navy Salad Plate The blue badge or topmark signifying it was used in the wardroom officer's mess. By Crown Ducal, dated 1964. Has the Royal Navy Arrow Anchor Hallmark on bottom.	Click Photo!	8.25"	$65.	Call To Order 540 659 6209
British Royal Navy Bread Plate The blue badge or topmark signifying it was used in the wardroom officer's mess. Bty Stanley, dated 1956.	Click Photo!	6.25"	$45.	Call To Order 540 659 6209
British Royal Navy Side Dish The blue badge or topmark signifying it was used in the wardroom officer's mess. By WM Grindley, dated 1965. Has the Royal Navy Arrow Anchor hallmark on bottom.	Click Photo!	6.25"	$85.	Call To Order 540 659 6209
British Royal Navy Demitasse Cup The blue badge or topmark signifying it was used in the wardroom officer's mess. By Sutherland dated 1967. Has the Royal Navy Arrow Anchor hallmark on bottom.	Click Photo!	2.50"	$45.	Call To Order 540 659 6209
British Royal Navy Demitasse Saucer The blue badge or topmark signifying it was used in the wardroom officer's mess. By Staffordshire no date. Has the British Royal Navy Anchor hallmark on bottom.	Click Photo!	5"	$25.	Call To Order 540 659 6209
British Royal Navy Cream Pitcher, Lidless The blue badge or topmark signifying it was used in the wardroom officer's mess. By Coalport, dated 1955.	Click Photo!	5.50" High	$145.	Call To Order 540 659 6209
British Royal Navy Milk Pitcher with Lid The blue badge or topmark signifying it was used in the wardroom officer's mess. By Crown Ducal, dated 1966. Has Royal Navy Arrow Anchor hallmark. Pitcher has some crazing which gives it that sought after vintage look.	Click Photo!	6.50" High	$195.	Call To Order 540 659 6209
British Royal Navy Saucer with Swirl Pattern The gold badge or topmark signifying it was used in the senior officer's mess. By Coalport, dated 1954	Click Photo!	6.25"	$25.	Call To Order 540 659 6209
British Royal Navy Cream Pitcher, Lidless with Swirl Pattern The gold badge or topmark signifying it was used in the senior officer's mess. By Tuscan, no date. Has British Admiralty Anchor hallmark.	Click Photo!	5.50" High	$155.	Call To Order 540 659 6209
British Royal Navy Small Personal Creamer, Hong Kong Fleet The gold badge or topmark signifying it was used in the officer's mess at the Royal Navy's Hong Kong Fleet Club. By Wedgewood, 1984.	Click Photo!	2.50"	$25.	Call To Order 540 659 6209
RARE! Authentic early 20th Century pre-WWII British Royal Marines Mess Bowl Handsome plain white bowl with blue Royal Marines Insiginia of Lion over Royal Crown and Latin Motto "Per Mare, Per Terram", (By Sea, By Land). Backstamped with "Copeland SPODE" manufacturers mark, Admiralty Anchor denoting Government inspected and proofed, and impressed "38" for 1938 production (possibly in October). PERFECT as gift to a Royal Marine or collector of Marine dinnerware! Worthy of note, the first time that the British Marine Motto appears to have been used was on their caps during the Battle of Bunkers Hill in 1775.	Click Photo!	9.25"	$175.	Call 540 659 6209 To Purchase
Finger Bowls - Wardroom Officers Mess RARE! Brass Finger Bowls used in the British Royal Navy's Wardroom Officers Mess ca 1950s. Each is Backstamped and Manufactured by MMS (Midland Metal Spinning Company of Wolverhampton), the Royal Navy's Vocabulary # or Inventory Control # of 52105, and Some are Dated 1956!	Click Photo!	5.5" x 2"	$50.	Call To Order 540 659 6209
RARE! 18th Century British Imperial Measure w/ Royal Cipher of Queen Victoria VERY RARE! 19th Century Regulation Imperial Measure Creamer or Pitcher in the Flow Blue or Transferware Pattern. Emplazoned on the front the initials "VR" for Victoria Regina, the words "Imperial Measure", the British chivalic Order of the Garter "Honi Soit Qui Mal Y Pense" (shamed be he who thinks evil of it) found on the British Coat of Arms, and the Imperial Motto "DEU ET MON DROIT" (God and my Right).	Click Photo!	5" High 500ml or 2 Cups	Not For Sale	Call 540 659 6209

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