Presentation Silver Astray HMSVictory

A solid silver example with good clear hallmarks confirming made by the silversmiths Joseph Gloster Ltd who operated from the Lion Silver Works, Hockley Hill, Birmingham. As well as the makers marks it carries an anchor indicating a Birmingham maker and a date code letter Y for 1923. The centre of the ashtray is finely engraved : 'Lt R. Coombs R. N. In Great Appreciation 1922-24 From Lt Cdr (G) HMS Victory'. Victory of course needs no introduction being a 104-gun first-rate ship of the line of the Royal Navy launched in 1765. She is best known for her role as Lord Nelson's flagship at the Battle of Trafalgar on 21 October 1805. After Cape St Vincent she was relegated to the role of harbour ship and in 1922, she was moved to a dry dock at Portsmouth, to be preserved. Since October 2012 she has been the flagship of the First Sea Lord and has the distinction of being the world's oldest naval ship still in commission, currently with 241 years' service and counting!

We assume Lieutenant R. Coombs R. N. served on Victory from 1922-24 and was presented with this ashtray as a gift from his fellow Officers and his Commander on his re assignment. Sadly we have no other history with the item but it is worthy of further research. The ashtray shows signs of use but remains in fine original condition, the silver retains a good shine and the presentation engraving and hallmarks are crisp and readable. This would make an excellent stocking filler for the Naval collector in your life and a super bit of history with its direct associations with the most famous vessel in the Royal Navy! Measures 3.75" (9.5 cm)