A veritable feast of goodies from the White Star Line and the Royal Yacht landed on the shores of the Pursers Locker this week.

The arrival included a beautiful plate in deep royal blue and gilt decoration for the White Star Line, thought to have been used within the likes of the A'la Carte restaurant of the RMS 'Olympic'. Manufactured by the famous fine bone china firm, Copelands Spode, the company also made china for the ill-fated Titanic. The plate displays the initials 'OSNC' which in effect was the parent company for White Star Line, standing for the Oceanic Steam Navigation Company. The china was of the utmost quality and would have been used by the cream of high society whilst onboard.

The crystal ice bucket also from the white star line arrived this week too. In a pattern especially designed for the 'Olympic' class, this bucket probably dats from the 1920's. Apart from some overall ware and surface scratches, it is in stunning condition. Its incredible to think that huge ocean liners prior to stabilisers being fitted carried huge heavy pieces of solid lead crystal like this, the amount off these that must of ended up smashed and resultantly thrown overboard must have been staggering. 

Other arrivals this week included a lovely and seldom seen on the open market 1st Class silver plate vase from the ss United Staes, dated for her maiden year of 1952!

And finally a stunning and beautiful piece from the onboard service of King Edward VII's personal yacht, HMY Victoria & Albert III, a beautiful ice pail. Although only silver plate it is beautifully decorated and goes beyond the quality that would have been used for the officers service. Its quite probable to assume it was manufactured in robust silver plate for deck service. Serving ice for cocktails and drinks to VIP's and members of the Royal Family whilst anchored in some exotic port or during some legendary event such as Cowes Week here on our very own Isle of Wight, a true relic of the 'gilded age'. In beautiful condition. C-1901.