Only at The Pirate's Lair will you find Genuine Authentic WWII US Navy-issued Vintage Nautical Dinnerware and Matching Nautical Silverware

This Nautical Dinnerware and Tableware consisting of fine China pieces with matching Silverware now being offered by The Pirate's Lair was originally produced for the US Navy from the late 1890s to the 1960s.

Each piece was glazed with a Special Rank Insignia (or topmark) as the Personal China and Silverware 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!

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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 Commissioning Pennant-Captain, 2 Star, 3 Star and 4 Star-Admirals

Priceless!

• U.S. Navy China by Officer Rank with Naval Insignia Topmark!
• Warrant Officer - Click Here, "USN in Diamond Shape"
• Junior Grade Officer (Ensign/LtJG) - Click Here, "Navy Square Knot"
• Wardroom Officer (Lt, LCdr and Cdr) - Click Here, "Fouled Anchor"
• Wardroom Officer (1946-1959)- *Limited Production - Click Here, "USN beneath a Fouled Anchor"
• Senior Officer (1946-1959)- *Limited Production - Click Here, "USN beneath a National Eagle"
• Navy Captain - Click Here, "Commissioning Pennant w 4 stars"
• Rear Admiral Upper - Click Here, "Square Flag, 2 Stars"
• Vice Admiral - Click Here, "Square Flag, 3 Stars"
• Fleet or Full Admiral - Click Here, "Square Flag,4 Stars"
• Department of the Navy - Clck Here, "U.S. Navy Seal"
• *=Orphan Patterns. Only very limited production by two china companies

WARDROOM OFFICER Limited Production Late 1940's to Late 1950's - Fouled Anchor with USN. Originally Produced for the Officer's Wardroom but a Great Gift for a Chief Petty Officer!	Click thumbnail to view photo	Size	Price Each	Information and to Order
Wardroom Navy Officer Dinner Plate: Fouled Anchor - USN Limited Production 1940s-1950s	Click Photo	10"	$99.	Click Here to Order
Navy Wardroom Officer Salad Plate: Fouled Anchor - USN Limited Production 1940s-1950s	Click Photo	7"	$59.	Click Here to Order
Navy Wardroom Officer Soup Bowl: Fouled Anchor - USN Limited Production 1940s-1950s	Click Photo	9"	$99.	Click Here to Order
Navy Wardroom Officer Cereal Bowl or Salad Bowl: Fouled Anchor - USN Limited Production 1940s-1950s	Click Photo	6"	$89.	Click Here to Order
Navy Wardroom Officer - Limited Production Bouillon Cup, Two Handled: Fouled Anchor - USN Limited Production 1940s-1950s	Click Photo	Very Rare!	$99.	Click Here to Order
Wardroom Officer Coffee Cup, Tea Cup: Fouled Anchor - USN Limited Production 1940s-1950s	Click Photo	3"	$89.	Click Here to Order
Wardroom Officer Large Cup, Saucer, Spoon Set: Fouled Anchor - USN Limited Production 1940s-1950s	Click Photo	6"	$165.	Call to Order 540 659 6209
Wardroom Officer Demitasse Coffee Cup: Fouled Anchor - USN Limited Production 1940s-1950s	Click Photo	2.5"	$59.	Click Here to Order
Wardroom Officer Demitasse Saucer: Fouled Anchor - USN Limited Production 1940s-1950s	Click Photo	3"	$39.	Click Here to Order
Navy Wardroom Officer - Limited Production Watchstanding Mug: Fouled Anchor - USN Limited Production 1940s-1950s	Click Photo	Very Rare!	$199.	Click Here to Order

ADMIRALS MESSLimited Production! Late 1940's to Late 1950's - Federal or National Eagle with USN. This Pattern Was Made Specifically for the Admiral's Mess to Replace the WWII era 2, 3 and 4 Star Flags. It is concievable that if this pattern was allowed to be standardized that 2, 3 and 4 Stars would have been incorporated into the design above the Eagle.	Click Photo	Size	Price Each	Information and to Order
Admirals Mess 9.25-9.75" Dinner Plate: National Eagle with USN Limited Production 1940s-1950s	Click Photo	10"	$150.	Call To Order 540 659 6209
Admirals Mess 7" Salad Plate: National Eagle with USN Limited Production 1940s-1950s	Click Photo	7"	$69.	Call To Order 540 659 6209
Admirals Mess 6" Bread-Butter Plate: National Eagle with USN Limited Production 1940s-1950s	Click Photo	6"	$59.	Call To Order 540 659 6209
Admirals Mess 9" Large Soup Bowl: National Eagle with USN Limited Production 1940s-1950s	Click Photo	9"	$150.	Call To Order 540 659 6209
Admirals Mess 6" Cereal Bowl: National Eagle with USN Limited Production 1940s-1950s	Click Photo	6"	$89.	Call To Order 540 659 6209
Admirals Mess Coffee Cup: National Eagle with USN Limited Production 1940s-1950s	Click Photo	n/a	$79.	Call To Order 540 659 6209
Admirals Mess Demitasse Coffee Cup: National Eagle with USN Limited Production 1940s-1950s	Click Photo	n/a	$59.	Call To Order 540 659 6209
Admirals Mess Bouillon Cup: National Eagle with USN Limited Production 1940s-1950s	Click Photo	n/a	$150.	Call To Order 540 659 6209
Admirals Mess Footed Egg Cup (Shenango): National Eagle with USN Limited Production 1940s-1950s	Click Photo	n/a	$150.	Call To Order 540 659 6209
Admirals Mess Egg Cup or Watch Mug (Tepco): National Eagle with USN Limited Production 1940s-1950s	Click Photo	n/a	$199.	Call To Order 540 659 6209
Admirals Mess Large Serving Bowl: National Eagle with USN RARE Limited Production Late 1940s-1950s	Click Photo	10"	Not For Sale	Historical Display Only
Admirals Mess 8" Oblong Celery or Butter Dish: National Eagle with USN Limited Production 1940s-1950s	Click Photo	8" Oblong	$195.	Call To Order 540 659 6209

WARRANT OFFICER WO1, WO2, WO3, WO4, WO5- "USN" in Diamond Design	Click thumbnail to view photo	Size	Price Each	Information and to Order
Warrant Officer Dinner Plate: USN	Click Photo	10"	$89.	Click Here to Order
Warrant Officer Lunch or Fish Plate: USN	Click Photo	9"	$69.	Click Here to Order
Warrant Officer Salad or Dessert Plate: USN	Click Photo	7"	$39.	Click Here to Order
Warrant Officer Bread and Butter Plate: USN	Click Photo	6"	$29.	Click Here to Order
Warrant Officer Soup Bowl: USN	Click Photo	9"	$79.	Click Here to Order
Warrant Officer Cereal Bowl: USN	Click Photo	7"	$49.	Click Here to Order
Warrant Officer Coffee Cup: USN	Click Photo	3"	$69.	Click Here to Order
Warrant Officer Footed Egg Cup: USN	Click Photo	3.25"	$69.	Click Here to Order
Warrant Officer Coffee Saucer: USN	Click Photo	6"	$39.	Click Here to Order
Warrant Officer Demitasse Coffee Cup: USN	Click Photo	2.25"	$39.	Click Here to Order
Warrant Officer Demitasse Saucer: USN	Click Photo	2.25"	$29.	Click Here to Order
Warrant Officer Handless Watch Standing Mug: USN	Click Photo	3.25"	$89.	Click Here to Order
Warrant Officer Celery or Butter dish: USN	Click Photo	8"	$89.	Click Here to Order
Warrant Officer RARE! Large Serving Bowl w Flat Rim: USN	Click Photo	10"	$275.	Click Here to Order
Warrant Officer RARE! Large Serving Bowl by TEPCO: USN	Click Photo	10"	$150.	Click Here 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	Click Photo	10"	$79.	Click Here to Order
Junior Grade Officer Salad Plate: Square Knot	Click Photo	7"	$39.	Click Here to Order
Junior Grade Officer Bread and Butter Plate: Square Knot	Click Photo	6"	$39.	Click Here to Order
Junior Grade Officer Soup Bowl: Square Knot	Click Photo	9"	$59.	Click Here to Order
Junior Grade Officer Cereal Bowl: Square Knot	Click Photo	7"	$39.	Click Here to Order
Junior Grade Officer Dinner Coffee Cup: Square Knot	Click Photo	Cup	$59.	Click Here to Order
Junior Grade Officer Saucer, Coffee: Square Knot	Click Photo	6"	$39.	Click Here to Order
Junior Grade Officer Dinner Coffee 3-Piece Set (Cup, Saucer, Silverplate Spoon): Square Knot	Click Photo	3 Piece Set	$125.	Click Here to Order
Junior Grade Officer Demitasse Coffee Cup: Square Knot	Click Photo	2"	$49.	Click Here to Order
Junior Grade Officer Demitasse Coffee Saucer: Square Knot	Click Photo	4"	$39.	Click Here to Order
Junior Grade Officer Demitasse Coffee 3-Piece Set (Cup, Saucer, Silverplate Spoon): Square Knot	Click Photo	3 Piece Set	$115.	Click Here to Order	Call To Order 540 659 6209
Junior Grade Officer Watch Mug/Egg Cup: Square Knot	Click Photo	3"	$59.	Click Here to Order
Junior Grade Officer Celery Dish: Square Knot	Click Photo	8"	$99.	Click Here to Order
Junior Grade Officer Large Serving Bowl: Square Knot	Click Photo	10"	$275.	Click Here to Order
Junior Grade Officer Large Serving Bowl (TEPCO): Square Knot	Click Photo	10"	$175.	Click Here to Order

REAR ADMIRAL - 2 Stars	Click thumbnail to view photo	Size	Price Each	Information and to Order
Rear Admiral - 2 Stars Dinner Plate	Click Photo	9.5"	$159.	Click for More Info and to Order
Rear Admiral - 2 Stars 6.75" Salad or Bread Plate	Click Photo	6.5"	$119.	Click for More Info and to Order
Rear Admiral - 2 Stars 6.25" Roll and Butter Plate	Click Photo	6.25"	$119.	Click for More Info and to Order
Rear Admiral - 2 Stars Coffee Cup or Tea Cup handle hidden behind cup	Click Photo	Very Rare	$129.	Click for More Info and to Order
Rear Admiral - 2 Stars Demitasse or Expresso Coffee Cup or Tea Cup	Click Photo	2.5"	$99.	Click for More Info and to Order
Rear Admiral - 2 Stars RARE! 2 Handle Bouillon Cup	Click Photo	Very Rare	$129.	Click for More Info and to Order
Rear Admiral - 2 Stars Footed Egg Cup or Goblet	Click Photo	3"	$119.	Call to Order 540 659 6209
Rear Admiral - 2 Stars Full Size Saucer	Click Photo	Very Rare	$79.	Click for More Info and to Order
Rear Admiral - 2 Stars Demitasse Saucer	Click Photo	Very Rare	$79.	Call To Order
Rear Admiral - 2 Stars Serving Bowl - Dated 1935	Click Photo	9" Very Rare	$295.	Call To Order 540 659 6209
RARE! Dated 1941 Silverplated 2 Star Rear Admirals Desktop Cigarette Holder Museum Quality/Investment Grade Piece. 2 Stars and USN Monogrammed Insignia. Large, 50% Larger Than Either the Captain or Wardroom Officers Cigarette Holder! International Silver Co, Silver Soldered, p/n 01135, 1941 Date Code		Large! 3.25"W x 3.25"H Category 1	$325 Sold!	Call To Order 540 659 6209

VICE ADMIRAL - 3 Stars	Click thumbnail to view photo	Size	Price Each	Information and to Order
Vice Admiral - 3 Stars WWII Dinner Plate	Click Photo	9.75"	$179.	Call to Order 540 659 6209
Vice Admiral - 3 Stars WWII Salad Plate	Click Photo	6.5"	$119.	Click for More Info and to Order
Vice Admiral - 3 Stars WWII Egg Cup or Watchstanding Mug (foot-less)	Click Photo	Very Rare	$179.	Click for More Info and to Order
Vice Admiral - 3 Stars - Dated 1929 Cereal Bowl	Click Photo	7" Very Rare	$145.	Call To Order 540 659 6209
Vice Admiral - 3 Stars WWII Salad Plate	Click Photo	2.5"W x 2.25"H	$69.	Call 540 659 6209 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	Click Photo	8"	$179.	Click for More Info and to Order
Fleet Admiral - 4 Stars Demitasse or Expresso Coffee Cup or Tea Cup	Click Photo	2.5"	$159.	Call to Order 540 659 6209
4 Star Admiral, Fleet Admiral or Full Admiral Large Coffee Cup, Saucer and Teaspoon	Click Photo	Very Rare, Ca 1950s	$195. Sold!	Call to Order 540 659 6209
Fleet Admiral - 4 Stars Handleless Watchstanding Mug, Egg Cup, Shaving Mug	Click Photo	3"	$199.	Click for More Info and to Order
Fleet Admiral - 4 Stars RAREST of the RARE! Serving Bowl by Shenango China	Click Photo	10"	$695. Sold!	Call to Order 540 659 6209

Department of The Navy - Navy Seal	Click thumbnail to view photo	Size	Price Each	Information and to Order
Department of Navy Dinner Plate: Gold Navy Seal	Click Photo	10"	$39.	Click Here to Order
Department of Navy Salad or Dessert Plate: Gold Navy Seal	Click Photo	7"	$29.	Click Here to Order
Department of Navy Bread Plate: Gold Navy Seal	Click Photo	6"	$19.	Click Here to Order
Department of Navy Soup Bowl: Gold Navy Seal	Click Photo	9"	$39.	Click Here to Order
Department of Navy Cereal Bowl: Gold Navy Seal	Click Photo	7"	$29.	Click Here To Order
Department of Navy Berry Bowl, Side Bowl or Condiment Bowl: Gold Navy Seal	Click Photo	4.75"	$59.	Click Here to Order
Department of Navy Celery Dish, Relish Dish or Condiment: Gold Navy Seal	Click Photo	8" Oblong	$75	Click Here To Order
Department of Navy Coffee Cup, Formal and Informal Occasions: Gold Navy Seal	Click Photo	3"	$29.	Click Here to Order
Department of Navy Bouillon Cup - Double Handle: Gold Navy Seal	Click Photo	3"	$89.	Click Here To Order
Department of Navy Full Size Saucer: Gold Navy Seal	Click Photo	6"	$19.	Click Here To Order
Department of Navy Full Size Coffee Cup, Saucer Set: Gold Navy Seal	Click Photo	3"	$49.	Click Here To Order
Department of Navy Full Size Coffee Cup, Saucer, and Teaspoon Set: Gold Navy Seal	Click Photo	3 Piece Set	$80.	Click Here To Order
Department of Navy Demitasse or Espresso Coffee Cup: Gold Navy Seal	Click Photo	2"	$39.	Click Here To Order
Department of Navy Demitasse Saucer: Gold Navy Seal	Click Photo	2.5"	$19.	Click Here To Order
Department of Navy Demitasse or Espresso Set Coffee Cup, Saucer, Teaspoon Set: Gold Navy Seal	Click Photo	3 Piece Set	$70.	Click Here To Order
RARE! Department of Navy Double Ended Egg Cup and Wine Goblet: Gold Navy Seal	Click Photo	4"	$79.	Click Here To Order
RARE! Department of Navy Handless Watchstanding Mug w/ Gold Navy Seal	Click Photo	WWII era Dept of Navy Seal	$79.	Click Here To Order
Department of Navy Single Ended Footed Egg Cup: Gold Navy Seal	Click Photo	WWI and WWII Seal Hard to Find	$79.	Click Here To Order
Over 100 Years Old! RARE - 6oz China Goblet with Department of Navy Seal- Great White Fleet era! VERY RARE - ANOTHER ONE-OF-A-KIND MUSEUM QUALITY PIECE - Stands 3.5" high and 3" across, Bottom marked Shenango Pottery Co, New Castle, PA and Chas Brown and Sons, Agents, S.F. Cal. and dated 10/10 or October, 1910!	CLICK PHOTO!	Used by Senior Officer's or in the Captains Cabin, Admirals Mess, or Senior Civilian Staff. Used as a goblet during various meals. Has very thin and very old hardly noticeable hairline on the rear but does not detract.	$125.	Click Here To Order
RARE Department of Navy Officers China Small 1/2 Gil WWI U.S. Navy Rum Cup, Double Shot Rum Tot, Liqueur Cup: Gold Navy Seal VERY RARE - ANOTHER ONE-OF-A-KIND MUSEUM QUALITY PIECE - Stands 2.5" high and 2" across, Bottom marked C.Barth & Son, New York 1918	CLICK PHOTO!	Used by Senior Officer's or in the Captains Cabin or Admirals Mess Used after dinner to sip Naval Rum or Liqueurs over cigars. Officers version of the enlisted seamans Navy Rum Tot or Navy Rum Cup or Shot Glass!	Great White Fleet era Seal	Not For Sale
Dept of the Navy - Rear Admiral - 2 Stars Serving Bowl, Dated 1935	Click Photo	9" Very Rare	$295. SOLD!	Click Here To Order
Dept of the Navy - Vice Admiral - 3 Stars - Dated 1929 Cereal Bowl	Click Photo	7" Very Rare	$145.	Call To Order 540 659 6209
Department of Navy China 5 Piece Placesetting Special: Gold Navy Seal	Click Photo	5 Pieces - 1 10" Dinner Plate, 9.5" 1 Salad Plate, 1 Coffee Cup, 1 Saucer, and 1 6" Bowl OR 7" Salad/Bread Plate	$139.	Click Here to Order
Dept of the Navy 9pc Placesetting Special 10" Dinner, 6" Salad/Roll Plate, 6" Bowl, Coffee Cup and Saucer, Kings Design Dinner Fork, Knife, Soup Spoon, Teaspoon	Click Photo	Complete 9 piece Placesetting China and Silverware	$229.	Click Here To Order
RARE Hand Glazed Backstamped/Dated 1918 U.S. Navy Department of Navy Serving Dish and Receiving Plate - WWI era Medium size oblong dishes in perfect condition 8.5" x 5.25" x 1.25" high. - Museum Quality Condition - Has early Department of the Navy Seal - Perfect Gift for a Naval Officer!	Click Photo! 1918 WWI US Navy Serving Dish or Receiving Plate	Used in Senior Officer's Mess Originally made as a small serving dish but also doubled or re-purposed as a "receiving plate" which was found at the front entrance foyer of the quarters of all Naval Officers so that official visitors can leave their calling card.	$125. SOLD!	Call To Order 540 659 6209
RARE ca 1905 U.S. Navy Lead Crystal Decanter w/ Dept of Navy Seal Great White Fleet - WWI era Pieces Vary From Everyday Use to Museum Quality Condition and Priced Accordingly! 6" high, holds 12oz - with Etched 1905-era original Department of Navy Seal - Perfect Gift for a Naval Officer	CLICK PHOTO! for Antique Crystal Decanter	Used in Senior Officer's Wardroom, Captain's Mess, or 2 Star Admiral's Mess Used for decanting fine wines or after dinner liqueurs, comes with stopper.	$195-$395.	Call To Order 540 659 6209
RARE - Small 1/2 Gill or 2 Shot WWI U.S. Navy Cur or Rum Tot, Liqueur Cup or 2 Shot Glass, Department of Navy Seal VERY RARE - ANOTHER ONE-OF-A-KIND MUSEUM QUALITY PIECE - Stands 2.5" high and 2" across, Bottom marked C.Barth & Son, New York 1918	CLICK PHOTO!	Used by Senior Officer's or in the Captains Cabin or Admirals Mess Used after dinner to sip Naval Rum or Liqueurs over cigars. Officers version of the enlisted seamans Navy Rum Tot or Navy Rum Cup or 2 Shot Glass!	$195. SOLD	SOLD!
RARE One of a Kind - US Dept of Navy China Cream or Milk Pitcher WWI era ca 1905-1920's. 8" high, holds 12oz - Perfect Museum Quality Condition with Clear Early 1900's era Department of Navy Seal, Gold Gilt Trim and Handle - Perfect Gift for a Naval Officer	CLICK PHOTO!	Used in Senior Officer's Wardroom or Captain's Cabin Mess ca 1905-1923. This pitcher is exactly the same as the one below except bottom marked "Lamberton China" which was owned by Maddock China until the early 1920's.	$395. Discount When Buying Cup, Saucer and Teaspoon Set!	Click Here To Order
RARE One of a Kind DATED 1918! US Dept of Navy China Cream or Milk Pitcher WWI 8" high, holds 12oz - Perfect Museum Quality Condition with Clear Early 1900's era First-Use Department of Navy Seal, Gold Gilt Trim and Handle - Perfect Gift for a Naval Officer	CLICK PHOTO!	Used in Senior Officer's Wardroom or Captain's Cabin Mess. Bottom Marked "Mayer China, Made For, Jas M. Shaw & Co. NY" and "James M. Shaw & Co, New York, 1918"	$495. Discount When Buying Cup, Saucer and Teaspoon Set!	Call To Order 540 659 6209
RARE One of a Kind DATED (2-10) February 1910!! - US Dept of Navy China Cream or Milk Pitcher WWI 8" high, holds 12oz - Perfect Museum Quality Condition with Clear Early 1900's era First-Use Department of Navy Seal, Gold Gilt Trim and Handle - Perfect Gift for a Naval Officer	CLICK PHOTO!	Used in Senior Officer's Wardroom or Captain's Cabin Mess. Bottom Marked "2-10, Shenango Pottery Co, New Castle, PA / CHAS Brown & Sons, Agents, S.F. Cal."	$495. Discount When Buying Cup, Saucer and Teaspoon Set!	Call To Order 540 659 6209
RARE One of a Kind, A MUST for any Serious Naval Collection! - A "United States Navy" Serving Bowl WWII era 1916-1930s - RARE! One of a Kind Historical Piece. Antique Naval China "United States Navy" Serving Bowl with Green Glazed Topmark and Stripes! This Serving Bowls Topmark Shows the Older Original "Eagle" Version Department of the Navy Seal (ca 1905-1930s) But with the Title "United States Navy" instead of the "Department of the Navy" title. Also the Stripes and Topmark Seal are in a Green Glaze Rather than the Regulation Blue/Gold Stipes and Gold Seal! Manufactured by Carr China (for the James M. Shaw & Co.), Established in 1916 Which Substantially Confirms This Serving Bowls Was Made and Used Between 1916 and the 1930s.	CLICK PHOTO!	8" wide by 3" high. Used in Senior Officer's Wardroom or Captain's Cabin Mess ca 1916-1930s. This Serving Bowl is Perhaps the prototype and VERY FIRST use of the United States Navy seal established in the late 1930s and still in use today, (different than the Department of the Navy seal which is also still in use).	$395.	Click Here To Order

• Antique Vintage U.S. Navy China 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 Gift for Enlisted, Chief Petty Officer, or Naval Officer
• USNA or USMMA Graduation Gift Idea for the newly Commissioned Midshipman
• Navy 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 Military Retirement Gift for a Navy Warrant Officer
• Nautical Naval Promotion Gift for a Navy Petty Officer or Chief Petty Officer
• Perfect Navy 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
• Thoughtful Wardroom Military Welcome Home Gift for a Navy Captain
• Great Christmas 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

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! 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 masculine yet very elegant 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.

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" or Navy Surplus 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 regarding the US Navy Tableclothis 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 Warrant 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!

The Pirate's Lair
Division of DataCity, Inc.
78 Canterbury Drive
Stafford, Virginia 22554
Phone: 540-659-6209

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