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!
Call 540-659-6209 for Further Information
US Navy China by Officer Rank Insignia Topmark |
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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! |
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Dinner Plate: Fouled Anchor - USN Limited Production 1940s-1950s |
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Salad Plate: Fouled Anchor - USN Limited Production 1940s-1950s |
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Soup Bowl: Fouled Anchor - USN Limited Production 1940s-1950s |
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Cereal Bowl or Salad Bowl: Fouled Anchor - USN Limited Production 1940s-1950s |
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Bouillon Cup, Two Handled: Fouled Anchor - USN Limited Production 1940s-1950s |
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Coffee Cup, Tea Cup: Fouled Anchor - USN Limited Production 1940s-1950s |
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Large Cup, Saucer, Spoon Set: Fouled Anchor - USN Limited Production 1940s-1950s |
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540 659 6209 |
Demitasse Coffee Cup: Fouled Anchor - USN Limited Production 1940s-1950s |
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Demitasse Saucer: Fouled Anchor - USN Limited Production 1940s-1950s |
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Watchstanding Mug: Fouled Anchor - USN Limited Production 1940s-1950s |
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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. |
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9.25-9.75" Dinner Plate: National Eagle with USN Limited Production 1940s-1950s |
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7" Salad Plate: National Eagle with USN Limited Production 1940s-1950s |
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6" Bread-Butter Plate: National Eagle with USN Limited Production 1940s-1950s |
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9" Large Soup Bowl: National Eagle with USN Limited Production 1940s-1950s |
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6" Cereal Bowl: National Eagle with USN Limited Production 1940s-1950s |
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Coffee Cup: National Eagle with USN Limited Production 1940s-1950s |
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Demitasse Coffee Cup: National Eagle with USN Limited Production 1940s-1950s |
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Bouillon Cup: National Eagle with USN Limited Production 1940s-1950s |
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Footed Egg Cup (Shenango): National Eagle with USN Limited Production 1940s-1950s |
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Egg Cup or Watch Mug (Tepco): National Eagle with USN Limited Production 1940s-1950s |
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Large Serving Bowl: National Eagle with USN RARE Limited Production Late 1940s-1950s |
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8" Oblong Celery or Butter Dish: National Eagle with USN Limited Production 1940s-1950s |
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WARRANT OFFICER WO1, WO2, WO3, WO4, WO5- "USN" in Diamond Design | |
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Dinner Plate: USN |
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Lunch or Fish Plate: USN |
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Salad or Dessert Plate: USN |
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Bread and Butter Plate: USN |
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Soup Bowl: USN |
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Cereal Bowl: USN |
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Coffee Cup: USN |
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Footed Egg Cup: USN |
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Coffee Saucer: USN |
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Demitasse Coffee Cup: USN |
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Demitasse Saucer: USN |
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Handless Watch Standing Mug: USN |
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Celery or Butter dish: USN |
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RARE! Large Serving Bowl w Flat Rim: USN |
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RARE! Large Serving Bowl by TEPCO: USN |
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JUNIOR GRADE OFFICER Ensign or LtJG Square Knot |
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Dinner Plate: Square Knot |
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Salad Plate: Square Knot |
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Bread and Butter Plate: Square Knot |
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Soup Bowl: Square Knot |
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Cereal Bowl: Square Knot |
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Dinner Coffee Cup: Square Knot |
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Saucer, Coffee: Square Knot |
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Dinner Coffee 3-Piece Set (Cup, Saucer, Silverplate Spoon): Square Knot |
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Demitasse Coffee Cup: Square Knot |
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Demitasse Coffee Saucer: Square Knot |
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Demitasse Coffee 3-Piece Set (Cup, Saucer, Silverplate Spoon): Square Knot |
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540 659 6209 |
Watch Mug/Egg Cup: Square Knot |
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Celery Dish: Square Knot |
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Large Serving Bowl: Square Knot |
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Large Serving Bowl (TEPCO): Square Knot |
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REAR ADMIRAL - 2 Stars | |
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Dinner Plate |
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6.75" Salad or Bread Plate |
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6.25" Roll and Butter Plate |
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Coffee Cup or Tea Cup handle hidden behind cup |
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Demitasse or Expresso Coffee Cup or Tea Cup |
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RARE! 2 Handle Bouillon Cup |
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Footed Egg Cup or Goblet |
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540 659 6209 |
Full Size Saucer |
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Demitasse Saucer |
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Serving Bowl - Dated 1935 |
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540 659 6209 |
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 |
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Category 1 |
Sold! |
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WWII Dinner Plate |
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540 659 6209 |
WWII Salad Plate |
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WWII Egg Cup or Watchstanding Mug (foot-less) |
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Cereal Bowl |
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540 659 6209 |
WWII Salad Plate |
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To Order |
FULL ADMIRAL or FLEET ADMIRAL - 4 Stars | |
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WWII RARE! Celery Dish |
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Demitasse or Expresso Coffee Cup or Tea Cup |
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540 659 6209 |
Large Coffee Cup, Saucer and Teaspoon |
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540 659 6209 |
Handleless Watchstanding Mug, Egg Cup, Shaving Mug |
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RAREST of the RARE! Serving Bowl by Shenango China |
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Sold! |
540 659 6209 |
Department of The Navy - Navy Seal | |
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Dinner Plate: Gold Navy Seal |
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Salad or Dessert Plate: Gold Navy Seal |
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Bread Plate: Gold Navy Seal |
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Soup Bowl: Gold Navy Seal |
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Cereal Bowl: Gold Navy Seal |
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Berry Bowl, Side Bowl or Condiment Bowl: Gold Navy Seal |
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Celery Dish, Relish Dish or Condiment: Gold Navy Seal |
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Coffee Cup, Formal and Informal Occasions: Gold Navy Seal |
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Bouillon Cup - Double Handle: Gold Navy Seal |
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Full Size Saucer: Gold Navy Seal |
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Full Size Coffee Cup, Saucer Set: Gold Navy Seal |
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Full Size Coffee Cup, Saucer, and Teaspoon Set: Gold Navy Seal |
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Demitasse or Espresso Coffee Cup: Gold Navy Seal |
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Demitasse Saucer: Gold Navy Seal |
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Demitasse or Espresso Set Coffee Cup, Saucer, Teaspoon Set: Gold Navy Seal |
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Double Ended Egg Cup and Wine Goblet: Gold Navy Seal |
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Handless Watchstanding Mug w/ Gold Navy Seal |
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Single Ended Footed Egg Cup: Gold Navy Seal |
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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! |
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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. | |
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 |
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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 |
Serving Bowl, Dated 1935 |
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Cereal Bowl |
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540 659 6209 |
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10" Dinner, 6" Salad/Roll Plate, 6" Bowl, Coffee Cup and Saucer, Kings Design Dinner Fork, Knife, Soup Spoon, Teaspoon |
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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 |
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. |
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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 |
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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 |
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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! |
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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 |
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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! |
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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 |
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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 |
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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. |
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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. | |
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.
>Brief History of U.S. Navy China TablewareFrom 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!