Vintage Royal Mail Steampacket Company Silverplate Tea Service

Born out of a necessity to transport mail, the Royal Mail Steam Packet Company would eventually grow to be the largest shipping company in the world. In 1839, Queen Victoria granted a Royal Charter of Incorporation to "The Royal Mail Steam Packet Company" with the stated purpose of "carrying all Her Majesties' mail". Twice monthly voyages ran from England to the Barbados in the West Indies. As the empire grew, Queen Victoria granted additional Royal Charters to expand the Royal Mail's service first to British Honduras, and then beyond to each of her far-flung colonies.

In the decade before the First World War, the company began building larger, more luxurious ships, offering cargo and passenger service between England and Buenos Aires, Argentina. A decade later it became the largest shipping group in the world when it took over the White Star Line in 1927, but troubled times lay ahead. So intrinsic was the company to Britain's shipping industry that when financial scandal three years later forced the line into liquidation, special arrangements were prearranged to guarantee the continuation of Royal Mail ship operations. Created in 1932, the similarly named Royal Mail Lines Ltd. assumed operations and assets of The Royal Mail Steam Packet Company.

Produced by Britain's great Gladwin Ltd silversmiths of Sheffield, known for the fine quality of their silverplate commissioned for use aboard luxury passenger lines like Cumard, this magnificent Vintage Royal Mail Silverplate Tea Service includes a gleaming pot accompanied by a milk jug and sugar bowl. With its modest size intended for table use or in-cabin dining aboard ship, this stately pot with its jaunty ship's sail finial can serve up to 4 guests. A stately memento from the glory days of oceanliner travel, it is sidestamped with the RMSPC's majestic belt and buckle logo topped by a regal crown. Certain to have traveled the roaring seas, this elegant tea service promises to become a treasured addition to your collection, serving with distinction for decades to come.

Strictly one-of-a-kind and subject to prior sale. In very good antique condition. Tea pot holds 1.5 pints and measures 8.5" from handle to spout by 5.75"H; Jug measures 5.5" from handle to spout by 3.75"H; Sugar bowl measures 7" from handle to handle by 3.5"H.