Of all the majestic ships that sailed the seven seas, some of the most glorious were those of the Cunard Steam Ship Company and the White Star Line. Known for their impeccable service and richly appointed ships, the companies served far-flung ports of call around the globe. Founded in 1840 and 1869 respectively, these two mighty companies criss-crossed the great oceans with fleets of the most famous ships ever built - among them of course, the Titanic, the Britannic, the Queen Elizabeth and the glamourous Art Deco floating showpiece known as the Queen Mary.

In 1934 these two powerhouses of the seas joined forces as one company, the Cunard White Star Line, and continued to carry passengers around the world in the style and comfort for which they were renowned. That same year the White Star-Cunard liner, Project #534 was announced as the firm's new 'Pride of the Fleet' ship. Eventually becoming the R.M.S. Queen Mary, it was to spend the next two years being fitted out in readiness for a 1936 maiden voyage to New York.

In keeping with this grand aspirational vessel, the newly formed White Star-Cunard engaged the eminent silversmiths of Roberts & Belk as one of several flatware suppliers. For this prominent commission, Walter Belk designed an exciting new pattern called 'Plain Pine'. This fresh and contemporary Art Deco design was said to have been so popular with passengers on the maiden voyage, that White Star-Cunard wired Roberts & Belk upon arrival in New York with an additional order (purportedly representing 50% of the original order), as thousands of pieces had "gone missing" from the ship.

Rich in history and splendor, we are pleased to have found shining examples of this now classic 'Plain Pine' flatware that proved so irresistible to New York-bound passengers in 1936. Exceptional in design and attractive in profile, these sturdy three-tined forks and shapely knives served as faithful stalwarts of dining aboard Cunard's majestic ships. Each handle bears the angular geometric shape for which the pattern is so prized, and features one of two Cunard White Star stamps - the regal rampant lion and crown crest or the smart Cunard White Star circle mark. Sold as individual place settings of one fork and one knife, this beautiful flatware promises to make a most handsome and memorable addition to your beloved silver collection.

Strictly limited quantities and subject to prior sale. At listing a total of 10 sets are available. Stamps vary, please allow us to choose a set for you. In good vintage condition. Fork measures 7"L x .75"W. Knife measures 8"L.

Learn More About R.M.S. Queen Mary

Named for Mary of Teck, Queen Consort to George V, and launched by her namesake on September 26, 1934, the RMS Queen Mary's voyage to the sea was long and storied with many twists and turns. 

As the Great Depression took its toll on transatlantic travel and luxury steamship lines and Cunard's newest project Hull #534 had stalled in 1931 amid financing challenges, the British government stepped in with a loan to bridge the gap. Once condition of the finance scheme was the merger of the nation's two great luxury steamship lines - Cunard and White Star. Combining forces in 1934 as one company, the Cunard White Star Line, these grand ships continued to carry passengers around the world in the style and comfort for which they were renowned while construction on the as yet unnamed Hull #534 resumed.

Until her launch, the name of Project 534 was a closely guarded secret. Cunard intended to name the ship Victoria, after Queen Victoria, in keeping with its legacy of ship names ending in "ia", but when company representatives asked permission from King George to name the ocean liner after Britain's "greatest queen", he reportedly said his wife, Mary, would be delighted.

Woods from different regions of the British Empire were employed in public rooms and staterooms. Among the facilities available on board Queen Mary, the liner featured 2 indoor swimming pools in addition to beauty salons, libraries and children's nurseries for all classes of travel - 1st, 2nd and 3rd. In addition, a music studio, lecture hall, telephone service to anywhere in the world, outdoor paddle tennis courts, and dog kennels brought an elevated sense of connectivity and culture to this floating palace.

In addition to troops, British Prime Minister Winston Churchill was transported across the Atlantic on three occasions for meetings with fellow Allied forces officials. Listed on passenger manifests as "Colonel Warden", he and his staff planned the Normandy Invasion on one such crossing in 1943, also signing the D-Day Declaration on that voyage. Churchill later stated that the Queen ships (including the newer RMS Queen Elizabeth), "challenged the fury of Hitlerism in the battle of the Atlantic. Without their aid, the day of final victory must unquestionably have been postponed.” By the war's end, the Queen Mary had carried over 800,000 troops and traveled over 600,000 miles across the world's oceans.

After returning to passenger duty following the war, the vessel completed her 1,001st and last crossing of the North Atlantic on September 27, 1967. Although her transatlantic travel days are long behind, the Queen Mary remains a grand floating hotel and tourist destination, docked in Long Beach, California.