Antique Silverplate 1914 Cunard Vase

Cunard Line. The very name conjures up images of the glamorous days of steamship travel.  Founded in 1839 by Samuel Cunard, the company was established primarily to carry the Royal Mail to and from Canada and the United States. From those simple beginnings, with no cargo other than mail and no non-governmental passengers, Cunard went on to build some of the largest, fastest, most luxurious ships to ever sail the seven seas. 

Since its beginning, Cunard has operated the most famous oceanliners in the world and during the peaceful years before the first World War, the company was the dominant player in the prestigious transatlantic service. Her ships were fast, majestic and offered anything the discerning passenger could possibly want – they were the epitome of “floating palaces”.

Before World War I, Cunard Line’s fleet included the “grand trio” of palatial liners, the RMS Mauretania, the RMS Lusitania, and the RMS Aquitania. All three ships were beloved by passengers, with the Aquitana even being dubbed “Ship Beautiful”.

Rich in history and splendor, we are pleased to have found this exceptional Antique Silverplate Vase used in service aboard Cunard’s majestic ships. Produced by noted silversmith to Cunard, Elkington & Co., the exquisite vase bears the silversmith’s date code of 1914 and was likely made for use aboard the great R.M.S. Aquitania, which launched in the same year. With a delicately articulated leaf and berry design rising from the tiered base to encircle the lower perimeter, the vase is generously weighted to remain in place in keeping with use aboard a ship.

The graceful vessel is prominently side-marked on one side with Cunard’s regal rampant lion and crown crest, complete with the words ‘The Cunard Steamship Co.’ Slender and romantic, this magnificent vase is a beautiful example of the attention to detail Cunard lavished on every area of the passenger experience. Ready to grace a side table, vanity or assume pride of place within a cherished collection, this refined artifact stands as elegant today as it did aboard Cunard more than a century ago.

Strictly one-of-a-kind and subject to prior sale. In very good antique condition. Vase measures 7.25″H x 3.25″ at rim.