Antique Silverplate Blue Star Line Steamship Vase

The Blue Star Line has a long and interesting history that hails back to the Vestey family who were butchers in Liverpool, England. Having large cattle ranches in Argentina they were one of the first to transport beef in refrigerated ships from South America to the United Kingdom. For this purpose, the Vestey family officially registered the Blue Star Line on July 28, 1911.

From carrying meat and other perishable foods across the globe to providing luxury passenger service between the United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand and South America, the Blue Star Line set a new standard of service with a fleet of ships that were known as the “Luxury Five”.

By the 1940s, the Blue Star Line had all first class service aboard oceanliners carrying fewer than 55 passengers. These intimate ships sailed from London via Southampton, Lisbon, Las Palmas, Rio de Janeiro, Santos, Montevideo to Buenos Aires. Many passengers would take the entire round trip as an extended cruise, especially those who preferred to escape the European winter.

Each of these luxurious ships had six refrigerated holds. On the outbound voyage the ships were loaded with general cargo and perishable foods, while on the return, they carried chilled beef from Buenos Aires to the UK. Sadly, due to the affordability of air travel and declining passenger numbers, these fine ships were disposed of in the early seventies and the era of luxury, personalized service aboard the Blue Star Line ships came to an end.

From the storied ships of the Blue Star Line, we are proud to present a gleaming vintage silverplate vase. Once used in the Blue Star Line’s dining rooms to hold fresh flowers, the weighty vase was made by Britain’s premier silversmiths at Mappin & Webb. Crested with the Blue Star Line’s iconic logo, it carries with it all the elegance of the Golden Age of Oceanliner Travel.

Strictly one of a kind and subject to prior sale. In good antique condition. Circa 1922. 7.25″H x 3.25″.