A lovely place knife bearing the Matson "M" logo with surrounding stars at the end of the handle. Manufactured by International Silver, the INSICO mark appears near the base of the blade on reverse. We were able to acquire several of these - all in excellent condition, with strong logos. We are now looking for forks & spoons!

A beautiful bowl from the Mitsui Line. Another from a collection of pieces purportedly recovered by Navy divers in 1943 from a wreck off Midway Island. The condition is very good, and the piece survived without cracks or chips. There is a bit of abrasion inside the bowl. This is a bit more than one would expect as a result of nesting, and could easily have been caused by sand and wave action. A marvelous and rare piece of china.

We were truly thrilled to be able to acquire a collection of rare, Mitsui Line china, of which this is one example, recovered by Navy divers in 1943 off Midway Island. The vessel had reportedly been sunk the previous year, and though some of the items were undoubtedly damaged as a result of the sinking, their relatively brief exposure to the sea has left minimal evidence. These two pieces were least damaged of all, revealing only a very small, 2mm chip on the rim of the bowl, and some almost imperceptible surface abrasion - this could easily have been caused by wave action moving particles of sand between stacked bowls. In this case, the damage is extremely minor, and the piece retains its simple elegance and  beauty. Unquestionably an historically important piece of steamship china.

A lovely cover, quite reminiscent of Matson's menus, on this colorful example from the s/s Brasil, presented to the table during a cruise from New York to Nassau, April 29. 1962. Condition is excellent.

A charming scene on the cover of this dinner menu from the Brasil. Presented to the table during a Caribbean cruise, 30 October, 1966. Extremely light soiling visible on the reverse, else excellent!

A colorful beach scene on the cover of this dinner menu from Brasil, dated Saturday, 29 October, 1966. Excellent condition, with a single, small, pale stain at lower left, and some minor soiling on the reverse.

A colorful menu featuring a flower vendor, presented to the table at dinner during a Caribbean cruise on board Brasil, 28 October, 1966. This example is in very good condition, showing only a small bend to the corner at upper right, and a small, light stain at the right edge.

Barbados Flying Fish, Provencale with Parsley Potatoes was the special at dinner on board Brasil - Saturday, 5 November, 1966. The special appears on a small card, stapled inside the front cover. A couple of small, light food stains and, of course, the staple, are visible on the cover. The illustration is wonderful, but unfortunately untitled and un-credited.

A beautiful service plate from Sterling China for Moore-McCormack. These chargers may have been used beneath dinner plates in the "Rio" pattern, as they appear to be the same shade of dove grey. Check the listing page for quantities available, all very near mint condition.

The striking "Rio" pattern from Sterling China for the Moore-McCormack Lines. Airbrushed scene depicting the harbor at Rio de Janeiro, Corcavado, and Sugarloaf, with an underglaze decal floral spray of bleeding hearts. Check the listing page for items available in this delightful pattern.

A wonderful table centerpiece from Moore-McCormack. Nine national flags, plus the Mooremack house flag at center, all set in a wooden base with the line name in green. We believe the flags included are representative of the ship's itinerary, as we have seen other examples featuring only the flags of South American countries. Excellent condition, (someone has written the name of each country on the bottom of the respective flag pole); and a very colorful display piece for your collection!

A silver plated pickle fork bearing the "MM Lines" logo at the end of the handle. The fork was manufactured for Mooremack by Oneida. Minor scratching and signs of use, but still excellent plus.

A beautiful example of the off-white and blue-grey service plate used by Moore-McCormack on board Brasil & Argentina in the 1960's. Manufactured by Sterling, this plate is near-mint, with only some minor firing stilt marks on reverse. The "MM" logo appears in gold on the rim, and the plate is also back stamped with the line name. Quite nice!

A demitasse spoon from in stainless steel from International Silver for the Moore-McCormack Lines. Minor signs of use; still excellent condition. MM Lines logo at end of handle.

A great swizzle from Moore-McCormack! These were undoubtedly obtained aboard either SS Argentina or SS Brasil in the 1960's. Bright green, decorated in red and white. Near perfect condition.

Ada Peacock's "Chola Making Thread" is the title of the illustration on the cover of this dinner menu from Uruguay, dated Sunday, April 20, 1952. This series of menus is charming. One stain lower left on this example, otherwise very good.

Occasionally we come across items in such amazingly good condition it is very difficult to believe that they are as old as the date indicates. This is one of three wonderful N.Y.K. Line menus from the Tatsuta Maru recently acquired. Atop the menu is a detachable color photo postcard, this one featuring a Japanese puppet show. The menu is from luncheon on June 27, 1936. A description of the Japanese puppet show, the puppets, and how they were operated appears on the menu's reverse side. Though there is a bit of soil at lower left and some minor edge wear at top, it is still nearly impossible to believe that this item was produced more than 65 years ago!

Luncheon on board Tatsuta Maru on July 3, 1936. This is a great menu card with a detachable postcard featuring a photo image recorded during the performance of a Noh play. A description of the Japanese "Noh" appears on the reverse of the menu. This example has survived in extremely fine condition, showing only some light wear to the upper edge and corners. A delightful memento from N.Y.K..

Menus issued on holidays or dates of note are always of interest. Here we have a wonderful luncheon menu topped with a detachable postcard, presented to the table on the Fourth of July, 1936. The postcard features a color tinted photo of Japanese women gathering pearl oysters. A description of the cultured pearl appears on the menu's reverse side. A corner crease at lower right, otherwise a very nice example.

A magnificent pair of silver plated, Art Deco corn holders from the N.Y.K. Line. Beautifully designed - one of the pair is marked: "NYK Line" on the front of the stand, and the second is marked by the maker, Toyo Kinzoku Kogyo, on the reverse. Rare and wonderful items which exemplify the elegant service which was provided on board Nippon Yusen Kaisha Line steamers.

We had no reason to pick up this bowl other than the fact that the pattern appeared rather striking. Imagine, then, our amazement when the backstamp revealed the name of the steamship line and its house flag! The pattern is "Biarritz" by Noritake - a subtle design which consists of elongated leaf or feather shapes in an oyster grey with platinum rim. This bowl was among 17 pieces of this china, 8 of which had the steamship company's backstamp.

A beautiful coupe design soup bowl from Noritake in the "Biarritz" pattern, number 6006. In addition to the Noritake emblem, the piece is backstamped "Nitto Line" with the steamship company's house flag. We were advised by Noritake that, on occasion, fine, domestic grade china was supplied for First Class cabin service.

A gorgeous bread plate in Noritake's "Biarritz" pattern, backstamped "Nitto Line" with the steamship company's house flag. Near mint condition.

On consignment: This is an incredible set of menus from the Bremen. Ten breakfast menu cards, the top of each featuring a wonderful illustration, which was meant to be separated from the menu and mailed as a postcard. There are nine different illustrations, (one repeated) and the menus are dated July 5 through July 15, 1908. The menu from July 8 is missing, but all others are in sequence. Two out of the ten show some soiling and corner creasing, but overall these items are in excellent condition which belies their 95 odd years! All illustrations were executed by the same artist, who has signed most with the initials: "T.v.E", though the last name, "Eckenbrechen" appears on two. We do have some duplicates from the same sailing, which we will be listing individually. Interestingly, eight of the cards show undivided backs on the postcard section; however two examples do have divided back, illustrating the evolution of the postcard! A dotted line includes the German "hier abzutrennen!", which we can only assume means "cut here". An extraordinarily rare group of menus from the Norddeutscher Lloyd.

A beautiful, silver plated demitasse spoon, bearing the "anchor & key" logo of the North German Lloyd. Delicate, Art Nouveau styling. Excellent condition.

A simple but lovely silver plate soup spoon from Wilkens, bearing the NGL logo at the end of the handle. The condition of the plating is excellent, showing almost no signs of use. The logo, though quite clearly visible, was not very deeply impressed. Very attractive.

A nice dinner menu from Oslofjord, dated 1/24/52. Simply illustrated, and bearing the line flag. A small crease to the lower right corner, else very good with no stains.

Beautiful "flow blue" decoration (both sides) on this Porsgrund china peanut shaker, used on board Norwegian America vessels in the 1980's. Very popular items except, perhaps, for those who were assigned to refill them! This example in near-mint condition.

A selection of silver plated flatware by Mappin & Webb for the Orient Line. The line's anchor logo appears prominently on the handle of each item. All show signs of use, but logos and plating remain strong.

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Sometimes we are at a loss to describe the motivation we sometimes feel to "turn over" certain pieces of china in order to check its markings, however this particular item certainly called to us from its shelf, and we were more than delighted to find it backmarked for the Orient Line with the line's house flag as well as name. This is a fine quality piece of china by Wedgwood, featuring an interesting pattern we had not seen previously. The Etruria and Barlaston company mark dates the item to the middle of the 20th Century, though the piece has a wonderfully modern appearance. The condition is absolutely pristine with no signs of use. A beautiful and rare piece of steamship china.

A delightful and rare serving piece from P & O. This is a covered sardine server in cream-colored china with red, green & blue lines. Karl Spence indicates this pattern was in use by the line both before and after W.W.II. This is a charming item, with two handles molded free of the sides of the dish, and the handle of the lid sculpted in the shape of an actual sardine! Manufactured in England by Bakewell Bros.. Backstamped with the line logo.

A neat meat or pastry server from Elkington for the P & O. Simply designed, the handle is engraved with the rising sun, (or is it the setting sun....."The sun never sets....."?) over entwined initials. Marked "Elkington Plate" on the reverse, but lacking a date code. The intricate style of the logo indicates it could be earlier than we have indicated. Plating in very good condition, with minor wear on the "heel", where it rests on the table, and a couple of small "dings" - certainly reasonable considering it was likely well-used. An unusual example of steamship silver!

A magnificent find! A complete set of 12 menu covers featuring paintings of Royal Residences by artist Kay Stewart. These menu covers are unfolded and unused, the reverse printed only with the name of the steamship line in red script at top. The illustrations are wonderful, and each residence pictured is fully described as well. Condition is excellent. There is some extremely light foxing on the very first menu - this one had the misfortune of resting on top of the pile! This is, however, barely noticeable, and mostly in the margin. It is noted that passengers could obtain complete sets from the ship's steward or head waiter, and that was apparently the source for these items. The residences illustrated are: The Palace and Abbey of Holyroodhouse; Clarence House; Balmoral Castle; Sandringham House; Greenwich; Hatfield House; Edinburgh Castle, Hampton Court Palace; Kensington Palace; The Royal Pavilion, Brighton; St. James Palace; and Windsor Castle. A magnificent and quite unusual original set.

Another truly delightful acquisition! This is a complete set of P & O menu covers featuring vignette watercolor illustrations of Australian scenery by artist Hunter Rogers. These menus came to us in the company of another set featuring Royal Residences, which we are offering separately. With this set, however, we are including the original envelope which kept these unprinted covers in near-pristine condition. The reverse of each cover is unprinted, with the exception of the steamship company's name in blue script at top. A brief description of each scene appears at left. A list of the scenes is as follows: Western Australian Coast; A Settler’s Hut; South Australia Wheat Country; The Farm; N.S.W. Sheep Country; The Billabong; Snow on the Australian Alps; The Blue Mountains, N.S.W.; North Queensland Coast; Ghost Gum & Macdonnell Ranges, Central Australia; River Flats; and the Victorian Coast. Rare and complete!

Dinner on board Mariposa, July 30, 1974. Macouillard's impression of the San Francisco skyline in watercolor on the cover. Excellent condition.

A Macouillard watercolor on the cover of this dinner menu from Mariposa, July 31, 1974. Excellent condition.

Aloha Dinner aboard Mariposa on August 3, 1974. Multi-masted sailing vessels appear on the cover, and the menu itself is printed on a separate sheet of parchment, bound to the cover with a silk cord. A touch of browning to the edges of the inner parchment, otherwise very nice condition.

A neat little swizzle stick in white plastic, with the bear logo and ships' names in silver. Though the names of both vessels appear, these items were acquired with a lot of memorabilia salvaged from Mariposa, so they were likely removed from that vessel. Price each.

Macouillard's "Hawaii" on the cover of this dinner menu from Monterey, presented to the table on 22 November, 1975. Light Soiling at the left and right edge and on the reverse, else excellent.

The Captain's Dinner on board Monterey, December 6, 1975, en route Honolulu to San Francisco. The cover is gloss white stock embossed with gold. The menu itself is printed separately on parchment and bound to the cover with a silk cord. Very nice condition.

Macouillard's "Hawaii" on the cover of this dinner menu from Monterey, presented to the table on 3 December, 1975. Near-perfect condition.

A very nice menu from the Monterey, presented to the table for the Captain's Dinner, held on Monday, November 24, 1975. The menu is printed separately, on parchment, and is bound to the cover with a grey silk cord. Very nice condition.

A neat demi cup & saucer with the Petrobras logo. This South American company operates oil tankers. The backstamps appear to be in Portuguese, and the two items may well be from different makers (though a perfect match). Some wear to the logo on the saucer, otherwise undamaged.

A cocktail menu from the Black Ball Line's MV Chinook. Simulated leather grain cover in pale green. Pale staining in a small area near the upper and lower corners at left, otherwise a neat bit of ephemera from MV Chinook!

This is a wonderful menu from MV Chinook of the Black Ball Line, officially known as the Puget Sound Navigation Company. This menu is constructed with a top fold, so it will function as a table tent. Within are the available items from the morning and evening menus. The line's house flag appears at top, and a small portrait of the ship at bottom. Condition is excellent! A very rare bit of ephemera from the Chinook. By the way, the surcharge for stateroom service was 20¢ per person - imagine!

This is a luncheon menu from the Pennland, dated 10 September, 1927. At the top of the menu is a reproduction of a woodcut depicting Antwerp. There is a perforated line below this, allowing the upper portion to be removed and used as a postcard. Exhibiting some corner wear and toning overall. Still a nice example - unusual to find these intact!

This silver plated dinner fork bears the logo of the Royal Holland Lloyd Line. The silver plating is in great condition, although the logo is somewhat worn. Not much available from this line.

The popular peanut shaker in the "Royal Viking Sky" pattern, manufactured for the line by Porsgrund. Near mint condition.

A lovely peanut shaker from the Royal Viking Line. This cobalt blue decoration is sometimes referred to as the "Royal Viking Sun" pattern. Beautiful, white china by Porsgrund of Norway. Perfect condition. We can now confirm with absolute certainty the intended use for these items, as one came to us recently with a peanut stuck inside!

A wonderful pair of menu holders from the Strick Line. Each clearly bears the line's logo - a pair of the line's house flags crossed above a banner with the line name. Manufactured by Mappin & Webb. One of the two shows evidence of a repair, but difficult to say when this was done. Plating on both in excellent condition. Quite unusual and delightful accessories for your table! Sold as a pair.

Another menu card or insert, dated 11/29/59. This is the only piece in this group showing a tiny bit of soiling around the edges. Still very nice.

This is a magnificent set of four damask linen napkins from Tirrenia. We were thrilled to acquire these, each in excellent condition with the date woven into the hem. The line logo appears at center, and the double border design features seashells, tridents, and dolphins. Unfortunately, it is nearly impossible to capture the beautiful white-on-white designs in a digital image, but these are truly exquisite examples of steamship linen. Each measures approximately 24" x 24". Truly beautiful, it would be a pity to break up the quartet - so we won't!

An exceptionally lovely coffee server from International Silver for the Turkish Maritime Lines. Embellished only with the line's crest - very deeply and clearly impressed. Condition is excellent. The piece exhibits minimal signs of wear, and no noticeable dents or dings. An unusual piece of steamship silver plate!

We have spent years picking up and turning over chamber pots, and occasionally are rewarded when we find a steamship company logo; we were certainly pleased with this example, a wonderful piece from Ashworth Bros. of England for the Union-Castle Line. Nicely designed, undecorated Ironstone China - condition is excellent, with a single small and, by appearances, quite old flake on the edge of the foot. The company's gartered logo appears on the base, above the manufacturer's mark. A wonderful item!

A luncheon menu from the Chiriqui, dated 20 August, 1947. The Deco cover art pictures a metallic silver sea with a buoy, light ship, and leaping dolphins. It looks as if the diner set his or her coffee cup on the menu, leaving a pale, semi-circular stain, otherwise the item is in very good condition.

A nice, topmarked bowl from Scammell for the United Fruit Company. Cobalt decoration on white china. Excellent condition with no chips or cracks. A number of these available at the time of listing.

A simple but neat silver plated napkin ring from Gorham Silversmiths for the United States Army Transport Division. We acquired a pair of these, both bear the clover-shaped U.S.A.T. logo. One example is numbered "23," and the other "24" on the reverse. The plating appears slightly rough in spots, but is intact, and the numbers and logos are clearly stamped. Interesting items, offered either singly or as a pair.

Dinner on board SS America, under the command of Captain Harold Milde, April 8, 1954. Red, white, and blue cover. Excellent condition.

Wonderful! The Captain's Dinner portrait menu from America, accompanied by the breakfast and luncheon menus from the same day. Breakfast and luncheon are printed on a single card. The dinner menu is printed on a folded sheet, and bound to the separate cover with a red, white, and blue silk cord. The cord seems to have lost its tassel, both otherwise this is a great set, showing only very light soiling. America's portrait is a delight!