White Star Line RMS Titanic & Olympic Regent Plate Dish

Manufactured by top London maker Goldsmiths & Silversmiths Company of 112, Regent Street and fully stamped to base which confirms its origins. In addition to the quality makers name it is marked 'Regent Ware' and a further stamp reading 'Rd 451002', which stands for the design registration number which with further research indicates it dates from 1904/5. Inside the bowl is the characteristic swallow tail house flag of the White Star Line. Excitingly we found online an original 'Goldsmiths' advertisement that confirms as well as holding a Royal Warrant 'The Companies Regent Plate, as supplied to SS Olympic and Titanic and is the finest substitute in the World for solid silver.' We understand this actual 'Art Nouveau' design was specifically selected by the WSL for use aboard her Olympic Class liners of the period and examples exist featuring the same pattern recovered from the wreck of the Titanic. The design continued in service exclusively on the Olympic Class vessels but in later years it was extended to other ships in the fleet. When WSL and Cunard amalgamated in 1934 many items were re branded 'Cunard White Star' in 1936 and reissued for further service. This did not happen to our dish so seeing the design registration date it is quite possible this served on the Olympic or Britannic.

The dish measures 5.25" diameter (13 cm) and stands 1 1/2" from base to rim (4 cm). The plating is in remarkably good condition with the exception being the inside base which shows wear commensurate with long service. We do not know the intended use but believe this bowl may have been intended for sugar which would explain the scratching to the pate. Another surmise is the design could have been used as a finger bowl but we prefer the first theory. The WSL house flag is in fine condition as are all the manufactures details on the base. Sadly we have no provenance with it other than it turned up at a local antiques fair here in Somerset, South West England. It has almost clearly served afloat and undoubtedly has a story to tell. A fine example of a genuine White Star Line bowl that would have served in the restaurants and of the unique design used aboard the Olympic Class liners including the RMS Titanic and her sister ships RMS Olympic and Britannic.