A RARE ROYAL YACHT SERVING PLATTER OFF THE PRINCE REGENT'S YACHT, CIRCA 1817
a large oval creamware serving platter by Spode, the white ground decorated with oakleaf and acorn borders above nautical ropes and knots, the centre of the base reading P R in large letters separated by a crowned and garlanded anchor, integral tendril handles and the underside marked Spode in tiny red letters --19 x 14 x 3½in. (48.5 x 35.5 x 8.5cm.)

Literature: Pugh, Surgeon Captain P.D. Gordon: Naval Ceramics, Ceramic Book Company, Newport, Monmouthshire, 1971, see plates 127 & 128A for two pieces from the same service although the pattern on only one of the two is absolutely identical to the dish offered here.

Far less well-known than her more famous contemporary Royal George, the royal yacht Prince Regent was laid down at Portsmouth in September 1815 but not finally launched until June 1820, by which time her namesake had already succeeded to the throne as King George IV. Little is known of this yacht and it does not appear that she was much, if ever, used by the new king. Whilst it is tempting to speculate that this dish was used in her dining saloon, it is actually far more likely that it graced the Prince Regent's table aboard Royal George which he used continually during his Regency and after he became King.

Named for the Prince Regent, the future George IV, rather than his father, the ailing George III, the Royal George was built at Deptford in 1817 and bore all the hallmarks of the Regent's flamboyant taste. Carrying a full ship-rig on her three masts, she was measured at 330 tons burden and was 103 feet long on her main deck with a 26½ foot beam. Luxuriously fitted out in a manner befitting her status, she attracted much attention - "The vessel is the most elegant ever seen" wrote a contemporary observer "...with gilt mouldings and the windows of plate-glass. Ornamental devices in abundance....producing a superb appearance".

After a remarkably colourful career during three reigns, Royal George's life as a working yacht came to an end in 1843, following the completion of the first royal steam yacht Victoria & Albert I. Thereafter relegated to the role of an accommodation ship for officers and men of the Royal Yacht flotilla and based at Portsmouth, she survived, astonishingly, until 1905 when she was finally broken up.

Condition Report

We are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of this property. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Charles Miller Ltd is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue. NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD “AS IS” IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE.