Service Plate of the Spanish Navy – Casa Meneses (Period of Alfonso XIII)

Spanish Navy Service Plate

This plate is not a simple piece of tableware; It is a fragment of the naval history of Spain. This is a service plate manufactured by the famous Platería Meneses., one of the most important houses in Spain, official supplier of the Royal House since the end of the 19th century.

The main engraving shows a crowned anchor (royal crown) with registration “Officials”. This design indicates that the piece belonged to the official tableware used in the officers' chambers of the Spanish Navy.. The typography and style of the crown suggest a chronology located in the first third of the 20th century., probably during the reign of Alfonso XIII.
Casa Meneses was founded in Madrid by Leoncio Meneses. His recognition came from mastering the technique of “white metal” and high resistance silver, which made them the preferred suppliers for State institutions, luxury hotels and the Marina. Parts destined for the Navy had to be extremely durable to withstand marine corrosion and constant use on the high seas..
For its sober aesthetics and its historical patina, This piece fits perfectly into:

Dispatches or Libraries: Displayed on a vertical stand on a hardwood shelf.

Nautical/Sailor Style: As a centerpiece on a console or hung on a wall with marine motifs.

Militaria Collecting: An essential element for display cases specialized in the history of the Navy.

Acquire an item from Casa Meneses with the seal of “Officials” of the Navy is to invest in Spanish historical heritage. Unlike ordinary tableware, These engraved pieces are rare and highly sought after. Its current patina tells its story, although it can be polished to recover the original mirror shine of the silver metal Meneses.