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

Spanish Navy Service Plate

This plate is not a simple piece of tableware; It is a fragment of the naval history of Spain. It 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 the inscription “Officers”. 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. Their 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 Navy. Parts destined for the Navy had to be extremely durable to withstand marine corrosion and constant use on the high seas.
Due to its sober aesthetics and historical patina, this piece fits perfectly into:

Offices or Libraries: Displayed on a vertical support on a hardwood shelf.

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

Militaria Collectibles: An essential element for showcases specialized in the history of the Navy.

Acquiring an item from Casa Meneses with the “Officers” seal of the Navy is investing in Spanish historical heritage. Unlike regular 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 Meneses silver metal.