Unusual Teak Ashtray and Match Holder from H.M.S. WARSPITE c1947

Here on offer is a genuine solid piece of teak wood from H.M.S. WARSPITE that has been made into an ashtray and match holder.

It has a quality brass plaque pinned to the front, which reads:

FROM THE TEAK OF
H.M.S. WARSPITE

It measures 5” (12.7cm) diameter by 2.4” (6cm) high.

It weighs 160g.

Some history relating to this great ship follows:

HMS WARSPITE

When she was launched in 1913 the use of oil as fuel and untried 15-inch guns were revolutionary concepts in the naval arms race between Britain and Germany, a considerable risk for Winston Churchill, then First Lord of the Admiralty, and Admiral John Fisher who had advocated the design.

In The Great War Warspite and her sisters were enrolled in the 5th Battle Squadron under Rear-Admiral Hugh Evan-Thomas. They were temporarily attached to Admiral Beatty's Battle cruiser Fleet and except Queen Elizabeth (which was in dock) they all fought in the Battle of Jutland in 1916. This was their only major engagement during the war and the only major engagement of the fleets for that matter. Warspite took some severe beating at the battle. 13 hits from heavy calibre weapons weren’t enough to sink her but she was relieved of duty before the end of the battle and made for port to undergo much needed repairs.
They all survived the post-war cut downs and were refitted several times during the inter wars years. Especially Warspite, which underwent extensive reconstructions.

During WWII Warspite earned no less than 14 battle honours. In the Second Battle of Narvik Warspite’s airplane not only spotted for the artillery but also managed to sink a German submarine. This was the first case where a ship borne aircraft achieved such a feat and the only case when launched from a battleship.

She participated in multiple theatres and was severely damaged several times. Most noteworthy was a spectacular German attack with radio controlled dive bombs, which turned the ship into an all but a total wreck. However she managed to stay afloat through the entire war and after 30 years of service she was one of the most distinguished ships ever to serve the Royal Navy.

After decommissioning the ship was approved for breaking up. She was towed from Portsmouth but during the journey she broke her towline and ran aground in Prussia Cove where she was sold for scrap and broken up.

This unusual piece is in excellent original condition.

A great piece of Royal Navy memorabilia!

Please see my pictures for the details of the condition, which complement this description.

Please see my TERMS OF BUSINESS regarding Deliver Charges and Insurance regarding additional insurance cover, should you require it, BEFORE the item is dispatched.

The responsibility lies with the customer to check with your Customs restrictions that this item can be imported into your country.

Many thanks for taking the time to look.

Code: 51497