Mess plate, used on Royal Navy warship

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This earthenware mess plate was used on a Royal Navy warship around 1865.

The blue-and-white transfer-printed plate is decorated with a Victorian crown and, for identification, the individual sailor's mess number. (The crew of a warship was divided up into 'messes' whereby groups of sailors lived and ate together.)

The guarantee of regular meals was one of the principal attractions of military service. Officers were required to ensure that their men received the proper supply of food and drink.

Record details

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• Online ID: 000-180-002-387-C
• Image Rights Holder: National Museums Scotland
• Project: National Museums Scotland Part 2
  Project description   View all records in project
• Ref: National Museums Scotland  M.1934.635
• Date: Around 1865
  
• Material: China; with Victorian crown. Inscription: Mess No. 24
  Plate, mess
  
• Dimensions:
• What: Plate, mess
  
• Subject: Ceramics and glass
  
• Who: Royal Navy (British sea forces)
  
• Where:
• Event:
• Description: Royal Navy - China plate, with Victorian crown and "Mess No. 24"
  
• References:
• Translations:
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