Large Antique 19th Century Brass Sailor’s Nameplate From A Royal Navy Or Merchant Seaman’s Kit Bag 22x30cm
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A late 19th century brass sailor’s nameplate belonging to “C. Roberts,” mounted on a coarse section of brown canvas, likely cut from the base of a Royal Navy or merchant seaman’s kit bag, as shown in the last image.
The nameplate, measuring approximately 22 x 30 cm, features embossed lettering and is bordered with a hand-laid rope trim, a traditional maritime detail suggestive of naval or merchant marine origins.
Such nameplates were commonly used to identify a sailor’s personal belongings, particularly on sea bags, hammocks, or trunks, where uniformity and clear identification were essential aboard ship. The rope border is a nod to the seafaring craft of marlinspike seamanship, and the brass would have been chosen for its resistance to corrosion in a maritime environment.
The presence of the canvas backing, with its coarse weave and wear patterns, indicates prolonged use during the Victorian era, an age of global naval expansion and robust merchant shipping.
The sailor “C. Roberts” may have served in the Royal Navy or aboard a British merchant vessel during the height of the British Empire’s maritime power.
This is a rare survivor and would look wonderful framed.
Condition is good, commensurate with age and use. Please study all photos.
Measures 22cm x 30cm
Weighs 450 grams