19Th Century Maritime Curiosities Launch Bottle Shards

Trio of 19th century maritime curiositys, two glass bottle neck shards from the launch bottles of two ships. Also an unused streamer from another ships maiden voyage All have the wax seals from the ship builders, as well as hand penned labels.

One Is For The Royal Navy Blake-Class Cruiser HMS 'Blenheim', July 5th 1890, With Thames Ironworks Wax Seal To Top. 3/5cm

HMS Blenheim Reflected The Evolution Of Naval Strategy At The End Of The Victorian Era. Fast, Long-Range Cruisers Designed To Patrol The Empire’s Vast Sea Lanes.

In 1897, HMS Blenheim Notably Transported The Remains Of Prince Henry Of Battenberg From Sierra Leone To The UK. She Saw Service In The Mediterranean During The Late 1890s. Blenheim Also Served On The China Station, During A Period Of Imperial Tension In East Asia.

Another Is For HMS 'Grafton', January 30th 1892, With Thames Ironworks Wax Seal To Top. 7.5/5.5cm

The Grafton Was Built Under The Naval Defence Act Of 1889, Part Of Britain’s “Two-Power Standard” Policy. It Was Designed To Be A Powerful, Ocean-Going Cruiser For Trade Protection And Fleet Support.

HMS Grafton Carried Out Patrol And Diplomatic Duties As Part Of Britain’s Global Naval Presence. Often Involved In Gunboat Diplomacy And Showing The Flag During Times Of Colonial Tensions. It Took Part In Royal Navy Operations During The Boxer Rebellion In China.

Lastly, An Unused Launch Streamer For TS 'Seaford 19th April 1894 With Builder's Wax Seal For Denny Brothers, Dumbarton. 4/5.5cm