Original Item: Only One Available. This is a very nice pewter small dish, or possibly a saucer, measuring 4 1/2″ in diameter. It is clearly marked H-M-S HERO 1803 on the top, indicating service on this vessel during the Napoleonic Wars. Given the extremely small bowl portion of the dish, we assume it was for small portions or sides, or possibly just a saucer to go under a drink.
The top of the dish is also marked with three identical Pewter Hallmarks, which may be makers marks. Unfortunately the system for the marks on pewter is much more complex than those on silver. We searched but were unable to identify the maker.
A very nice Napoleonic Wars Era saucer or small plate, offered in fine condition and ready to display!
History of the H.M.S. Hero-
HMS Hero was a Fame class 74-gun third rate ship of the line of the British Royal Navy, measuring 175 feet in length on the gun deck. She was built by Perry at Blackwall Yard, being laid down in August 1800 and launched on 18 August 1803. The Hero took part in Admiral Robert Calder’s action at the Battle of Finisterre In 1805 off Spain against combined French And Spanish Fleets.
On 25 December 1811 Hero, under captain James Newman-Newman, was wrecked on the Haak Sands at the mouth of the Texel during a gale, with the loss of all but 12 of her crew.