Original Item: One of a Kind. This came to us from a private Naval museum collection in England, and even retains its original Museum number panted on the shaft: 96.464. Typically this would mean that it was received in 1896 and was item number 464.
This is a Water Dipper made from a COCONUT SHELL fitted with a turned wood shaft or handle. The mounts appear to be pewter. On the exterior of the side of the shell is carved H.M.S. SAPPHIRE and on the other side is carved :-
GOD BLESS
QUEEN VICTORIA
H.M.S. SAPPHIRE was a 6th Rate Ship of the line of 28 guns launched in Portsmouth in 1824 and sold off in Trincomalee in 1864.
Handle now slightly lose due to cracking of the shell, but still a wonderful item ready to display!