Turned light oak table snuff box from H.M. Royal Yacht Royal Sovereign
Record status
Individual type · partial
Period
1850
This circular table snuff box is constructed from light oak wood salvaged from the Royal Yacht Royal Sovereign. The vessel was launched in 1804 and served the British Royal Family on numerous official occasions, transporting dignitaries and royalty including the Grand Duke Constantine of Russia, the King of Prussia, Princess Caroline of Brunswick, King William IV, and Queen Adelaide.
The yacht was eventually dismantled at Pembroke Dock in January 1850, at which time this box was crafted. The item features a turned wooden construction and a diameter of 3¾ inches (9.5 cm). Inside the lid is an affixed manuscript label detailing the historical service and significance of the Royal Sovereign, identifying its construction, notable passengers, and its eventual decommissioning. The label is signed by William Mason Turner.
As a decorative yet utilitarian object, the box represents a tradition of maritime memorabilia created from the timbers of notable decommissioned naval ships.
Evidence at a glance
- Linked sources
- 1
- Photograph views
- 1
- Catalogue references
- 0
Counts describe this entry’s documentation, not authenticity, rarity or completeness. Photographs may show one specimen; check each caption and licence.
Physical characteristics
- Diameter
- 9.5 cm
- Material
- light oak
Design
- Label
- Manuscript label inside lid documenting history of H.M. Royal Yacht Royal Sovereign
Identification
- Source note
- Described from a single auction-house listing published on Invaluable (reproduced with Invaluable's permission). Details apply to that one example; other examples of the type may differ, and the listing is supplementary evidence, not authentication.
- Maker named in listing
- William Mason Turner
Catalogue references
No catalogue numbers recorded. Numbers are only published once transcribed from a verified edition of a standard catalogue — they are never inferred.