Edwardian Silver & Enamel Flags Of The British Empire & Colonies Yacht Club Regatta Prize Cigarette Case.
A very fine quality and unusual Edwardian silver and enamel Cigarette Case of curved rounded rectangular form with sprung hinged opening mechanism and gilded interior with two elasticated retaining straps, the cover enamelled with three flag poles, each supporting six flags of the British Empire and its Colonies. 18 Flags in total.
The reverse engraved with a presentation inscription; - 'Royal London Yacht Club Regatta, Cowes 1904. Helmsmans Prize in Limited Handicap Class. Won by Noel T Kershaw Esq'. "Induna".
By John William Barrett, Birmingham 1902.
The flags of the British Empire and the overseas territories refers to the various flags that were used across the various Dominions, Crown colonies, protectorates, and territories which made up the British Empire and overseas territories. Early flags that were used across the Empire (including the then Thirteen Colonies which later became the United States of America) tended to be variations of the Red and Blue Ensigns of Great Britain with no colonial badges or coat of arms attached to them. In the first half of the 19th century, the first colonies started to acquire their own colony badges, but it was not until the UK Parliament passed the Colonial Naval Defence Act 1865 that the colonies were required to apply their own emblems.
The Yacht "Induna" was a Wood Cutter, built Summers & Payne, Southampton 1901.
Sir Noel Thomas Kershaw Esq, C.B. Assistant Secretary, Local Government Board, was Knighted in 1916.
The Royal London Yacht Club is one of the most historic and prestigious Yacht Clubs in Great Britain. The elegant Regency Clubhouse with eleven beautiful bedrooms and several function rooms has recently been refurbished and upgraded. The Club is situated on The Parade, Cowes, Isle of Wight with a unique waterfront position and enviable balcony overlooking the Solent. The Club, which is a private Members Club, organises sailing and social events for both Members and Visitors, has amazing service and the highest standard of catering. It has gained an enviable reputation for organising top quality Sailing Regattas, including Cowes Classics Regatta.
The Club originated in London and was formed by a group of gentlemen who sailed on the River Thames and met regularly at the Coal Hole Tavern off the Strand. They kept their yachts on the foreshore by the Arundel Steps which lead to the formation of the Arundel Yacht Club. In 1849, HM Adelaide, the Queen Dowager, widow of King William IV, became the Patron of the London Yacht Club and thus the Club became 'Royal'. At that time, RLYC was the seventeenth in seniority of yacht clubs. A warrant soon followed, dated 17 October 1849, to wear a Blue Ensign of HM Fleet with the City Arms in the fly. A Burgee was adopted which unlike many clubs, actually corresponded with the Ensign.
The Club flourished on the Thames where its activities gained widespread support. However, in 1882, it was decided to move to Cowes on the Isle of Wight. A lease was taken on the two elegant Regency Houses on the Parade, which is still the Clubhouse today.
Only the second yacht club to be formed in Cowes, the Royal London was given the first Monday of Cowes Week as its race day, which it still is today. Royal patronage came again in 1893, when the Duke of York became Admiral until 1911, when he ascended to the throne as King George V. Our present Admiral is HRH The Princess Royal, who succeeded her Father, the Duke of Edinburgh, in 2012.
Sold - £2,500.00
