BRITISH ROYAL NAVY LAUNCHING PRESENTATION BOX - HMS

Oak Cased Presentation Chisel and Gavel Set, from the launching of the Royal Navy Monmouth Class armored cruiser H.M.S. Essex in August 1901. She was christened by Mrs. Charles Barlow (wife of the dockyard Captain-Superintendent) at the Pembroke Royal Dockyard, Wales; she was later sent to Devonport Dockyard for further outfitting. The ornately carved case has a stepped lid with silver plaque engraved "HMS Essex"; the blue velvet lined interior includes a half hull profile of the Essex in the lid, and fitted compartments for the gavel and chisel below, with intricately carved wooden gavel and chisel handle, silver plate chisel blade with double-headed eagle crest and engraved CB monogram, box: 7 ¼" high, 16" x 12". Right left foot edge chip, lid stains, surface wear.