Chinese Export Sterling Silver Gunship on Wood Waves US Great White Fleet 1908 ?

When you click on links to various merchants on this site and make a purchase, this can result in this site earning a commission. Affiliate programs and affiliations include, but are not limited to, the eBay Partner Network.

Chinese Export Sterling Silver Gunship on Wood Waves US Great White Fleet 1908 ?:
$1500.00

Wonderful late nineteenth century / early twentieth century, Chinese export silver model of a gunboat, on a wooden base simulating waves.This model was possibly madein commemoration of the visit of the American \"Great White Fleet\" to Amoy, China in October, 1908.
The Great White Fleet was the popular nickname for the United States Navybattle fleet that completed a circumnavigation of the globe from 16 December 1907 to 22 February1909 by order of U.S. President Theodore Roosevelt. It consisted of 16 battleships divided into foursquadrons, along with various escorts. Roosevelt sought to demonstrate growing American militarypower and blue-water navy capability. On Oct 24, 1908, the fleet was in Amoy (Xiamen today), oneof the main export ports in China, and stayed there for a couple weeks.
The silver weight is 172 gm., and the total weight with the wooden base is 229 gm. The ship measures 16 cm. high, with the base, and 15.5 cm. long. The ship is realistically modelled and with the two anchors intact. It is tarnished and needs a clean. There appears to be gilding on the superstructure. A presentation inscription is engraved on the hull. In excellent condition. Estate find here in Chile. The silversmith\'s mark is stamped on the rudder, in Chinese caligraphy.Shipping from Chile by registered mail, which can be tracked on USPS $30. Delivery time is usually around 10 days. Items can be combined for shipping.