HMS Royal George Silver-mounted Quaich, c.1840

This is an interesting silver mounted wooden quaich with connections to the ill fated HMS Royal George. A quaich is an ancient Scottish drinking vessel and the silver mounts on this example are engraved with plenty of detail to add intrigue and provenance.

The central silver cartouche is engraved "Von Dem Wrack Des Royal George" (from the wreck of the Royal George). HMS Royal George was the largest warship in the world when it was launched in 1756. It was in service during the Seven Years' War and was the flagship of Sir Edward Hawke at the Battle of Quiberon Bay in 1759. The Royal George was re-commissioned for the American  War of Independence (1775-83) and was Rear Admiral Robert Digby's flagship for the Battle of Cape St. Vincent in 1780. It was at Spithead in 1782 during a routine Parliamentary heel cleaning of the hull, that the ship became unstable and sank killing over 800 people. Several attempt were made to raise or salvage the wreck and it was in 1840 that the remaining structure was blown up. This quaich is likely to have been made soon after from oak timber fragments of the wreck.

Both side lugs of the quaich are mounted with silver and engraved with armorials and mottos: one with "Unite" (for Clan Brodie) and the other "Wel Pu Compst". The rims are enigmatically engraved with what may be letters from the medieval Ogham alphabet and although not translated clearly include the word "Brodi". These engravings offer plenty of intrigue and are worthy of further research.

The quaich is in fine condition, although there is a tiny bit of silver lifting from the rim adjacent to one of the handles (see final photo).