What is this item please?

Greetings, I am keen to learn what this items intended use was, it appears to be missing a glass base to the vessel.

Thanks in advance.

Original description below:

EX ESTATE

ANTIQUE STERLING SILVER PRESENTATION HOLDER H.M.S. CHALLENGER 19\04-1906
PRESENTED BY WARDROOM OFFICERS
H. M. S. CHALLENGER ON ITS HISTORIC VISIT TO NEW ZEALAND
TO WELLESLEY CLUB WELLINGTON

HMS Challenger was a steam-assisted Royal Navy Pearl-class corvette launched on 13 February 1858 at the Woolwich Dockyard

STERLING SILVER HANDLE HALLMARKED CHESTER 1893

in excellent condition for age

https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/ODT18740518.2.
9

6.2 CM HIGH
11 CM WIDE app

TOTAL WEIGHT 96 GRAMS

AS PER PHOTOS

PLEASE NOTE. I USE A COURIER AND IF RURAL THEY CHARGE ME RURAL FEES SO PLEASE CHECK YOUR ADDRESS ON THIS SITE
http://www.nzcouriers.co.nz/checkit/

HAPPY TO COMBINE POSTAGE AT CHEAPEST COMBINED RATE

 

You are probably right about a glass insert.
I think this is a presentation piece for the daily Rum Tot/Ration served to naval personnel when at sea, up until the 1970's.

 

Thank you.

 

Welcome!
Please always use the full image button for your photos.

 

Done

 

Thank you.

 

I also think a glass insert missing. The maker was James Deakin and Sons (John and William Deakin).

http://www.silvermakersmarks.co.uk/Makers/Chester-JA-JD.html#JD

--- Susan

 

I think it is part of a presentation cruet set missing the blue glass liner.

The rum tot was half a gill, a quarter of a pint. Served diluted with water to the men, officers could have theirs neat but this looks too small so I think that theory is improbable. If it had a lid I'd say it was certainly a mustard pot, even without a lid this is what it looks like to me.

 

Thanks, the mustard pot comment surprises me.

The Wellesley club was a gentlemans (many current and ex military officers) drinking club...

 

I'm with af on this. I've seen many a rum tot, and they look far more like mini mugs. They also don't have glass liners.

It was and is traditional for ships to give small gifts to establishments they spent a fair bit of time in. I'll lay odds this was in a nice silk lined leather box with a salt celler and pepperette.

 

Thank you