Lot 52
A 1916 HMS DUBLIN PRESENTATION DINNER GONG.
A real quality 'Trench Art' period dinner gong, mounted on an oak plinth from the Light Cruiser HMS Dublin. Two 3 pdr shells with warheads and a top brace between them, holding a 3" 1914 dated shellcase with naval markings. Standing some 22" high and 18" long by 12" wide.
'Mrs H Norton. From Officers & Ships Company HMS Dublin. August 1916'.
HMS Dublin engaged and sank an enemy Destroyer at the Battle of Jutland, so was presumably at Portsmouth undergoing repairs to her 'severe damage from the salvoes from enemy ships at this time.
Mrs Norton was the Lady of Southwick House and Estate at the time, Purbrook, Hampshire. Having owned the estate for hundreds of years, the Norton family would have had strong naval ties.
Possibly from the late Mrs E S Norton-Borthwick's sale of October 1988.
