Royal Copenhagen Danish Naval Aviation Plate 1973 | Søværnet Porcelain Dish

Archive Name

The First Flight

Object Summary

A Royal Copenhagen porcelain commemorative plate produced in 1973 to mark the anniversary of Danish naval aviation. The central illustration depicts an early naval seaplane gliding across calm water, rendered in sepia transfer print and framed by a gilt ring within a fluted porcelain rim.

Originally created to honour the founding of the Danish Naval Air Service in 1913, the plate now finds new purpose as a refined vessel for feline dining rituals.

Archive Description

In 1913, the Danish Navy established its first aviation division - Søværnets Flyvevæsen; marking the beginning of Danish naval aviation. Early seaplanes were used primarily for reconnaissance, coastal observation, and maritime defense.

These aircraft represented a moment when aviation was still experimental yet rapidly becoming essential to modern naval operations.

Sixty years later, in 1973, Royal Copenhagen produced a commemorative porcelain plate marking this milestone. The plate bears the inscription:

“SØVERNET – JULEN 1973”
“SØVÆRNETS FLYVEVÆSEN 1913”

At its center appears a detailed illustration of one of the early Danish naval seaplanes floating across still water. The aircraft’s delicate frame and twin-wing structure reflect the fragile elegance of early aviation engineering.

Surrounding the image is a hand-applied gold ring, while the outer rim features Royal Copenhagen’s characteristic fluted porcelain edge — a subtle nod to the historic Musselmalet tradition that has defined Danish porcelain since the 18th century.

The underside bears the Royal Copenhagen crown mark above the three-wave symbol, confirming Danish production.

Suggested Use

Treat Vessel

The shallow form makes this plate especially suited for serving pâté, small portions of wet food, or curated treats.

Its wide open surface allows easy access for feline eating posture while minimizing whisker contact.

The aircraft illustration remains visible even during use, subtly framing each feeding moment with the quiet symbolism of observation, precision, and discipline.

Provenance

Royal Copenhagen
Denmark

Produced 1973

Commemorating the Danish Naval Air Service (Søværnets Flyvevæsen) founded in 1913

Acquired in Copenhagen.

Condition — Approved by Marx Grade

Archive

Very well preserved example with minimal signs of age.

Gold ring intact and bright. No chips or structural damage observed. Transfer illustration remains clear with only negligible handling wear.

Objects of this grade represent pieces preserved with exceptional integrity.

Object Specifications

Maker: Royal Copenhagen
Origin: Denmark
Production year: 1973

Material: Glazed porcelain with hand-applied gold ring

Diameter: 12.5 cm
Height: 2 cm

Weight: 116 g

Decoration: Aviation commemorative transfer print

What Arrives

Each object is prepared for its next life with care.

Your vessel arrives wrapped in protective wool and paper, housed within a rigid archival box.

Inside you will find:

• The object
• An Approved by Marx archive card
• Care guidance for continued use

Prepared and shipped from Copenhagen.