Navy Dinnerware Set: A Tabletop Tribute

US Navy dinnerware sets are a unique and sought-after collectible, having been used by the US Navy from the late 1890s to the 1960s. Each piece of china dinnerware and silverware was originally crafted with a Special Rank Insignia or topmark, denoting the rank of its user, from Chief Petty Officers to Admirals. The china was produced by various makers of fine china, including Homer Laughlin, Tepco, Buffalo, Sterling, Mayer, Jackson, Walker, Syracuse, and Shenango, and is durable enough for everyday use, with a beautiful snow-white finish and rich dark blue stripes.

US Navy dinnerware as gifts

US Navy dinnerware is a unique and thoughtful gift idea for anyone with a connection to the US Navy, whether they are currently serving, retired, or simply an enthusiast. It is a gift that combines practicality with a celebration of US Navy history and tradition.

The dinnerware is an authentic piece of US military heritage. Produced from the late 1890s to the 1960s, it was used extensively during World War I, World War II, Korea, and Vietnam. Each piece was glazed with a Special Rank Insignia, or "topmark", denoting the rank of its original owner. From the fouled anchor of the Wardroom Officers to the square flag of the Admirals, each insignia is a miniature work of nautical art.

The dinnerware is also a testament to the US Navy's tradition of taking good care of its Officer Corps. The fine china and silverware were used in the galleys of warships, as well as for formal dining occasions. Today, these vintage pieces are hard to come by, making them a great investment and an even more special gift.

When giving US Navy dinnerware as a gift, it is important to consider the rank of the recipient or their desired rank. A complete place setting includes a dinner plate, salad plate, bread plate, soup bowl, coffee cup, saucer, and silverware. You can also find more unique pieces like egg cups, serving bowls, and butter dishes. The dinnerware is durable and elegant, perfect for everyday use or for special occasions.

US Navy dinnerware is a gift that is sure to be cherished by anyone with a connection to the US Navy. It is a way to bring a piece of naval history and tradition into their home and to celebrate their service and dedication.

US Navy dinnerware manufacturers

The US Navy has used various manufacturers for its dinnerware over the years, including Homer Laughlin, Tepco, Buffalo, Sterling, Mayer, Jackson, Walker, Oneida, Syracuse, and Shenango. These companies produced complete tableware collections, including plates, dishes, bowls, mugs, cups, and saucers.

The Pirate's Lair is a company that offers genuine US Navy-issued vintage nautical dinnerware and matching silverware. They have an extensive inventory of US Navy dinnerware from the Spanish-American War, Great White Fleet, WWI, WWII, Korea, and Vietnam eras.

• Homer Laughlin China Company: Founded in 1871 by brothers Homer and Shakespeare Laughlin, this company is known for its ceramic dinnerware and toilet ware. Fiesta Tableware, a line of solid-colored glazed ceramic dinnerware, was launched in 1936 and became very popular. The company has faced competition from cheap imports but has adapted by expanding its product lines and entering the food service industry.
• Tepco: A manufacturer that produced fine china for the US Navy. They are no longer in existence.
• Buffalo China: A manufacturer of US Navy dinnerware that produced the US Navy rear admiral soup bowl in 1947.

US Navy dinnerware history

The US Navy has a long history of using distinctive and unique dinnerware, reflecting its proud traditions and heritage. From the late 1800s through to the mid-1900s, the US Navy commissioned various makers of fine china to produce complete tableware sets for its Officer Corps. This Navy China was used extensively during significant historical events such as World War I, World War II, Korea, and Vietnam. It was present in the officer wardrooms, galleys, and mess halls of various ships, submarines, and shore facilities.

The Navy China featured different designs based on officer rank, with specific insignia or "top marks" imprinted on each piece. For example, Chief Petty Officers had a fouled anchor with the letters USN, while Junior Officers had a square knot, and Captains had a streaming pennant with four stars. The china was produced by renowned manufacturers like Homer Laughlin, Tepco, Buffalo, Sterling, Mayer, Jackson, Walker, Syracuse, and Shenango. Unfortunately, the tradition of using this beautiful antique china ended in the mid-1960s when the manufacturer's supplies ran out, and it was never replaced.

In addition to the china, the US Navy also had complementary silverware or silverplate flatware with identical fouled anchor engravings, further enhancing the elegance of their dining traditions. The US Government authorised the Department of the Navy to purchase fine silverware from leading brands such as Wm Rodgers & Son, 1847 Rodgers, Carlton Plate, Stratford Plate, and others. The King's Pattern, introduced in the late 1880s, was the official Navy silverware, featuring an engraved fouled anchor and USN monogram. This pattern was adopted to impress foreign dignitaries during diplomatic missions, reflecting the Navy's sophistication and refinement.

Today, antique Navy china and silverware are highly sought-after collectibles, reminding owners of America's rich naval history and the dedication to comfort and tradition that the Navy has long upheld.

US Navy dinnerware patterns and insignia

The following is a guide to understanding the different patterns and insignia found on US Navy dinnerware:

• Warrant Officers: The insignia for Warrant Officers usually consists of the letters "USN" in a diamond shape.
• Junior Grade Officers (Ensign or Lieutenant Junior Grade): A square knot often represents this officer rank.
• Wardroom Officers (Lieutenant, Lieutenant Commander, Commander): These officers' insignia is a fouled anchor, sometimes accompanied by the letters "USN."
• Captains: A streaming pennant with four stars is the distinctive insignia for Captains.
• Admirals: The number of stars on a square flag denotes the rank of Admirals. For instance, a Rear Admiral would have two stars, a Vice Admiral would have three, and a Full or Fleet Admiral would have four.
• Department of the Navy (Civilian and Military Leadership): The official seal of the Department of the Navy, featuring an eagle, is used as the insignia for this group.

In addition to these patterns and insignia, the US Navy also had complementary silverware with matching designs. The silverware, often featuring a fouled anchor, was produced by renowned companies like International Silver Company, Reed & Barton, William Rogers Brothers, and Meriden Brita.

US Navy dinnerware care and usage

US Navy dinnerware is a highly prized collectible, having been used by sailors during wartime. Here are some tips for caring for and using your US Navy dinnerware:

Care:

• Handle with care: US Navy dinnerware is antique and vintage, with some pieces over 100 years old. Handle them with care to avoid chipping or breaking.
• Avoid harsh cleansers: As these dishes were designed to withstand heavy-duty use, mild detergents should be sufficient for cleaning. Avoid using harsh or abrasive cleansers, which can damage the glaze over time.
• Hand wash: While some pieces may be dishwasher-safe, hand washing is recommended to preserve the integrity of the glaze and any decorative elements.
• Avoid stacking: To prevent scratches and scuffs, store your US Navy dinnerware separately, rather than stacking them. This is especially important for pieces with decorative elements that could be damaged by stacking.

Usage:

• Everyday use: US Navy dinnerware is durable enough for everyday meals. Enjoy using it regularly, not just for special occasions!
• Formal occasions: This dinnerware is also elegant enough for formal military dining, so feel free to use it when hosting special dinners or events.
• Nautical-themed events: The nautical theme of US Navy dinnerware makes it perfect for pirate-themed dinners, 4th of July celebrations, and other special occasions with a nautical twist.
• Mix and match: Feel free to mix and match different pieces and place settings. You can create a unique tablescape by combining various ranks' dinnerware, from Chief Petty Officers to Admirals.
• Complete the look: To complement your US Navy dinnerware, consider using nautical-themed table linens, such as white damask tablecloths and napkins embroidered with anchors, eagles, stars, and rope designs.

By following these care and usage tips, you can enjoy your US Navy dinnerware for years to come while also preserving a piece of American military history.

Frequently asked questions