Lot 59 , An early 20th century Chinese Export white metal two handled rectangular tea tray, by Luen Wo, Shanghai, with engraved presentation inscription, 'Presented to Captain John Whittle by the undersigned China Navigation Cos.

An early 20th century Chinese Export white metal two handled rectangular tea tray, by Luen Wo, Shanghai, with engraved presentation inscription, 'Presented to Captain John Whittle by the undersigned China Navigation Cos. Chinese Pilots on his retirement from China, April, 1911', followed by a list of names, the central inscription surrounded by two engraved dragons, the border applied with four dragons and faux bamboo rim, with faux bamboo handles, on four faux bamboo leaf feet, width 58.7cm over handles, 83.2oz.

Captain John Whittle was born on 16 May 1836 at Whitehaven, County of Cumberland to John and Jane. John Whittle (1812-1871) was proprietor of a wholesale and retail ironmongers in Whitehaven; an establishment which, in the latter part of that century and the early part of the twentieth, also traded as a nail manufacturers, iron and steel merchants, explosive agents, and furniture dealers. `John Whittle and Son' was established in 1870 when John Whittle went into partnership with one of his sons, Walker. John Whittle (1836) received his Master certificate in 1860 in Liverpool. By 1872 he had captained the BELLISSIMA, the BRITISH PRINCESS, the MANDANE and the WOODHALL. Became a Commander in the China Navigation Company (CNCo) which was founded in 1872 to operate Mississippi-style paddle-steamers on China’s Yangtze River. CNCo soon became a deep-sea shipping – and oldest operational entity – of the Swire group companies. Swire is a multinational conglomerate with interests spanning five continents and principal areas of operation in the Asia-Pacific region, centred on Greater China. Widowed by 1886 he marries Elizabeth Fullerton (also a widow) in China. Whittle died in Shanghai in 1913.
£1,500-2,000

Condition:
Some minor surface scratches in places, otherwise in good condition, commensurate with age and little use. Marks clear.

Sold for £3,600