Description

Profusely Carved Wooden Casket 

From our Boxes collection, we are pleased to offer this HMS Trefoil Ship Launching Presentation Casket. The Oak Casket of rectangular form stood on its original plinth base raising it from the ground. The Casket with an extensively carved body, splayed feet with foliage scrollwork, tiered lid with shield and shied shaped plaque to the front reading “R.F.A Trefoil Launched by Mrs E. J. Maginness October 27th 1913.” Beneath a crested eagle with the latin phrase In Canopo Ut Ad Canopum (On board the Canopus). The interior of the presentation casket houses a hand painted watercolour signed to the bottom left HMS Trefoil behind a glazed panel, a red velvet lining and a boxwood carved mallet and chisel also engraved with the crested eagle. The Wooden Casket was made in presentation to the launch of HMS Trefoil in 1913.

RFA Trefoil launched in 1913 from Pembroke Dock in Wales, was a pioneering oil tanker in the Royal Fleet Auxiliary fleet, marking the yard’s 250th launch. Designed to refuel Royal Navy warships at sea with its experimental 4-stroke Vickers diesel engines. As one of Britain’s early replenishment tankers, Trefoil carried fuel oil to naval vessels, directly supporting offensive and defensive operations without requiring them to return to port. While specific war records for Trefoil are scarce, vessels of her class often operated in convoy escorts and logistic support roles. Eventually decommissioned and scrapped mid-20th century, RFA Trefoil remains an important milestone in the evolution of naval logistics, highlighting Britain’s shift towards integrated at-sea refuelling capabilities and the growth of the RFA as a strategic naval asset.

Mrs E. J. Maginness was the wife of the Chief Constructor at HM Dockyard, Pembroke Dock

Boxwood “Buxus sempervirens” can be found in Europe, Northwest Africa and Southwest Asia. It is a light cream that turns darker to brown when exposed to light. The trees are very small meaning it is suited to smaller projects like edging or inlay instead of veneers.

Oak has many global variations. European Oak, also known as English or French Oak, is found in Europe. It is a well known and very popular wood due to its different types and strength yielding many uses. It can have a very simple clean look or a highly figured finish varying from tree to tree. European Oak can be Golden-yellow to light-brown in colour. Brown Oak is from the United Kingdom and its name is derived from its red-brown colour which is resulted from an attack by “beef-steak” fungus. This usually gives the wood an even colour, however, sometimes the wood can be streaked with a light brown giving it the name Tiger Oak.

With every purchase from Mark Goodger Antiques, you will receive our latest catalogue, a Certificate of Authenticity, detailed care instructions for your chosen piece and an independent invoice (for insurance purposes) will be enclosed. As well as being protected by a no-hassle, money-back policy, your piece will be entirely insured during the shipping process to ensure the safety of your item.

Additional information