*French Line, SS Île de France Ocean Liner Cap Tally (Ruban de Bachi), c.1940s–1950s*
An original embroidered cap tally from the famous French Line ocean liner SS Île de France, woven in gold thread on a dark ribbon ground and flanked by the French tricolour to one end and the house flag of the Compagnie Générale Transatlantique to the other. The lettering reads “ILE DE FRANCE” in large embroidered capitals.
The CGT house flag is visible at the opposite end, featuring the company emblem with the stylised lettering “CIE GLE TRANSATLANTIQUE”, the abbreviation for Compagnie Générale Transatlantique, the French shipping line widely known internationally as the French Line.
The ribbon shows clear age and wear, with evidence of adhesive residue and backing deterioration on the reverse, suggesting it was at some stage glued or fixed to a cap or display surface. The embroidery remains legible and visually attractive despite the age-related wear.
Approx. Measurements – Length: 34.4 cm. Width: 2.8 cm.
History Note:
The SS Île de France, launched in 1926 for the Compagnie Générale Transatlantique, quickly became one of the most celebrated ocean liners of the inter-war era. Renowned for her pioneering Art Deco interiors, she represented a major shift in liner design and became a symbol of French elegance on the North Atlantic route.
During the Second World War the ship was requisitioned and served as an Allied troopship, transporting soldiers and supplies across the Atlantic and other theatres. After the war she underwent a major refit and returned to commercial passenger service in 1949, continuing transatlantic voyages until the late 1950s.
Cap tallies of this embroidered souvenir type are most commonly associated with the ship’s post-war passenger service, when ocean liners resumed civilian travel and onboard souvenirs were widely produced for passengers and visitors. While the ship itself had an important wartime role, items such as this were typically sold or distributed during the liner’s later peacetime voyages.
*Condition*
Good aged condition overall for a textile souvenir of this type. The ribbon shows staining, fading and fraying to the edges with significant adhesive residue and surface cracking on the reverse, indicating it was likely previously glued to a cap or backing. The embroidery remains clear and readable. Please see photographs as part of the condition report.
JAQ#3024E_7916236691
