Rare, British Naval Heritage, c. 1920-41, HMS Hood Collection: Pair of Bandmaster Music Stand Finials, Commemorative Brass Ashtray & 1920s Visitor's Guide (3)

*Rare, British Naval Heritage, c. 1920-41, HMS Hood Collection: Pair of Bandmaster Music Stand Finials, Commemorative Brass Ashtray & 1920s Visitor's Guide (3)*

An exceptional and rare pair of original Royal Marine Bandmaster music stand finials from the celebrated battlecruiser HMS Hood. These 5 x 7-inch (12.5cm x 18cm) ornaments are expertly modelled as the ship’s official badge—the "Cornish Crow" (Chough) clutching a naval anchor while perched upon a demi-globe. Cast in heavy brass with a high-quality nickel-plated finish, the pair is presented on a later-added oak display base. Stuck to the underside of the base is a newspaper article - the left photograph depicts Vice Admiral Sir Frederick Field (or a similar high-ranking official) inspecting the Royal Marine Band on the deck of the Hood, likely during the 1923–1924 Empire Cruise. During WW2 HMS Hood underwent several refits where peacetime fittings were removed - including we believe, these Filials.

Included in this group is a souvenir brass ashtray (7.9cm) cast from the ship’s spare gangway treads, complete with its rare original cardboard box, and an authentic "Notes for Visitors" guide booklet.

History Note:
HMS Hood, "The Mighty Hood," was the pride of the Royal Navy and the largest warship in the world for over 20 years. These finials were functional regalia for the Royal Marine Band, used during formal ceremonies and performances across the globe, most notably during the 1923–24 Empire Cruise. The accompanying ashtray is a classic "relic" souvenir, manufactured from the actual brass fittings of the ship's gangway, allowing civilians to own a physical piece of the vessel that was later lost in her 1941 engagement with the Bismarck.

*Condition*
The finials are in xxcellent vintage condition. The nickel plating remains bright with a soft, attractive patina and minimal wear to the high points. The later display base is solid and secure. The brass dish / ashtray shows age-appropriate oxidation and remains structurally sound. The original box is in fair condition, showing expected shelf wear and some fragility to the cardboard flaps, but remains a rare surviving example. The HMS Hood visitor’s guide is in good condition for its age; pages are intact with some light foxing and minor corner creasing. Please see photographs as part of the condition report.

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