Edwardian Silver Coffee Pot for Lieutenant C.A. Fremantle, Royal Navy. Of tapering cylindrical form with an inscription to one side. The inscription relates to the Devonport Reserve Torpedo Boat Destroyer Flotilla.
Captain Charles Albert Fremantle (1878 - 1952) was promoted to the rank of Lieutenant in 1900. He was appointed in command of the destroyer HMS Ferret in October 1906. He grounded the destroyer HMS Whiting on two occasions in 1909. He drew considerable attention in command of HMS Grasshopper when he damaged a propellor while leaving Felixstowe Dock.
On 29 July, 1912, Fremantle was appointed in command of the destroyer HMS Badger. He would receive recognition for his "zeal & ingenuity" in designing a mechanical means of controlling her searchlights.
Fremantle was promoted to the rank of Commander in 1913.
On 28 October, 1914 he reported ramming a U-boat, but was criticised for sending a radio signal claiming he had sunk the submarine when no good evidence supported the claim.
At the Battle of Jutland he commanded HMS Badger, as part of the First Destroyer Flotilla.
Fremantle was promoted to the rank of Captain in 1918.
He served in World War II, being called up in 1939. In July, 1940 he was appointed as Flag Officer in Charge, Belfast, with a rank of Commodore. In 1943, he was appointed to Eaglet to work with the Liverpool Convoy Pool, with a rank of Commodore, Second Class, R.N.R.
Hallmarked to the body and cover interior for London 1904 by Page, Keen & Page. Although with a London hallmark this company were Plymouth goldsmiths and silversmiths. Their Plymouth retail stamp is to the underside of the pot.
In excellent condition with moderate surface wear commensurate with age. A small crease to the underside of the base, in line with the handle.
Approximate weight is 563 grams or 18.1 troy ounces.
Approximate dimensions are 21 cm height and 20 cm handle to spout length.
