HMS Iron Duke Teak Letter Rack - Admiral Jellicoe's Flagship

A fascinating early 20th century Royal Navy maritime letter rack, constructed from teak stated to have been taken from HMS Iron Duke, Admiral Sir John Jellicoe’s flagship at the Battle of Jutland in 1916. The letter rack is of solid teak construction, formed with two gracefully curved divisions and raised upon four shaped feet. The front is particularly attractive, being hand-carved with a three-masted sailing ship at sea, providing a wonderfully appropriate maritime decoration. Most importantly, the front retains its original brass provenance plaque inscribed: “FROM THE TEAK OF HMS IRON DUKE ADMIRAL JELLICOE’S FLAG SHIP JUTLAND 1916” HMS IRON DUKE HMS Iron Duke was a British dreadnought battleship and the lead ship of the Iron Duke class. During the First World War she served as the flagship of Admiral Sir John Jellicoe, Commander-in-Chief of the Grand Fleet. Her most celebrated action came during the Battle of Jutland, 31 May–1 June 1916, the largest naval engagement of the First World War. Iron Duke served as Jellicoe’s flagship during the battle and was directly engaged with the German High Seas Fleet. The Imperial War Museums collection includes an Iron Duke teak souvenir carrying essentially the same provenance wording, while a number of other desk and commemorative objects made from the ship's teak are known. This supports the established tradition of producing souvenirs from timber associated with the famous battleship. This would make an excellent addition to a collection of Royal Navy memorabilia, First World War militaria, maritime antiques, ship-breaking souvenirs or antique desk accessories. A particularly evocative piece of British naval history, combining an attractive and useful antique desk object with a fascinating connection to HMS Iron Duke, Admiral Jellicoe and the Battle of Jutland, 1916.