A silver dish presented by the Governor of Macau to Rear Admiral Sir Cecil Harcourt, 1945
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A silver dish presented by the Governor of Macau to Rear Admiral Sir Cecil Harcourt, 1945
The presentation dish modelled in the Portuguese style with a central medallion enclosing the inscription encircled by a twist-rope border and eight repousse ornaments interspersed with pierced crosses and fleur-de-lis, wood stand.
33.3cm (13⅛in) diam., weight 610.7 grams (2).
Estimate:
£1,500 - 2,000
HK$ 18,000 - 23,000
US$ 2,300 - 3,000

Footnotes

  • Provenance: Admiral Sir Cecil H.J. Harcourt, K.C.B., G.B.E. (1892-1959), presented by the Governor of Macau, Commander Gabriel M. Teixeira on 22 December 1945, and thence by descent.

    In 1939 Sir Cecil Harcourt was appointed Director of the Admiralty's Operations Division. In 1941 he was Flag Captain of the Home Fleet, while commanding HMS Duke of York. From 1942 to 1944 he took part in the North Africa campaign, the capture of Tunisia, Pantelleria, Lampedusa and Sicily, and the landing at Salerno. In 1944 he became Naval Secretary to the First Lord of the Admiralty. In 1945, he was Flag Officer Commanding 11th Aircraft Carrier Squadron.

    Sir Cecil became famous after the surrender of Japanese forces in Hong Kong. He became the head of a provisional military government in Hong Kong from September 1945 to April 1946, serving as administrator until civilian rule could be established. He was knighted during this time, in December 1945.

    In 1947, Harcourt became Flag Officer (Air) and Second in Command Mediterranean Fleet. In 1948, he became Second Sea Lord and a Lord Commissioner of the Admiralty, and in 1950 Commander-in-Chief, Nore Command.

Category: Asian Art / Chinese Works of Art

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