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| Dutch Silver Ceremonial Axe for Ship's Launch - Safmarine, S.A. Hexrivier, Verolme
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Reference: S11595
Period: Elizabeth II
Year: 1965
Silversmith: Mesker & Zoon
Place: Schoonhoven
Price: $ 840.00
Weight: 197 grams including wooden handle grams
Dimensions: 26.5 cm
Condition: Excellent, perfectly preserved in original box. Box in full working order, clasps and hinges.
Description: An interesting Dutch silver ceremonial axe, presented by the shipyard who built the ship to the new owners, to commemorate the launch of the refrigerated motor ship S.A. Hexrivier in 1966. The axe is the traditional shape, with 835 grade silver axe head and fittings, and a beautiful grained wooden handle, expertly shaped, we love this object!. The axe is engraved "Launching M S "S A Hexrivier", built for South African Marine Corporation Ltd., Cape Town South Africa by Verolme United Shipyards, Rotterdam - Holland", and the date "13-8-1966" is engraved on a shaped plaque on the handle. The axe is clearly hallmarked A.M. in shaped shield for Mesker & Zoon of Schoonhoven, who worked between 1941 and 1976. The axe also has Dutch Lion (2nd grade) for 835 silver, Minerva head and date letter i for 1965. The fittings and plaque are also hallmarked with makers mark and sword also marked 835. The axe is perfectly preserved in its original silk and felt lined box, which is also in good condition. The South African Marine Corporation (now known as Safmarine) was established in 1946 to enable trade between South Africa and Europe, it was acquired by Maersk Line in 1999, but still operates today. They operated both passenger and cargo ships, and in 1965 3 refrigerated ships were built to export temperature controlled fruit from South Africa to Europe, including this ship S.A. Hexrivier, alongside sister ships Langkloof and Zebediela, all built in Dutch yards, and the first ships powered by diesel engines. Hexrivier was renamed Mistral Universe in 1980, then Kawkab 1 IN 1982, and ended service in 1994 when it was broken up by Indian breakers. Research reveals that Japanese shipbuilders present a ceremonial axe to the new owner, to bring good luck and scare away evil, some record the axe is used to cut the tether rope on launch (this axe is blunt so would not cut rope). We have found other examples of ceremonial axe's presented to South African ships.
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Dutch Silver Ceremonial Axe for Ship's Launch
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Silver Ceremonial Axe for Ship's Launch - Safmarine, S.A. Hexrivier,
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Mesker & Zoon Dutch silver hallmarks
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Dutch Silver Ceremonial Axe original box
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