Vintage HMS Hercules Brass Plaque Grog Ration Royal Navy Sign USNA Estate For Sale

A wonderfully irreverent piece of naval decor with equally fitting provenance. This heavy oval brass/bronze-tone plaque reproduces the legendary HMS Hercules grog order, warning that any sailor returning from shore leave “in a drunk and disorderly fashion” would forfeit seven days of his grog ration. Surrounded by a wonderfully detailed raised rope-and-knot border, it’s exactly the sort of thing that belongs behind a home bar—or in the collection of someone who appreciates naval history and its traditions.Please note! I’ve spent more than 20 years sourcing, collecting and hand-selecting pieces one at a time—not buying bulk inventory. A huge part of the fun for me is the research that comes afterward: learning about the previous owner when possible, where an object came from, why it was made, who made it, and the history or story behind it. I am not an expert or appraiser in any particular category, but I spend a lot of time researching each piece and genuinely try to get the details right. If you know something about this item that could help me better identify it or tell its story, please message me—I’d love to hear from you. I price my finds here on to share them with other people who appreciate interesting things and their stories, while simply trying to cover what I spent plus some of the time that goes into finding, researching, cleaning and packing them. So please enjoy and shop!!The inscription reads “HMS HERCULES / ANY SEAMEN RETURNING FROM SHORE LEAVE IN A DRUNK AND DISORDERLY FASHION WILL FORFEIT 7 DAYS GROG RATION / BY ORDER CAPTAIN P. HOWLETT R.N. / JANUARY 1850.”The design is known from other examples. A nearly identical plaque measuring approximately 4¾ inches sold through Crows sales in 2015, while Ewbank’s sold another example in 2008 that had come from the Royal Naval Association. Later reproductions of the design are also known, so I am offering this as a vintage reproduction of the historic HMS Hercules plaque rather than representing it as an original 1850 shipboard artifact.This example measures approximately 4.75” wide × 3.5” high and has two original-style mounting holes. It has an aged darkened finish on the reverse and a warm copper/brass appearance to the face, with surface wear, oxidation/patina and small areas of finish loss consistent with age.Provenance: Acquired from the estate of a U.S. Naval Academy Class of 1950 graduate and U.S. Navy member, where it was part of his personal collection.A terrific crossover piece for a Royal Navy or U.S. Navy collector, Naval Academy graduate, maritime-history enthusiast, nautical bar, pub, man cave or vintage military collection.