Coast Steamships Limited china cup
Maker
Coast Steamships Limited
(1913 - 1966)
Datebefore 1974
Object number00007208
NameCup
MediumCeramic
DimensionsOverall: 60 x 85 x 60 mm
ClassificationsTools and equipment
Credit LineANMM Collection
DescriptionThis china cup was produced for Coast Steamships Limited and features the company's house flag. Begun in 1875, Coast Steamships Limited operated South Australian routes as a subsidiary of Adsteam, the Adelaide Steamship Company, from 1915 - 1966.HistoryCoastal shipping was once the major means of transport for passengers and cargo around Australia. In 1900 there were over a hundred companies operating. Today only a handful remain. Most companies sold up either in the late 1940s due to the 'effects of war', or later because of high running costs and the increasing popularity of air travel. Competition from road haulage for freight further diminished the need for sea transport.
The Adelaide Steamship Company was founded in 1857 when a group of businessmen saw the opportunity to capitalise on the Adelaide to Melbourne shipping route. Two ships were ordered from England and the company soon established itself on the coastal shipping scene. Over time, the Adelaide Steamship Company extended its routes around Australia, bought out other companies, expanded its fleet and eventually became one of Australia's most powerful and enduring shipping concerns.
The Adelaide Steamship Company sold its shipping interests in 1977 but continued to operate tug services in ports around Australia. The Company now known as Adsteam, expanded and diversified, with large holdings in important Australian and overseas companies. But eventually, because of opposition to its cross-holdings, it was forced to divest itself of all assets except its tugs.SignificanceThis china cup is a good example of the types of souvenirs produced for and used aboard passenger vessels in the 20th century, on the Australian route.
