SS MORETON BAY decorative bowl

Maker Aberdeen and Commonwealth Line (1928 - 1957)

Maker Commonwealth Government Line of Steamers (Australian, 1916 - 1928)

Date1933-1957

Object number00003465

NameBowl

MediumMetal; silverplate

DimensionsOverall: 30 x 90 x 90 mm, 0.05 kg

ClassificationsTools and equipment

Credit LineANMM Collection

Terms

DescriptionThis silver plated bowl was collected as a souvenir from the passenger ship SS MORETON BAY. The SS MORETON BAY was a coastal passenger vessel made for the Australian Commonwealth Government Line in 1921.HistorySS MORETON BAY was built in 1921 by Vickers Ltd in Barrow for the Australian Commonwealth Line of Steamers in Brisbane. MORETON BAY was launched as a passenger service on 23 April 1921 and on 7 December 1921 started sailing a route from London to Brisbane via Suez, Fremantle, Adelaide, Melbourne and Sydney. In May 1928, MORETON BAY was sold to the White Star line but continued the London to Brisbane service. MORETON BAY's London to Brisbane service continued even after being transferred to the Aberdeen and Commonwealth Line in April 1933. In October 1939, the vessel was commissioned as an Armed Merchant Cruiser, and then converted to a troopship in 1941. Following the conclusion of the War, MORETON BAY commenced a commercial service in 1946 between London - Colombo - Sydney. MORETON BAY was scrapped on 13 April 1957 in Barrow.SignificanceThis silver plated bowl is a good example of the type of silverware produced for and used aboard passenger vessels in the 20th century, on the Australian route.