Adelaide Steamship Company coffee cup

Maker Adelaide Steamship Company Limited (1875 - 1977)

Manufacturer Grindley Hotel Ware Co

Datebefore 1974

Object number00007155

NameCup

MediumPorcelain

DimensionsOverall: 75 x 100 x 75 mm

ClassificationsTools and equipment

Credit LineANMM Collection

Terms

England

DescriptionThis porcelain coffee cup features the Adelaide Steamship Company crest. The Adelaide Steamship Company or Adsteam was known for its well appointed passenger vessels and on board service. The ships' dining saloons were comparable to the finest restaurants on land.HistoryThe 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 coffee 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.