This naval crown finial, cast from a metal alloy and measuring approximately 6 inches in diameter, once adorned the jackstaff of a Royal Navy warship. The jackstaff is a short staff at the ship’s bow (front) used to hoist a ‘jack’—a specific type of flag—while the vessel is at anchor or moored.

In Ancient Rome, naval crowns were awarded to the first soldier who boarded an enemy ship. In heraldry, naval crowns are often placed atop badges, shields, and coats of arms related to ships and maritime endeavours. This particular crown likely comes from a warship decommissioned in the 1950s or 1960s, possibly from the Devonport Dockyard.