Earthenware mess plate, transfer-printed in blue with a central garter inscribed 'ROYAL NAVY' surmounted by a crown and enclosing the mess number '10'. The plate has an elaborate border of rope work in a gothic pattern. The retailers address is printed on the reverse 'WILLIAM MILLER 37 BUTCHER STREET PORTSEA ALL DESCRIPTION OF MESS TRAPS'. Before 1907 naval messes had to buy their own crockery and such items were manufactured for this market.